human
I beg your pardon, he said,
gpt
Ah! is that you, Mr Hume? Can you tell me how we are getting on, since I am not able to judge for myself?
human
You must admit that, though the Captain was somewhat peremptory, the necessity was urgent.
gpt
And you must admit, Mr Hume, that he was obeyed with singular promptitude, which told of distinct pleasure on your part at the prospect of relieving the bridge of my presence. But still, you have not told me of our position.
human
We are well away from the cruiser, and when we have pierced this bank of fog, which we may do soon, as it is growing lighter, we should be free from danger of pursuit. Pray, however, do not think that we wished to keep the bridge to ourselves, and if I was presumptuous to act promptly, it was because I was anxious for your safety. You have not said whether you forgive me?
gpt
Is my safety, then, of any interest to you?
human
Not with me only, he said earnestly,
gpt
He is a brave fellow, she said softly,
human
Will you share in the danger?
gpt
Assuredly. This boat is mine. I had bought it when it was seized by the Customs. The enterprise is of my planning, and what danger there is will be shared by me.
human
Why should you venture upon anything that brings danger to yourself? Surely you have friends, relatives, who would have acted for you?
gpt
I have only one relative, Mr Hume, and he is my father, a prisoner in the hands of Balmaceda. It is to rescue him that I have risked the passage of the Thames, and if I cannot save his life I will die with him.
human
Your father a prisoner in Brazil! How can they imprison an Englishman?
gpt
He is no Englishman. My father is Manuel da Gama Lobo de Anstrade, Colonel in the Army, and member of a noble Spanish family, treacherously seized by that ruffian President.
human
But you--surely you are of English descent?
gpt
My mother was English, Mr Hume, and I have been educated in England. She paused for some moments, then continued quickly:
human
I have told you more than is known by any on board, except Mr Commins and Captain Pardoe. But I am seldom misled, and I am sure you will respect my confidence.
gpt
I will, Miss de Anstrade.
human
You must not mention my name. If you knew the Brazilians you would understand. Were this ship to fall into the hands of the President's party, and my name were discovered, there would be little mercy shown. Ah! what fiendish punishment they can devise! Luiz, my brother, they made him walk blindfolded over the precipice at Garanagua.