They will hardly calculate either on our being so strong handed, or so well prepared for them." Everything was indeed ready for the combat.

Two or three barrels of the compound known as Greek fire had been brought up from the hold, and the cooks had heated cauldrons full of pitch.

Thirty men with bows and arrows were on the poop, and the rest, with spears, axes, and swords, stood along the bulwarks.
"We may as well get as near the entrance as we can before the fight begins," the captain said.

"Get up the anchor, and as soon as it is aboard, get out four oars on each side." The anchor had already been hove short, and was soon in its place.

Then the oars dipped into the water, and slowly the Bonito moved towards the mouth of the harbour.