"There's no captain to tell; I say, we're leaving something for you, aren't we, you fellows?
There'll be all the heads of the herrings and the greengage stones-- jolly blow-out for you." It was no use attempting further parley, and the irate Welchers were compelled to lurk furiously outside the door while the feast proceeded, and console themselves with the prospect of paying the enemy out when it was all over.
But the skill which had accompanied the execution of the raid so far was not likely to omit all precautions possible to make good a retreat.
While most of the party were making all the noise they could, and succeeding with jest and gibe in keeping the attention of those outside, the barricade against the door had been quietly removed, and decks cleared for the sortie.
"Now then, you fellows," cried Parson to his men, in a voice which those outside were intended to hear, "make yourselves comfortable.

Here's a stunning lot of peppermint-rock here, pass it round.

Needn't go home for half an hour at least!" The watchers outside groaned.

There was no help at hand; and for one of them to go and seek it was only to increase the odds against them.

The only thing was to wait patiently till the enemy did come out.