He said nothing and did nothing, and had not used a musket when the others fired.

He behaved as though he intended to be entirely neutral.

A few drops of negro blood in his veins was enough to condemn him to inferiority with the rude fellows on board of the sloop, though his complexion was lighter than that of any of his companions.
"Vincent, pass one half of the men on board of the cutter," said Mr.
Pennant, when he had looked over the boat and the men on board of it.
The quartermaster obeyed the order, and four of the party were placed in the bow and stern sheets of the cutter.

Six oarsmen were directed to take their places on the thwarts.

The lieutenant retained his place in the stern sheets, which he had not left during the affray or the conference.