Let the men look sharp; we've no time to lose, and hot work is before us." "I will go for your sword, father," cried Fred, who had just come on deck.
"Boy, boy, you must go below; you can be of no use here." "But, father, you know that I'm not _afraid_." "I know that, boy--I know it well; but you're too young to fight--you're not strong enough.

Besides, you must comfort and cheer your mother; she may want you." "I'm old enough and strong enough to load and fire a pistol, father; and I heard one of the men say we would need all the hands on board, and more if we had them.

Besides, it was my mother who told me what was going on, and sent me on deck to _help you, to fight._" A momentary gleam of pride lit up the countenance of the captain as he said hastily, "You may stay, then," and turned towards the men, who now stood assembled on the quarter-deck.
Addressing the crew in his own blunt, vigorous style, he said, "Lads, yon rascally schooner is a pirate, as you all know well enough.

I need not ask you if you are ready to fight; I see by your looks you are.

But that's not enough--you must make up your minds to fight _well_.