They were a rough hairy lot, here and there a sturdy English countenance meeting my gaze, but the faces were largely foreign, with those of two negroes conspicuous.

I felt my heart beat furiously at sight of such poor material, and yet many a ship's crew appeared worse.

The fellows grouped themselves awkwardly behind Watkins.
"Twelve here, sir; I couldn't get Harwood down from the fore-top." "And there are others below who will join us ?" "Yes sir; six more I count on." "Which means lads, that with Harwood, Senor LeVere, and myself, we'll total twenty-one in this shindy.

Now I'll tell you what is up.

Watkins gave you some of it no doubt, but a word from me will make it clearer.
I'm no pirate; I'm an English sailor, shanghied on board.