THE FREEDOM OF THE DECK The flag locker was astern, and standing on it I could feel inside the boat swung to the davits.

It was a small, light boat, fashioned like a cutter, a good sea-going craft for its size.

Two oars and a short mast together with a roll of canvas were stowed on top the thwarts, and secured by lashings.

I cut one of these, and drew forth about three fathoms of line, sufficiently pliable for my purpose.

The severed end of cord I thrust down out of sight, where it would escape any superficial examination.