There is a brass carronade trained on the hatch to sweep you to kingdom come.

So listen!" Several voices shouted up inquiries, but one, shrill and insistent, rose clearly above the others.
"What's happening?
What yer going to do with us ?" I thought I located the questioner among the jumbled mass below, and with my eyes on him, answered for all his mates.
"We are in control of the ship," I called back, "and mean to keep it.
The old officers are either dead or prisoners.

What we do with you will depend on your actions, but we're ready to kill if necessary.

If you keep quiet down there, and obey orders, you'll be fed, and treated decently enough.

Pass up your arms." There was no movement, only a glare of hostile eyes, an indistinguishable growl of voices.
"Kneel down, lads and cover those fellows," I ordered sternly drawing my own pistol.