It's the lot of the servants of God to be liable to the quarrels of disaffectionate men

The Huntsman by his slot, or breaking earth, perceaves

What do you think we come to sea for? If we can take a man-of-war of our own size she's worth half a dozen merchant craft, though, to be sure, some of us may lose the number of our mess; but we all know that, and make no count of it.

Stevenson tells us of the ways and works of simple men, their sailorings, their fightings, their treasure-seeking, their love and hatred.