human
You are now all satisfied, I hope, exclaimed Don Lazarillo, through Mariana. Yes, we were all satisfied.
gpt
And you put Mariana and me and my effects on board the first passing ship that will receive us?
human
Yes,
gpt
But suppose that she is sailing to Australia or to India?
human
I shall not be able to help that, said I.
gpt
You may stay in this schooner if you please, but Miss Noble must be conveyed home.
human
Well, your minds are easy now, I hope, my lads?
gpt
We're obliged to ye, Mr. Portlack, answered Butler.
human
You've managed first-rate for us. And now, d'ye know, sir, while I've been sitting at this table an idea's come into my head.
gpt
What is that idea?
human
It consarns our leaving the schooner, sir.
gpt
Let me hear it.
human
There's that big boat amidships, said he.
gpt
We shipped at Cadiz, and it was known at Cadiz that this here Casandra sailed from that port on such and such a day. Now my idea is: suppose you run in for the Spanish land until you've got Cadiz within, say, half-a-day's sail. Us men will then launch the cutter and start away for the port, you giving us its bearings. We must turn to and invent a yarn and represent this schooner as having foundered, the rest of the people who got away in the small boat being lost sight of by us. There are plenty of vessels at Cadiz, and they're always in want of hands. We can ship as smartly as we choose, get away, and then there'll be an end.
human
I think your scheme excellent, and Cadiz, though still somewhat south, is, in my opinion, as good as any other port. Only, when you are gone and the two Spaniards transshipped, I shall be alone in this schooner.
gpt
There'll be Tom, sir,
human
If you're to return to England, Mr. Portlack, said Butler, pronouncing his words with great emphasis,
gpt
Your scheme requires reflection, said I.
human
Give me time to think over it. And now, since you're below, you may as well turn to and get that body yonder ready for the last toss. We'll drop it over the side at eight bells.
gpt
See there, pointing to the lady.
human
She has been sleeping like that pretty nearly ever since we left the berth after searching it.
gpt
Is she sleeping?
human
Yes, said I,
gpt
She seems breathing all right, and appears comfortable enough, sir,
human
She does not look comfortable. I wish to see her in her bunk. Let us gently lift her into it. If she wakens she may prove to have her mind. Observe her face; there is no madness in that placid expression.