A moment later I heard the sound of dishes grinding together preparatory to being washed.

No better opportunity for action was likely to occur, although the situation was not without peril.

Jose might emerge at any instant from Sanchez's cabin, while I had no reason to be assured that Estada would remain long on deck.

Even if he did, any movement below could be observed through the overhead glass.

Indeed it might be with this purpose in view that he had gone outside.