"They may try both plans, sir," answered Pringle.  "That is to say, they may begin by trying a few shots at us with their gun, and if they find that no good I expect they'll try what boarding will do for them.  But they won't sink us; that's not their game.  It's the slaves they believe we've got in the hold that they're after; so, if they bring their boat- gun into play you'll find that it'll be our top-hamper they'll aim at, so as to cripple us.  They'll not hull us if they can help it."