We will land at that islet ahead, and I shall hold to my promise if we get there in time.

Those of you who like can remain in the boat until your countrymen come up; those who choose can leave the boat and hide yourselves as best you may.

I leave the choice to yourselves.
If we are overtaken and fall, I cannot keep my promise, and it will be best then for you to remain in the boat." For three or four minutes the slaves bent forward over their oars; but as soon as Sir John gave the word they straightened themselves up and began rowing again.

The rest had done them good, and they again fell into a long, steady stroke.
"Shall we buckle on our armour again ?" Sir Ralph Harcourt asked; for they had not put it on when they left the ship, as the heat was very great.
"I think we had better don our mail shirts only.

In climbing about that rock ahead of us, the less weight we carry the better, and with this heat I would rather fight unprotected than in casque and armour.
Besides, there can be little doubt that, if they come upon us, it will be our last battle.