If it came to an open fight our cause was hopeless, for that would mean fourteen or fifteen men unarmed, pitted against over a hundred, thoroughly equipped and trained fighters.

To be sure these were at present, without a leader, yet their force alone was sufficient to overcome us, and some one among them would doubtless assume leadership in an emergency.

Only by confining them below, with hatches battened down, and a carronade trained upon them, would we be safe.
I sat where I could watch the stairs, and the entire forward part of the cabin.

Gunsaules lowered the table, and began preparing the morning meal.

He glanced at me each time he passed, but ventured on no questioning, although it was quite evident the fellow was nearly bursting from curiosity.