The rum's all right; it's powerful natural stuff, but we ought to have meat that doesn't stink, and bread that isn't alive.

What's more, we ought to have lots of lime-juice, or there's no protection for us when we're out at sea with the best meat taken by the officers and the worst left to us; and with foul water and rotten food, there's no hope or help.

But, if we're going in for this sort of thing, we ought to do it decently.

We can't slap a government in the mouth, and we can't kick an admiral without paying heavy for it in the end.

If it's wholesome petitioning you're up to, I'm with you; but I'm not if there's to be knuckle-dusting." Ferens shrugged a shoulder.
"Things are movin', and we've got to take our stand now when the time is ripe for it, or else lose it for ever.