"Well, I don't know, Mr Herrick.  We might perhaps lure them out of their hiding-places in that way, with a couple of Chinese crews to work the junks.  But no; the wretches would be equally strong, and would fight like rats.  Too many of my poor lads would be cut down.  They would have us at a terrible disadvantage.  We must keep to the ship.  I can only fight these wretches with guns."