Our vessels are the most numerous; but no, there is not much difference.

Pisani has fourteen ships, but some must be lagging behind, or have been lost.

How many do you make them out to be, captain ?" "I think there are only nine," the captain answered, "and that is just the number of the Genoese." "Then Fieschi will fight, if he is not a coward," Matteo said; "but, in that case, why are they making out to sea ?" "Fieschi may not care to be attacked at anchor," the captain replied.
"That would give all the advantage to us.

Besides, if they were beaten there would be but little chance of any of them escaping.

No, he is right to make out to sea, but blowing as it is, it will be next to impossible for him to fight there.