If this was my case exclusively I doubt if it would have greatly worried me.

Indeed, I might have rejoiced over the outlook, welcoming the excitement, and rough experience promised in a new land.
I possessed the adventurous spirit, and the position offered had its appeal.

But the girl stood directly in the way.

What Henley meant to do with her was problematical--I had not thought to ask--but he either intended putting her ashore in Honduras, or else holding her prisoner on board until the _Sea Gull_ returned North.

Either contingency was bad enough, and the suspicion flashed suddenly across me that the final decision would depend on how kindly she might receive the attentions of the Captain.