nearly two to one
Mr Meldrum 's first intention on having his suspicions confirmed by the mate 's opinion , had been to haul down the flag -- a little white ensign made out of portions of some old silk handkerchiefs which had been mustered amongst the party and sewn together by Kate ; but , he dismissed the idea as soon as the thought occurred to him . `` No , '' said he to Mr McCarthy , belaying the halliards again , `` it is too late now , for they must have seen it . Besides , what have we to fear if they do come ? We can easily prevent them from landing , if we like , for we 're nearly two to one against them in numbers should they try force ; and we are stronger by far in moral as well as physical courage ! '' `` True for you , sorr , '' replied the first-mate . `` It 's a good larrupping they 'd git , if they thried that on anyway . Bedad , I 'd die aisy an ' I could only give that baste Moody the bating I 've had in store for him since he and his gang abandoned us , the dhirty schoundrels ! ''