LeVere would have knifed him even as he lay there helpless, but for my threat and insistence.

Once back in the cabin my eyes distinguished the frightened face of the steward peering forth at us from out the dark of the passage leading forward.
"Come here, Gunsaules," I said sternly.

"Step lively, lad; there's nothing for you to fear." "Yes, Senor--yes," and; he crept forth from his partial cover, glancing fearfully from face to face as he advanced.
"Senor Estada has been killed during the night, and we have just captured his murderer," I explained hastily.

"There is reason to believe this act was part of a conspiracy to seize the ship." "By Senor Manuel ?" his eyes staring at me from out a white face.
"Yes, in connection with those fellows amidships.

Does that passage lead to their quarters ?" "It did once, Senor, but now there is a closed door.