human
The first lieutenant and the master seem very fidgety,
gpt
So would we be, I suspect, if the responsibility of navigating the ship rested with us, answered Archie.
human
After all, no one suffers by being sufficiently careful; that's the rule my cousin gave me when I first came to sea.
gpt
And a very good rule it is, too, no doubt about that, observed Tom.
human
My brother Jack is as careful of his ship, and everything connected with her, as an old lady is of her best silk gown on a Sunday morning, though any one, to hear him talk, would suppose that he was the most harum-scarum fellow alive, always excepting his old shipmate, Captain Adair. He is, however, staid and steady enough in reality. I was very glad to hear that he got his post rank at the same time as my brother Jack did; and now the three old messmates, as they delight to call themselves, are post-captains, and will some day, I hope, be admirals. I wish, however, that they had not to wait so long. Your grave cousin Murray is as fit to be an admiral now as he will be twenty years hence, and, unless not a few fine fellows die off, it will take the best part of that time for any of them to get their flag.
gpt
It is encouragement for us, though, observed Archie;
human
Yes, but then remember that they have seen a great deal of service, and should the piping times of peace return, we may find it a hard matter to get employed and be able to exhibit our good conduct.
gpt
Weel, mon, we'll hope for the best, and may be some other nation will kindly think fit to come to fisticuffs with old England, and give us something to do,
human
There's every chance of that, I should think, said Tom. Just then seven bells struck in the afternoon watch.
gpt
I'll go and see how Gerald is getting on, before I have to come on deck again; it's dull work for him lying all by himself.