"Ah's bin alone worse tricks den dis." "You seem to be holding the course, all right--sou'west, by sou', Senor LeVere says." "Yas, Senor." "What is your name ?" "Cochose, Senor; Ah's a French nigger." "Very good, Cochose; my name is Gates, and I am the new first officer.
If you need any help, let me know." He nodded, still grinning, to let me realize he understood, and I stepped aside, confident that the fellow retained no recollection of my features.

The relief of this knowledge was considerable, and I gazed over the bark forward with a new feeling of security.

Thus far I had successfully passed the test, and been accepted by all on board.
The only remaining danger of recognition lay in the early recovery of Sanchez, and, as I glanced aside at Estada the conviction became fixed in my mind that such recovery was doubtful.

I felt that I had already penetrated the cowardly plan of the Portuguese, but felt no inclination to interpose.

Indeed I had more occasion to dread the return of Sanchez to command than did Estada himself.