They had not been long in that posture when the boatswain, who was the principal ringleader of the mutiny, and had now shown himself the most dejected and dispirited of all the rest, came walking towards them, with two more of the crew; the captain was so eager at having this principal rogue so much in his power, that he could hardly have patience to let him come so near as to be sure of him, for they only heard his tongue before: but when they came nearer, the captain and Friday, starting up on their feet, let fly at them.
Llevaban poco tiempo en esta posición cuando el contramaestre, que había sido el líder del motín y ahora se mostraba corno el más cobarde y desesperado de todos, se acercó hasta donde se hallaban mis hombres con dos miembros de la tripulación. El capitán estaba tan impaciente de ver casi en su poder al principal culpable, que apenas podía esperar a acercarse para asegurar el golpe.