Every man carried at least one pistol and a dirk in his belt.

The captain himself took two pistols and a cutlass.
"Merely a wise precaution, Peter," he said, "in case our peaceful neighbor, to whom we wish to give a useful warning, should turn out to be a pirate." Robert in the moonlight saw his eyes gleam and his lips curve once more into a smile.

He had seen enough of men in crucial moments to know that the slaver was happy, that he was rejoicing in some great triumph that he expected to achieve.

In spite of himself he shivered and looked at the stranger.

The tracery of masts and spars was growing clearer and the dim figures of men were visible on her decks.
"Oh, we'll meet later," said the captain exultantly.