“Good!” said Gregory. “Then let’s get to work before it’s daylight.”
“What are you going to do?”
“First thing, sir, is to get out a few tools I have in my cabin and take down two or three doors.”
“What for?”
“To screw up over the skylights, for that is our weak point. The scoundrels could stand up there and shoot us down or spear us as they pleased.”
“Right!” said Captain Strong shortly. “And while you do that we’ll strengthen the barricade across the door.”
“Serve that the same,” said the first-mate. “A couple of doors can be screwed across silently. Then up against them you can plant your chests and cases and the place will be as firm again.”
“Ah, Gregory, you were meant for a soldier!” said the major sadly. “My word, sir, what a sapper you would have made!”
“And what should I have done for a first-mate?” said the captain pleasantly.
“Well, we won’t stop passing compliments,” said the major. “Let’s get to work. You’re hurt, captain, so you sit down and give orders to your boy to lay out the fighting tools. Get ’em all ready, ammunition and all. Bedad, sir, I haven’t had a fight since I was up in the hill country having a turn at the niggers, and this promises to be a rare treat.”