"As when they go horse-stealing, or house-burning, or throat-cutting," interrupted Peppercorn.
"Order, sir, no indecencies! do you hear? Go on with your roll, if you have got it by heart. Be musical, dog!"
"Faith will I, most consummate captain! It is just to my hand: I'll sing you like a bagpipe. I have learnt the rollcall handsomely, and can go through it as if it were a song."
"Begin then: the time is coming when we must move. I think I hear Black Jack's horse breaking through the bushes now."
"Attention, you devil's babies, the whole of you!" shouted Peppercorn. "Horse and gun, every mother's imp of you!"
In a moment the idlers sprang to their weapons and mounted their horses.
"Answer to your names," said the orderly; "and see that you do it discreetly. Pimple!"
"Here," answered one of the disorderly crew, with a laugh.
"Silence in the ranks!" cried Habershaw, "or, by the blood of your bodies, I'll make my whinger acquainted with your hearts!"
"Long Shanks."