three P.M.
The chief mate took a small axe , and , with a steady blow at the end of each davit , divided the falls , and the boat fell into the sea . `` Throw these here two aftermost guns overboard , '' said the captain ; `` I guess we are too deep abaft , and they would not be of much use to us in the way of defence , for this is a wapper that 's after us . '' The guns in a few minutes were sent to their last rest ; and for the next half-hour the enemy gained less upon them . It was now about half-past three P.M. ; the courage of the Yankees revived ; and the second mate reminded the captain that his black eye had not been reckoned for at the main rigging . `` Nor shall it be , '' said the captain , `` while I command the _ True-blooded Yankee _ ; what is , is right ; no man shall be punished for fair defence after warning . Thompson , come and stand aft . '' The man was in the act of obeying this order , when he was seized on by some six or eight of the most turbulent , who began to tear off his jacket .