Another half hour we shall know all about it." Francis was half surprised that the captain did not order the oars to be put out and lashed in that position, for it was a recognized plan for preventing a ship from being boarded by an enemy, who could thus only approach her at the lofty poop and forecastle.
"Are you not going to get out the oars to keep them off ?" "No, Messer Francisco.

In the first place, our sides are so high out of water that the pirates will have a difficulty in boarding us in any case.

In the second place, if we get the oars out and they row full at them, sooner or later they will break them off; and it is all important that we should be able to row.

I have been thinking the matter over, and my idea is, as soon as they advance, to get three or four oars at work on either side, so as to move her gradually through the water towards the harbour mouth.

The rowers will be charged to let their oars swing alongside whenever any of their craft dash at them.