about fifty to one
`` Sink two or three of the canoes with round-shot . '' `` You feel that it is absolutely necessary ? '' asked Sir John . `` So necessary , that if we do not do that they will for certain board us , and as they are about fifty to one , we shall not be here to-morrow to tell the tale . '' Sir John hesitated no longer , and just as the boat was racing for the yacht , the firing had begun , the former shots having been with blank cartridge , in the vain hope of scaring the enemy away . The boat was now sighted from the yacht 's deck , and a faint cheer reached Jack 's ears as they sped over the water . But while they were still some three hundred yards from the gangway , one of the great canoes suddenly started away from the others , and with the paddles making the water flash and foam , came round the yacht 's bows and made a dash for the solitary little boat to cut her off .