Was there any means in his power by which this could be prevented?
The only suggestion which came to him was the picking of a quarrel in some way, with the two men ashore.

The boat would never depart unless they were aboard, as they were evidently the leaders of the gang, yet this would be a most desperate expedient, to be resorted to only when all other effort had failed.

The two were husky chaps, and he would probably be the one to suffer most in such an encounter.

Besides it would put them on their guard, and possibly avail nothing.

Why not speak to the fellows pleasantly, and naturally?
They had no reason to be suspicious of him; he was but one of many others lounging idly about the pier.