QUOTE : Sir!’ said the captain again. ‘I insist that you head towards Bordeaux.’ He showed signs of advancing upon them; one of the crew behind him began to pull the boat-hook clear, and it would be a dangerous weapon. Hornblower pulled one of the pistols from his belt and pointed it at the captain, who, with the muzzle four feet from his breast, fell back before the gesture. Without taking his eyes off him Hornblower took a second pistol with his left hand. ‘Take this, Matthews,’ he said. ‘Aye aye, sir,’ said Matthews, obeying; and then, after a respectful pause, ‘Beggin’ your pardon, sir, but hadn’t you better cock your pistol, sir?