“With people like this? Bah! Why, if they once get aboard they will spear us to a man, or batter our heads with their war clubs.”
“They would if they could,” said Murray quietly.
“They will, I tell you,” said Roberts excitedly.
“No, they will not, old chap, for the skipper won’t let them.”
“Oh, you!” exclaimed Roberts, who stamped one foot down upon the deck in his excitement. “Why, you are as foolish as our officers.”
“Speak gently, or some one will be hearing you,” said Murray quietly.
“I want some one to hear me!” exclaimed the lad. “We are giving all our chances away.”
“That we are not! I’ve been trying to calculate how we shall stand for distance when the Seafowl glides off on the other tack.”
“So have I,” cried Roberts furiously, “and it will be with the crews of two of those war canoes on board spearing and stabbing us.”
“Indeed!” said Murray, in quite a drawl. “That doesn’t agree with my calculation. I make it that they will be about fifty yards astern, and beyond spear-throwing distance.”