I pitched it in red-hot on purpose ; and before the hour 's out , as he said , we shall be boarded . We 're outnumbered , I need n't tell you that , but we fight in shelter ; and a minute ago I should have said we fought with discipline . I 've no manner of doubt that we can drub them , if you choose . '' Then he went the rounds and saw , as he said , that all was clear . On the two short sides of the house , east and west , there were only two loopholes ; on the south side where the porch was , two again ; and on the north side , five . There was a round score of muskets for the seven of us ; the firewood had been built into four piles -- tables , you might say -- one about the middle of each side , and on each of these tables some ammunition and four loaded muskets were laid ready to the hand of the defenders . In the middle , the cutlasses lay ranged . `` Toss out the fire , '' said the captain ; `` the chill is past , and we must n't have smoke in our eyes . '' The iron fire-basket was carried bodily out by Mr. Trelawney , and the embers smothered among sand . `` Hawkins has n't had his breakfast . Hawkins , help yourself , and back to your post to eat it , '' continued Captain Smollett . `` Lively , now , my lad ; you 'll want it before you 've done . Hunter , serve out a round of brandy to all hands . '' And while this was going on , the captain completed , in his own mind , the plan of the defence . `` Doctor , you will take the door , '' he resumed . `` See , and do n't expose yourself ; keep within , and fire through the porch . Hunter , take the east side , there . Joyce , you stand by the west , my man . Mr. Trelawney , you are the best shot -- you and Gray will take this long north side , with the five loopholes ; it 's there the danger is . If they can get up to it and fire in upon us through our own ports , things would begin to look dirty .
XXXXX , neither you nor I are much account at the shooting ; we 'll stand by to load and bear a hand . ''
Doctor Gray Hawkins Joyce Smollett Trelawney cutlasses embers fire-basket firewood