That we should have risked a second boat load seems more daring than it really was . They had the advantage of numbers , of course , but we had the advantage of arms . Not one of the men ashore had a musket , and before they could get within range for pistol shooting , we flattered ourselves we should be able to give a good account of a half-dozen at least . The squire was waiting for me at the stern window , all his faintness gone from him . He caught the painter and made it fast , and we fell to loading the boat for our very lives . Pork , powder , and biscuit was the cargo , with only a musket and a cutlass apiece for the squire and me and Redruth and the captain . The rest of the arms and powder we dropped overboard in two fathoms and a half of water , so that we could see the bright steel shining far below us in the sun , on the clean , sandy bottom . By this time the tide was beginning to ebb , and the ship was swinging round to her anchor . Voices were heard faintly halloaing in the direction of the two gigs ; and though this reassured us for Joyce and Hunter , who were well to the eastward , it warned our party to be off . Redruth retreated from his place in the gallery and dropped into the boat , which we then brought round to the ship 's counter , to be handier for Captain Smollett . `` Now , men , '' said he , `` do you hear me ? '' There was no answer from the forecastle . `` It 's to you , Abraham Gray -- it 's to you I am speaking . '' Still no reply . `` Gray , '' resumed Mr. Smollett , a little louder , `` I am leaving this ship , and I order you to follow your captain . I know you are a good man at bottom , and I dare say not one of the lot of you 's as bad as he makes out . I have my watch here in my hand ; I give you thirty seconds to join me in . '' There was a pause . `` Come , my fine fellow , '' continued the captain ; `` do n't hang so long in stays . I 'm risking my life and the lives of these good gentlemen every second . ''
There was a sudden scuffle , a sound of blows , and out burst Abraham XXXXX with a knife cut on the side of the cheek , and came running to the captain like a dog to the whistle .
Gray Hunter Joyce Redruth Smollett faintness forecastle gigs second seconds