We're in a tight place.

I don't mean them any harm.
But, if we are going to be dependent on them for our supplies, it will be much better for us to have them under our authority.

They're a mere set of ignorant heathens.

We know more than they do; and it is but fair that the wisest should govern." "That's the very argument the old piratical sea-kings of Norway used to use!" Raed exclaimed.

"It's about a thousand years behind civilized times!" "Not so far behind the times as that, I guess," Kit replied.