The former galley-slave turned his terrible face to the poop and saluted.
"Pass the word, Coupeau, that the prize must not be pierced betwixt wind and water. I would bring down a spar or two at the beginning of the action, but concentrate your fire upon her decks."
"Oui, m'sieu'."
"But what of O'Donnell and his daughter!" I exclaimed. "On a shot-swept deck!"
My great-uncle regarded me curiously.
"'Tis not a game of lawn bowls we are about to play, Robert," he replied. "I ask you to remember that the Spaniard carries forty-four cannon which he will discharge against us, with some probability of slaying certain of our people, including perhaps ourselves."
"But the girl!"
He took snuff.
"Tut, tut, my boy! You concern yourself needlessly. 'Tis a risky business and can not be otherwise. Yet she'll probably come safe through it. What part do you and Peter purpose to play in the action?"
I was about to answer hotly that we would have naught to do with piracy when Peter said—