"Bill Flint's the Devil 'imself an' he's sent this squall ta send us to the bottom!" Jonas McCormick exhorted his nearby mates.
"Down below laughing at us he is" someone else agreed
" 'S not natural him up and about like he is" said a third
Suddenly Jonas was struck with inspiration.
"Fetch Flint to the deck, tell him the Cap'n wants to see him". Jonas smiled
"Wot's in yer head?" one of the men asked.
"I was just thinking, wouldn't it be a cryin' shame if the good Master-a'-Arms were swept over the side in this blow?"
"Aye that it would"
and McCormicks smile spread among them.