Pray do not be alarmed at any noises you may hear. You
will be below the waterline, and perfectly safe from their shot; and
you may be sure that we shall do our best to keep the scoundrels from
boarding us; and I will let you know, from time to time, how matters
are going."
The unmarried men at once went up on deck. The others lingered for a
short time behind, talking to their wives and daughters, and then
followed.
"The wind has strengthened a bit, Mr. Green," the captain said, "and I
fancy we shall get more."
"I think so, too, Captain."
"Then you may as well get off the upper sails, and make her snug. Get
off everything above the top gallant. Then, if the wind increases, we
shall not want to call the men away from the guns."
The crew had, without orders, already mustered at quarters. The
lashings had been cast off the guns, the boatswain had opened the
magazines, and a pile of shot stood by each gun, together with cases
of canister and grapeshot for close work. Boarding pikes and cutlasses
were ranged along by the bulwarks. The men had thrown aside their
jackets, and many of those at the guns were stripped to the waist.
Some of them were laughing and talking, and Dick saw, by their air of
confidence, that they had no doubt of their ability to beat off the
assault of the privateers.
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