As if by magic the atmosphere cleared.
"Now," said Cleggett, smiling back on the enthusiastic faces before him, but inexpressibly touched by the fineness of his crew's devotion, "to get to the point.

There are seven of us, but there are at least a dozen of them.

We have, however, the advantage in position, for we can find cover on the ship, whereas they must attack from the open.

More than that, we will have the advantage in arms; here is a magazine rifle for each of you, while they, if I am not mistaken, will attack with pistols.

We must keep them at a distance, if possible.