Which is rather interesting.
Mr Vanslyperken's retreat was not known to the crew, they thought him still on deck, and he hastened forward to secrete himself, even from his own crew, who were not a little astonished at this unexpected attack which they could not account for. The major part of the arms on board were always kept in Mr Vanslyperken's cabin, and that was not only in possession of the assailants, but there was a strong guard in the passage outside which led to the lower deck.
"Well, this beats my comprehension entirely," said Bill Spurey.
"Yes," replied Short.
"And mine too," added Obadiah Coble, "being as we are, as you know, at peace with all nations, to be boarded and carried in this way."
"Why, what, and who can they be?"
"I've a notion that Vanslyperken's at the bottom of it," replied Spurey.
"Yes," said Short.
"But it's a bottom that I can't fathom," continued Spurey.
"My dipsey line arn't long enough either," replied Coble.