The men with their muskets were already clustering in the path, threatening vengeance on Mr.Gibbs.

I ordered them to halt and return to their quarters.

Carried away by excitement, they levelled their muskets at me and bade me get out of their way or they would shoot me.

I managed to keep cool, said the affair would be investigated, that Gibbs was already under arrest, but they must go back to their quarters.

The parley lasted long enough to bring some of their officers near.