D'ye see the line of argument?
The question now is, Where are we to go ?' I faced round upon him with the oar in my hand.

'You boasted that you could swim to Portsmouth,' said I, 'and so you shall.

Into the water with you, you sea-viper, or I'll push you in as sure as my name is Micah Clarke.' 'Throw your knife down, or I'll drive the boat hook through you,' cried Reuben, pushing it forward to within a few inches of the man's throat.
'Sink me, but this is most commendable!' he said, sheathing his weapon, and laughing softly to himself.

'I love to draw spirit out of the young fellows.

I am the steel, d'ye see, which knocks the valour out of your flint.