The service at the Parrot was not all that was required of the men forming the gun crew, for each was also a first or second boarder, a pumpman, or something else, and to each number one or two weapons were assigned, as musket and pike, sword and pistol, battle-axe.

When the order to board the enemy was given, every man knew his station and his proper officer.
"Silence, men!" commanded the second lieutenant, "Cast loose and provide!" These orders were repeated by the first captain of the gun.

It is his duty to see the piece cleared and cast loose, and everything made ready for action.

He and the second captain "provide" themselves with waist belts and primers, and the first with some other implements.

But the handling of one of these great guns is about as technical as a surgical operation would be, and it would be quite impossible for the uninitiated to understand it, though it is every-day work to the ordinary man-of-war's-man.
Prompted by the executive officer, who had been further instructed by the captain, all the series of steps had been taken which put the piece in readiness to be discharged, and all that remained to be done was to adjust the aim, which is done by the first captain.