human
They could not find them. The cartridge-box was at the bottom of the locker.
gpt
Ha! cried Mr Frewen, triumphantly.
human
How many have you?
gpt
A hundred, for I have not fired off one.
human
And what bore is your gun?
gpt
Twelve-bore.
human
And yours?
gpt
Sixteen.
human
That's the same size as mine, said Mr Preddle, quietly.
gpt
I'm afraid those of yours would not fit.
human
Fit? No! cried Mr Frewen, impatiently.
gpt
They would be absolutely useless.
human
And of course we could not load in the old-fashioned way if we took out the powder,
gpt
We have the charges in our guns, gentlemen; when they are expended we must trust to Mr Denning.
human
Have you examined as to what provisions and water we have, Brymer?
gpt
Yes, sir, enough for about three days, without counting anything our passenger friends have in the way of private stores--preserved meat, delicacies, or the like.
human
Yes, but the water?
gpt
I must frankly say a very short supply, sir.
human
This all sounds very bad, Captain Berriman, but we are not going to give in. The ammunition and provisions are on board the ship, and when a besieged garrison runs short, it makes sallies to obtain fresh supplies. But we have not arrived at that starvation point yet. Before then the ship may be under the rule of Captain Berriman once again.
gpt
Hist!