If I can't we'll fight it out, right here in the boat.

Now, then, one cheer for the American flag!" and as he said it, Sam drew forth a little flag which he had carried in all his wanderings, for use if he should need it, and ran it up to his mast head by a rude halyard which he had arranged in anticipation of some such adventure as this.
The boys gave the cheer from the bottom of their broad chests, and every one took the place which Sam assigned him, with gun in hand.
Meantime Sam tacked the boat in such a way as to throw the point of meeting between her and the British boat as far from the fort as possible.

It was very doubtful whether he could pass that point before the row boat, propelled by six oars in the hands of skilled oarsmen, should reach it.

If not, there remained only the alternative of "fighting it out." "Reserve your fire, boys, till I tell you to shoot.

There are only six armed men in that boat.