He fairly outstripped himself in willingness and civility ; he was all smiles to everyone . If an order were given , John would be on his crutch in an instant , with the cheeriest `` Aye , aye , sir ! '' in the world ; and when there was nothing else to do , he kept up one song after another , as if to conceal the discontent of the rest . Of all the gloomy features of that gloomy afternoon , this obvious anxiety on the part of Long John appeared the worst . We held a council in the cabin . `` Sir , '' said the captain , `` if I risk another order , the whole ship 'll come about our ears by the run . You see , sir , here it is . I get a rough answer , do I not ? Well , if I speak back , pikes will be going in two shakes ; if I do n't , Silver will see there 's something under that , and the game 's up . Now , we 've only one man to rely on . '' `` And who is that ? '' asked the squire . `` Silver , sir , '' returned the captain ; `` he 's as anxious as you and I to smother things up . This is a tiff ; he 'd soon talk 'em out of it if he had the chance , and what I propose to do is to give him the chance . Let 's allow the men an afternoon ashore . If they all go , why we 'll fight the ship . If they none of them go , well then , we hold the cabin , and God defend the right . If some go , you mark my words , sir , Silver 'll bring 'em aboard again as mild as lambs . '' It was so decided ; loaded pistols were served out to all the sure men ; Hunter , Joyce , and Redruth were taken into our confidence and received the news with less surprise and a better spirit than we had looked for , and then the captain went on deck and addressed the crew . `` My lads , '' said he , `` we 've had a hot day and are all tired and out of sorts .
A turn ashore 'll hurt nobody -- the boats are still in the water ; you can take the gigs , and as many as please may go ashore for the XXXXX .
Hunter John Joyce Redruth Silver afternoon day pikes right tiff