"Long John's in," sobbed one.
"Tom Morphew let 'em in," panted a second.
"Excellently planned," drawled Murray.
I heard the click of his snuffbox.
"Yet observe how fate hath tricked our opponents," he went on. "They timed their second attack to catch me on the southern side of the stockade, whereas, thanks to the perversity of womankind, I am strategically disposed to exploit the disorder which attends their success. I think we shall teach the clever Master Silver a lesson."
"Yes, if your men are loyal," I said angrily.
"Any crew are loyal in victory, Robert," he answered.
"Ja," spoke Peter, "but you better not let dot feller talk about his bloody back."
"You are squeamish, it seems, Peter," murmured my great-uncle. "Well, I shall even seek to humor you. Coupeau!"
His voice hardened.