I think, by the way, you may as well take the launch also; it carries a gun.

Do not let the men from it land, but keep her lying a few yards off shore to cover your retreat if necessary.

Mr.Pascoe will command it." There was a deep but quiet excitement among the men when at nightfall the vessel's head was again turned towards shore, and the crews of the gig and launch told to hold themselves in readiness.

Cutlasses were sharpened and pistols cleaned.

Not less was the excitement in the midshipmen's berth, where it was known that Simmonds was to go in the gig; but no one knew who was to accompany the launch.