Small arms and cutlasses were brought up, and piled round the masts.
"Why don't you put on more sail, sir ?" Mr.Ashmead, the member of the council, said to the captain.

"My wife, sir, objects to the sound of firearms, and I must really beg that you will increase your speed.

As it is, we are losing rather than gaining upon that vessel behind.

The duty of the ships of the Company is to try not to fight." "If they can help it," the captain added quietly.

"Not to fight, if they can help it, Mr.Ashmead.But unfortunately, the choice upon the present occasion lies with the gentlemen yonder, and not with us.