I cast my eyes towards the black ship, and then said I to my uncle:
"Rodrigues is there, I know."
"You shall lend me your spyglass, for I think you have seen him, to be so cock-sure."
"No, sir, I have not seen him; but I am sure he commands that ship. A painter is known by his workmanship."
"I know nothing of painting and such fiddle-faddle. Speak straight to the purpose, man," says my uncle with a curse.
"Well," says I, "no man but Rodrigues could devise such subtle, devilish means for our destruction."
"In this holding on yet holding off, I see nothing but the device of a fool or a coward, be he Rodrigues or another."
"He is neither a fool nor a coward," says I; "he values his ship and his men too high to attack us at a disadvantage. He knows, as well as you do, that this patient following, while it amuses his company and rests them, is fatiguing ours, and sapping the foundation of their courage."
"I warrant their courage will return to the dogs with the first shot that is fired."
"Then may it be too late; for, you may be sure of this, Rodrigues will not fire a ball until he is sure of our defeat," says I.