human
Isn't there anything between a lugger and a ship, sir? You know well enough if you talk to a sailor about a ship he'd suppose you meant a full-rigged three-masted vessel.
gpt
Yes, of course, uncle. And a barque is a three-master with a mizzen fore-and-aft rigged.
human
That's better, my lad. But what do you mean by fore-and-aft rigged?
gpt
Well, like a schooner, uncle.
human
Good boy! Go up one, as you used to say at school. Well, what do you think of a large schooner for a good handy vessel that can be well managed by a moderate crew?
gpt
Oh, I should think it would be splendid, uncle; and she'd sail very fast.
human
That depends on her build and the way she is sailed, my boy. But that's what I am thinking of having, Pickle.
gpt
But with a good crew, uncle.
human
Yes; I want the best schooner and the best crew that are to be had, my boy.
gpt
But it will cost a lot of money, uncle.
human
Yes, Pickle; but I am proud to say that the Government has not been mean in that respect, and if what they have granted me is not enough, I shall put as many hundreds as are required out of my own pocket to make up the deficiency, so that in all probability I shan't have a penny to leave you, Pickle, when I die.
gpt
When you die! cried the boy scornfully.
human
Who wants you to die? And who wants you to leave me any money? I say, Uncle Paul, who's talking nonsense now?
gpt
How dare you, sir!
human
Then you shouldn't say such things, uncle. Talking about dying! There will be plenty of time to talk about that in a hundred years.
gpt
Well, that's a very generous allowance, Pickle, and if we get such a schooner as I want, with a clever crew, and you work hard with me, why, we ought to make a good many discoveries by that time. A hundred years hence, continued Uncle Paul thoughtfully, as he apparently brought his telescope to bear upon a sloop of war whose white sails began to be tinged with orange as the sun sank low; but all the time he was peering out through the corners of his eyes to note the effect of his words upon his nephew.
human
But let me see--a hundred years' time. Why, how much older will you be then, Pickle?
gpt
Why, just the same as you would, uncle; a hundred years older than I am now. Pooh! You are making fun of me. But I say, uncle, be serious. How are you going to manage to get your schooner?
human
Set to work, and lose no time, my boy. But I am rather puzzled at the present moment, and I am afraid--
gpt
Of being sea-sick, uncle?
human
I suppose that's what you call retaliation, young gentleman. Well, no, sir, I'm not afraid of that--at least, not much. I remember the first time I crossed the Channel that I was very ill, and every time I have been at sea since I have always felt that it would be unwise to boast; but I think both you and I can make our voyage without being troubled in that way. But we won't boast, Pickle, for, as they say, we will not holloa till we are out of the wood. Let me see; isn't there an old proverb something about a man not boasting till he taketh off his armour?
gpt
I think so, uncle, but I cannot recollect the words.
human
Well, I don't want any armour, my boy, but I do want a well-found schooner--a new one if I can get it; if not, one that will stand a thorough examination; and I don't know that such a boat's to be got just now it's wanted. There are plenty of ramshackle old things lying about here, but I want everything spick-and-span ready for the extra fitting out I shall give her. Copper-fastened, quick-sailing, roomy, and with good cabin accommodation so that we can have a big workshop for the men who help us, and a sort of study and museum for ourselves. Now, Pickle, where shall we have to go to find such a craft? Portsmouth--London? What about Southampton?
gpt
Southampton. Yes. Some fine yacht, uncle.
human
No, boy. She'd be all mast and sails. Do well for a coaster, but I want an ocean-going craft, one that will bear some knocking about. A cargo boat whose hold one could partition off for stores. Now then?
gpt
There, out with it, boy, at once. Don't waste time. Say you don't know.
human
But I think I do know, uncle,
gpt
Eh? What? Where? Tchah! Not you!
human
But what about one of those boats the French prisoners escaped in?
gpt
Eh? What? One of those trim orange boats that go on the Mediterranean Trade, that they build at Salcombe?
human
Yes, uncle. Don't you remember that one we were looking at a few months ago, that came in here after the storm, to get a new jibboom?
gpt
Why, of course I do, Pickle! cried Uncle Paul eagerly.
human
Think of that, now! Why, I might have been fumbling about with a hammer for months and not found what I wanted, and here are you, you impudent young rascal, proving that you are not quite so stupid as I thought, for you hit the right nail on the head at once.