human
The officer has just left, Hiram volunteered.
gpt
The captain and I were on the dock checking up when the tug came alongside. I thought nothing until they slipped our lines and she was away before I could walk twenty feet,
human
Ben, I thought we had a right--she was sold for crew's wages. We had nothing to do with that. We only bid her in,
gpt
We have to know that.
human
And has any one the right to take her--isn't that stealing?
gpt
They have her now in their possession and you are enjoined by the court from interfering,
human
Ben, do you suppose it is the Becker crowd--have they got wind of our plan, and are they doing this?
gpt
It may be, Hiram, but I doubt it--I am afraid the owners have shown up and are trying to regain their property in this way, alleging an irregular sale. They had to make some such showing to get the injunction.
human
What can we do?
gpt
My boy--when passing amid rocks the captain must----
human
I beg your pardon, Ben--you can understand,
gpt
Whether they are right or wrong to fight the courts means months' and perhaps years' delay--the only thing possible is to compromise.
human
We must eat out of their hand Ben? he started to heat up anew. We were so intent that we did not notice the approach of a quiet, middle-aged man who asked very politely for
gpt
Mr. Strong.
human
Mr. Strong, I come from the office of the plaintiffs' attorneys. They have decided that they do not wish to interfere with the unloading of freight for the Government, and we will bring the _Fearsome_ alongside and let the cargo be discharged, provided you or the captain do not go aboard her--that is, not to attempt to dispute our possession.
gpt
I was wondering how they were going to get away with that,
human
No, sir--we don't want to interfere that way--and more, Mr. Strong, I am to say that if you will come to our office possibly something can be arranged.