"So," said I to Simpson, who was standing close beside me, "that clears the ground and enables us to know just where we are.  With that black rag staring us in the face there is no possibility of making a mistake. Return his fire, lads, as your guns come to bear, and be careful not to throw a single shot away.  Aim at his spars first; then, when we have crippled him, we will close and finish him off."