It's no more than a provision against your being unreasonable, which I am sure ye'll not be.

We'll talk the matter over whiles we are dining, for I trust ye'll not refuse to honour my table by your company." He led away the will-less, cowed bully to the great cabin.

Benjamin, the negro steward, in white drawers and cotton shirt, made haste by his command to serve dinner.
Colonel Bishop collapsed on the locker under the stern ports, and spoke now for the first time.
"May I ask wha...

what are your intentions ?" he quavered.
"Why, nothing sinister, Colonel.

Although ye deserve nothing less than that same rope and yardarm, I assure you that it's to be employed only as a last resource.