There might be sentries who would stay me, but I should be within calling distance of my friend.

Moreover, a sentry would see that I was some sort of a leader of men, and might help me.

So I began to wish for Evan to act, for my fingers itched to get one downward blow at him.
I had not long to wait.

He finished his talk with the men, and they all came to the ship, even as I had hoped.

But only half of them came on board, leaving the rest alongside on the rock so that they might help the goods over the side.