Now, what pleasure would it have afforded him, Mark, my lad, if he had run that spear through my neck ?" "It's his nature, sir," said the major shortly.

"Those fellows value a life at about a rupee, and sometimes not at that." The men had risen, stretched, and were looking round in a discontented way; but they began to beam shortly after when a fair supply of biscuits and sardines from the captain's private supply was handed round, and followed by some bottled beer, the opening of which seemed to cause a commotion on deck, and an excited talking as if the Malays thought some kind of weapon was being fired.
The breakfast worked wonders in the gaunt, untidy-looking throng, and when the captain said a few words to them asking their help, and that they would stand by him to the last, there was a hearty cheer, one which caused a rush of feet upon the deck, and then a hurried buzzing sound was heard as if the Malays were gathering for an attack.
In view of this the men were placed well armed by the barricaded door, and the major stood ready at their side, while Small was stationed beneath the sky-light armed with a gun, and with orders to fire through the first hole driven down in the panels of the door Mr Gregory had placed for protection.
"So far so good," said the captain cheerily, and the excitement seemed to remove the haggard look in his pale face.

"But look here, gentlemen, we must leave a way open for retreat." "Of course," said the major, "never lose touch of that." "My plan is to defend the ship to the last, and then take to the boat-- that is, if the case has become hopeless.

So, Gregory, sooner or later they will find out that the boat is here, and try to cut it adrift.

You will go to the cabin-window which commands the boat's painter, and shoot down whoever tries to cut it." Gregory nodded, took a gun and some cartridges, and walked to one of the cabin-windows, then to another, and changed again.
He had hardly reached the last and looked out when there was a shot, a yell, and a second shot.
The captain rushed to his officer's side.
"What is it ?" he cried.
"Only just in time," said the mate, coolly reloading.