He took with him two twenty-four pounders, and four officers, of whom two were Charlie Marryat and Peters; to both of whom Clive was much attached, owing to their courage, readiness, and good humour.
Covelong was first attacked.

It mounted thirty guns, and was garrisoned by fifty French, and three hundred Sepoys.
"I don't like the look o' things, Mr.Charles," Tim Kelly said.
"There's nothing but boys altogether, white and black.

Does it stand to reason that a lot of gossoons, who haven't learnt the goose step, and haven't as much as a shred of faith, ayther in themselves or their officers, are fit to fight the French ?" "Oh, I don't know, Tim," Charlie said.

"Boys are just as plucky as men, in their way, and are ready to do all sorts of foolhardy things, which men would hesitate to attempt." "And that is so, Mr.Charles, when they've only other boys to dale with; but as they're growing up, they take some time before they're quite sure they're a match for men.

That's what it is, yer honor, I tell ye, and you will see it, soon." Tim's predictions were speedily verified.