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Treasure Island — Chapter 21 — Page 1

On the two short sides of the house, east and west, there were only two loopholes; on the south side where the porch was, two again; and on the north side, five. There was a round score of muskets for the seven of us; the firewood had been built into four pilestables, you might sayone about the middle of each side, and on each of these tables some ammunition and four loaded muskets were laid ready to the hand of the defenders. In the middle, the cutlasses lay ranged. Toss out the fire, said the captain; the chill is past, and we mustnt have smoke in our eyes. The iron fire-basket was carried bodily out by Mr. Trelawney, and the embers smothered among sand. Hawkins hasnt had his breakfast. Hawkins, help yourself, and back to your post to eat it, continued Captain Smollett. Lively, now, my lad; youll want it before youve done. Hunter, serve out a round of brandy to all hands. And while this was going on, the captain completed, in his own mind, the plan of the defence. Doctor, you will take the door, he resumed. See, and dont expose yourself; keep within, and fire through the porch. Hunter, take the east side, there. Joyce, you stand by the west, my man. Mr. Trelawney, you are the best shotyou and Gray will take this long north side, with the five loopholes; its there the danger is.