Then, if the wind increases, we shall not want to call the men away from the guns." The crew had, without orders, already mustered at quarters.

The lashings had been cast off the guns, the boatswain had opened the magazines, and a pile of shot stood by each gun, together with cases of canister and grapeshot for close work.

Boarding pikes and cutlasses were ranged along by the bulwarks.

The men had thrown aside their jackets, and many of those at the guns were stripped to the waist.
Some of them were laughing and talking, and Dick saw, by their air of confidence, that they had no doubt of their ability to beat off the assault of the privateers.
The latter were the first to open the ball.

A puff of smoke burst out from the brig's bows, followed almost instantly by one from the schooner.