human
Do I disturb you?
gpt
A little, replied the captain;
human
Rather, answered our hero.
gpt
We are surrounded by savages, and in a few minutes we shall have them on board.
human
Ah, said the captain,
gpt
Heaps of them.
human
Then we must do something.
gpt
Shut up the shop,
human
That is easily done, replied the captain, touching a bell, and adding:
gpt
In half a minute the trapdoor will be closed. You need not be afraid that they will break in.
human
No, but to-morrow we shall want air, and you must open the door again for your pumps to work.
gpt
Yes; our ship is like a great whale, and cannot live without air.
human
In a moment the Papouans will be on the top of us, and I don't suppose they will go away in a hurry,
gpt
You suppose they will take possession of the outside and keep it?
human
Exactly.
gpt
Well, then, answered the captain calmly,
human
I don't see why they shouldn't. Why should I kill the poor creatures if I can help it? I know many savages in the civilized world whom I would cut off with more pleasure. Leave them to me. If it is necessary I will make a terrible example of them.
gpt
You have no cannon.
human
I shall not fire a shot, and I shall not wound them in any way, and yet they will fall like leaves in autumn. Go to your friends, and rest perfectly easy,