human
How now, Roger, my lad; what are you thinking of?
gpt
I was thinking, Harry, what a splendid thing it would be if you and I could join some of these gentlemen adventurers (heroes I call them), and try our luck in the Spanish seas, fighting for our fortunes, and the glory of dear old England. Just think of it, lad! That is a life for a man to lead; is't not so, Harry? Pentillie Castle, as you know well, is heavily mortgaged; and my poor father and mother are very hardly put to it to make sufficient money to keep the old place up; and what would be more fitting, Harry, I ask you, than for the only son, the heir to those fair estates and that grand old mansion, to sail in some ship going to the Indies, and endeavour to retrieve the fortunes of his house? Think for a moment, Harry; who knows but that we might sight some rich Spanish galleon, laden almost to the water's edge with plate, and, having sighted her, chase and capture her! Why, a share of one of those splendid cargoes that the plate galleons carry would probably be sufficient to enable me to restore the fortunes of the dear old home, pay off its mortgages, and free my dearly-loved parents from the load of care that is now oppressing them. And that, continued Roger, becoming wildly enthusiastic,
human
Ay, Roger, answered Harry,
gpt
Harry, replied Roger,
human
You are quite right in what you say, replied Harry,
gpt
Harry, if I did not know you as I do, lad, retorted Roger,
human
I should be inclined to dub you craven; but, as it is, I know full well that you only suffer from excess of caution, even as you say that I suffer from lack of the same. But I do not agree with your prophecy that I should not live to bring home my spoil. No, I feel within myself that I shall succeed in my venture, if I can bring my father and mother to consent to my going; and I am also convinced that I shall be able to bring my riches safely home. Meanwhile, the question is: Can I persuade some brave captain to take me on his ship?
gpt
Have you, then, truly made up your mind to sail for the Indies, Roger, if you can get one of our adventurers to take you? cried Harry.
human
Methought you were only dreaming, and did not seriously entertain the idea of leaving England.
gpt
I was never more serious in my life, replied Roger;
human
Ay, that has it, asserted Harry;
gpt
Why, lad, said he,
human
That it is a good one, agreed Harry;
gpt
Let us then consider the matter as settled, so far as we are concerned, Harry, said Roger;
human
Very well, Roger, assented Harry;
gpt
I am in Plymouth until the morrow after next, said Roger;
human
Ay, lad, that will I; have I not promised you? replied the latter.
gpt
But I must now go about my business, else shall I not be in time to accompany you according to my promise. So until the appointed time, when I will certainly meet you, farewell, lad! and have a care that that hare-brain of yours does not get you into some trouble, meanwhile; for I know what you are when you come into Plymouth on a holiday.
human
Never fear for me, Harry, returned Roger;
gpt
I have now something in view of more importance than street brawls and such follies, and shall take care that I get into no trouble to prevent my joining you at Sutton Pool, as we agreed.