Quotation from: Elsinore

Written by: Jack London

So, all told, there are eleven of us aft in the citadel. But our
followers are too servant-like and serf-like to be offensive
fighters. They will help us defend the high place against all
attack; but they are incapable of joining with us in an attack on the
other end of the ship. They will fight like cornered rats to
preserve their lives; but they will not advance like tigers upon the
enemy. Tom Spink is faithful but spirit-broken. Buckwheat is
hopelessly of the stupid lowly. Henry has not yet won his spurs. On
our side remain Margaret, Mr. Pike, and myself. The rest will hold
the wall of the poop and fight thereon to the death, but they are not
to be depended upon in a sortie.