The indistinct white oval sank from Mr.Powell's sight so swiftly as to take him by surprise.

For a moment he hung at the opening of the companion and now that her slight form was no longer obstructing the narrow and winding staircase the voices came up louder but the words were still indistinct.
The old gentleman was excited about something and Mrs.Anthony was "managing him" as Powell expressed it.

They moved away from the bottom of the stairs and Powell went away from the companion.

Yet he fancied he had heard the words "Lost to me" before he withdrew his head.

They had been uttered by Mr.Smith.
Captain Anthony had not moved away from the taffrail.