And the very thickness of the fog without invited to treachery.

If one among them, and there were many capable of such an act, should steal below forward, and force open the door from the forecastle, we would be crushed between two waves of men, and left utterly helpless.

I saw the whole situation vividly, and as quickly chose the only course to pursue, the one hope remaining.
"Here lads," I called sharply back over my shoulder, "five or six of you are enough to hold back this scum.

Watkins!" "Ay, sir." "Bend down here--now listen.

Get the boats ready--two will be enough--and be lively about it.