Fine cannon, too." Robert judged that the slaver would be well armed and well manned, but he decided to ask no more questions at present, fearing to arouse the suspicions of Miguel, and he worked on with shut lips.

The Portuguese himself talked--it seemed that he had to do so, as the longing for companionship overcame him--but he did not tell the name of the schooner or its captain.

He merely chattered of former voyages and of the ports he had been in, invariably addressing his helper as Peter, and speaking of him as if he had been his comrade.
Robert, while apparently absorbed in his tasks, listened attentively to all that he might hear from above He knew that the fog was as thick as ever, and that the ship was merely moving up and down with the swells.

She might be anchored in comparatively shallow water.

Now he was absolutely sure that they were somewhere near the coast, and the coast meant hope and a chance.
Dinner, rude but plentiful, was served for the sailors and food somewhat more delicate for the captain in his cabin.
Robert himself attended to the captain, and he could see enough now to know that the dark had come.