This being interpreted gently implies “I am malodorous.”
When dinner was ended, Jack conducted Clara back to her room.
“If you hear anything do not be alarmed, darling,” he said.
“Do you expect any fighting?” she asked.
“I reckon we shall be attacked by the pirates.”
“But you have paid them.”
“If not I should not be a free man here.”
“What have you to dread?”
“Hunston is with them; they have hoisted the black flag, and we have everything to be afraid of.”
“Having tasted blood, they want more.”