human
This is mutiny, sir! cried Gran'pa.
gpt
I won't have such rebellious behavior on board of my ship. For two pins, I'd clap you in irons!
human
Let me go! . . . I'll have you prosecuted! . . . D'you hear that?
gpt
It--leaves--me--cold! panted Gran'pa, struggling with him.
human
George! Give me a hand!
gpt
Do remember where you are! I scolded.
human
There are ladies aboard. (I couldn't see them, by the way.)
gpt
You might at least go and get decently dressed before continuing this discussion.
human
I'll give you a thousand pounds to put me back,
gpt
I wouldn't do it for twenty! cried Gran'pa.
human
It's a matter of principle. You're a coward, sir! _Pah! . . ._
gpt
Now! said Gran'pa, when the three of us were alone.
human
What the devil do you mean by making this infernal fuss? You've upset everyone aboard. What sort of an impression do you think those other old men will get? They'll be imagining all manner of unnerving things. If you don't shut up, I'll . . . wring your neck!
gpt
You're a . . . damned great bully!
human
Possibly! But someone has to be master here--and it's going to be me. Just get that into your thick skull. When we reach Africa you can go to blazes as far as I'm concerned. _I_ don't want to force you into rejuvenation. There are too many others deserving of it, without wasting our precious glands on a miserable coward who gets the wind up at the very commencement. Now get out of my sight, before I kick you out . . . !
gpt
After all, I said to Gran'pa,
human
Nonsense! The man's at least fifteen to twenty years younger than I am. Either he's beginning to feel sea-sick, or else he's funking the whole thing. Whatever it is, we can't have him demoralizing the rest of the old boys by such insane antics. Some of them were scared to death. An ill-balanced man like that aboard is a constant menace to the peace. He ought to have brought his nurse. . . . I must get Stringer to have a quiet little chat with him.
gpt
I . . . er . . . suddenly became very homesick. . . .
human
I thought you were just . . . _sea_-sick, snapped Gran'pa.
gpt
However, you're all right now?
human
Quite, thank you! I ask your pardon, Mr. Hadley.
gpt
Not another word, laddie! he beamed.
human
I should have felt just the same at your age. . . .
gpt
You'll find that he'll be as good as gold for the rest of the voyage. A great man is Stringer. . . . He's like a bromide draught. Hope he has the same effect on the gorillas. . . . Meanwhile, we might get him to have a chat with the others. They all look a bit nervy. It's the change, I expect.