It needed only an appearance of tyranny or injustice to array him in spirit against the authorities of the ship.

Shuffles knew his state of mind, and was prepared to take advantage of it, hoping through him to gain other discontented spirits in the cabin.
When the first part of the port watch was relieved, the "Chain" consisted of five links, and the conspirators were well satisfied with the present success of the enterprise.

Each of the new members of the League was commissioned to obtain a recruit, whose name was given to him, and he was required to report upon the case, to Shuffles, before eight bells in the afternoon watch.

As a measure of precaution, it was required that no meetings should be held; that not more than three members should assemble for business at any one time.

The utmost care and circumspection were urged, and it was agreed that not a word should be said in the steerage, where it was possible for any of the professors to overhear it.
The second part of the port watch, with Pelham as officer of the deck, went on duty at ten o'clock.