`` Israel was Flint 's gunner , '' said Gray hoarsely . At any risk , we put the boat 's head direct for the landing-place . By this time we had got so far out of the run of the current that we kept steerage way even at our necessarily gentle rate of rowing , and I could keep her steady for the goal . But the worst of it was that with the course I now held we turned our broadside instead of our stern to the HISPANIOLA and offered a target like a barn door . I could hear as well as see that brandy-faced rascal Israel Hands plumping down a round-shot on the deck . `` Who 's the best shot ? '' asked the captain . `` Mr. Trelawney , out and away , '' said I. `` Mr. Trelawney , will you please pick me off one of these men , sir ? Hands , if possible , '' said the captain . Trelawney was as cool as steel . He looked to the priming of his gun . `` Now , '' cried the captain , `` easy with that gun , sir , or you 'll swamp the boat . All hands stand by to trim her when he aims . '' The squire raised his gun , the rowing ceased , and we leaned over to the other side to keep the balance , and all was so nicely contrived that we did not ship a drop . They had the gun , by this time , slewed round upon the swivel , and Hands , who was at the muzzle with the rammer , was in consequence the most exposed . However , we had no luck , for just as Trelawney fired , down he stooped , the ball whistled over him , and it was one of the other four who fell . The cry he gave was echoed not only by his companions on board but by a great number of voices from the shore , and looking in that direction I saw the other pirates trooping out from among the trees and tumbling into their places in the boats . `` Here come the gigs , sir , '' said I. `` Give way , then , '' cried the captain . `` We must n't mind if we swamp her now . If we ca n't get ashore , all 's up . ''
`` Only one of the XXXXX is being manned , sir , '' I added ; `` the crew of the other most likely going round by shore to cut us off . ''
Flint Gray Israel Trelawney gigs landing-place rammer round-shot rowing steerage