He was followed by Norlock, a very powerful man, who was to "make the drop" on Captain Stopfoot, and stuff a handkerchief into his mouth before he could call for assistance.

Christy believed that the commander would be the first one to come aft when the men by the cabin fired their revolvers, as they had been instructed to do.
Two hands had been placed where they could fall upon the two who were rolling the cotton into the hold at the hatch in the waist; and two more were instructed to rush forward and fall upon the two men at work at the fore-hatch.

The four men in the space in front of the cabin were to leap upon the bales and rush forward, revolvers in hand, and secure those at work in the hold.

If there was any failure of the plan to work as arranged, the sailors were to rally at the side of their officer, ready for a stand-up fight.
Christy gave the signal for the two revolvers to be discharged.

The captain did not appear at the report of the arms as expected; but he ordered the two hands at work at the after-hatch to go aft and look out for the prisoners.