The yards were all braced sharply aft.

Presently there was an exclamation of relief, as they felt the wind in their faces, and the vessel heeled a little over.

The boats behind were but a quarter of a mile away now, while those from the vessels inshore were perhaps twice that distance.
"If this is the true breeze we are safe," the captain said.

"If not, we shall have to fight for it." The men had already, without orders, cast loose the guns, and armed themselves with pike and cutlass.
"Now listen, lads," the captain said, as he went forward to the poop rail, "if these fellows come up and try to board us, let no man utter a word.

Fight like bulldogs, and as silently.