"One of the scoundrels had swum round, was in the boat, and cutting her away." "Did you--" The captain paused and looked inquiringly in the mate's eyes.
"We're fighting for our lives and the lives of these ladies, Captain Strong," said Gregory.

"Suppose we do our duty and ask no questions afterwards.

The Malay did not cut the painter." Captain Strong nodded and returned to where the men stood by the barricaded door, to answer the major's inquiring look with a few words as to matters being all right, and then they waited, with the ladies pale and anxious, in one of the cabins, and Mark standing ready to supply ammunition when it should be required.
They had not long to wait for an attack.

The discovery that the man who had tried to get the boat had been shot was met with a loud burst of angry yells, and this was followed by a fresh attempt, as was shown to the defenders of the door by another shot from the mate.
There was another burst of yelling, and at intervals three more shots were fired by Mr Gregory.
"Why, he's getting all the fun, Strong!" said the major.

"They might come this way; but the mischief is that we've left no holes to fire from.