The bullet struck Coke in the breast.

The valiant little skipper staggered, and sank to the floor.

His fiery eyes gazed up into Verity's.
"Damme if I ain't hulled!" he roared, his voice loud and harsh as if he were giving some command from the bridge in a gale of wind.
David dropped to his knees.
"For Gawd's sake, Jimmie!" he moaned.
"Yes, I've got it.

Sarve me dam well right, too! No business to go ag'in me own pore old ship.

Look 'ere, Verity, I'm done for! If you get away from this rotten muss, see to my missus an' the girls.