So he followed Miguel up a narrow ladder and emerged upon the deck.

As he had inferred, the schooner was in a heavy fog, with scarcely any wind and the sails hanging dead.
The captain stood near the mast, gazing into the fog.

He looked taller and more evil than ever, and Robert saw the outline of a pistol beneath his heavy pea jacket.

Several other men of various nationalities stood about the deck, and they gave Robert malicious smiles.

Forward he saw a twelve pound brass cannon, a deadly and dangerous looking piece.