Why not?
In what better way could I escape discovery?
As an employe of the boat I could go about the decks unsuspected, and unnoticed.

Kirby would never give me a second thought, or glance, while the opportunity thus afforded of speaking to Rene, and being of service to her, would be immeasurably increased.

I withdrew my hand, swiftly deciding my course of action.
"I suppose I might as well earn a bit," I admitted, hesitatingly.
"Only I had about decided I'd enlist, if the war was still going on when we got up there." "That'll be all right.

We'll keep yer busy til' then, enyhow.

Go on down below now, an' eat, an' when yer git through, climb up the ladder, an' report ter me.