However, I hope it won't come to that.

We carry twelve guns, and they are heavier metal than most merchantmen have on board.

We are more than a match for either of them alone; and if we can manage to cripple one, we can beat the other off.
"'At any rate we will try our best.

Thank God we have no women on board, and only ourselves to think of! Now, my lads, cast the guns loose and get the ammunition on deck; run two of the guns aft and train them over the stern.

As soon as they come within range we will try and knock some spars out of them.