The major was for a bold attack upon the pirates and driving them overboard.
Morgan, who was wounded, proposed that the ladies should be lowered down into the boat at once, and that they should escape and take refuge upon the island.
Gregory said scarcely anything, and when pressed he cried in a harsh tone:
“I’m ready for what my captain settles to do. Then I’ll do my best, but I’ll not take any responsibility.”
“But you’ll fight, Gregory, if called on, eh?” said the major.
“Try me,” replied the first-mate gruffly.
“Well, Captain Strong, what’s it to be?” said the major; “a bold attack upon the scoundrelly set of jail-sweepings and a lesson for them in British valour?”
“No attack, Major O’Halloran, but a bold defence, sir. Weak as we are it is the better policy.”
“Then you mean to hold the ship, Strong?”
“To the last,” said the captain sternly.