Send him down at once quietly." He disappeared through the companion, while Gunsaules vanished within the storeroom, where I could hear him rummaging noisily about.

I sat down to wait the appearance of Watkins, satisfied that matters were already safely in my control.

That the English sailor would cooperate, I had no doubt, and as to LeVere, he had already gone too far to openly play the traitor.

It was full daylight now, and evidently a bright morning, although the swell of the sea remained heavy, and I judged there must be a strong wind.

Watkins, muffled to the ears in a heavy jacket, and with cap pulled down so I could scarcely see his face, shuffled down the steps.