I joined them immediately, followed by the boatswain.

We were armed, and resolved to make use of our arms.

We had to prevent these furious men from seizing the boat, which did not belong to a few, but to all! "Hallo, sailors!" cried the captain.
"Hallo!" repeated West, "stop there, or we fire on the first who goes a step farther!" Both threatened the men with their pistols.

The boatswain pointed his gun at them.

I held my rifle, ready to fire.
It was in vain! The frenzied men heard nothing, would not hear anything, and one of them fell, struck by the mate's bullet, just as he was crossing the last block.