If that comes shortly we shall, with the additional force which it is bringing; and the crew, who will no doubt aid; be able to attack them in the open.

But were it not for that, our position would be a bad one." "I fear," Tom said, "that even when the ship arrives, evil may come of it." "How is that, Tom ?" Ned asked.
"The captain will know nothing of what is passing on shore; and if he lands his men incautiously upon the beach, and advances in this direction, the natives will fall upon them and, taking them by surprise, cut them to pieces; and our last hope will then be gone." "But we might sally out and effect a diversion," Reuben said.
"Yes," Tom replied; "but, unfortunately, we should not know of the arrival of the ship until all is over." It was clear to all that Tom's view was the correct one, and that the position was much more serious than they had anticipated.

For some time the governor and the four young men looked at each other, blankly.

The destruction of the reinforcements, which would be followed no doubt by the capture of the ship by the war canoes, and the massacre of all on board, would indeed be fatal to their hopes.
After what they had seen of the determination with which the enemy had come up to attack the gate, they were sure that they would fight valiantly, outside.
The question of sallying forth was again discussed, and all were of opinion that, unequal as the fight would be, it were better to attempt to defeat the enemy than to remain quiet, and allow them to triumph over the coming reinforcements.
"Upon what day do you think the ship will arrive ?" Ned said, after considerable thought.
"I cannot say to a day," the governor replied; "but she should be here this week.

There is no exact time, because she has to touch at several other islands.