By daylight we 'll be well beyond their look-outs, and can steer a straight course." Vague as my memory was regarding the Gulf and its surrounding coast line, this explanation seemed reasonable enough, and I remained silent, gazing off across the water.

He did not speak again, yet the very proximity of the man irritated me, my dislike and distrust of him so deep rooted that I could scarcely bear his near presence.

I wanted to be alone, where I could think out some feasible scheme of escape.
"I have had enough for tonight," I said finally, "and am going to turn in." "Best thing you can do," he coincided, but without looking toward me.
"Will follow suit as soon as I smoke a cigarette.

See you tomorrow." I went down the companion stairs directly to my stateroom, not even glancing aside, feeling confident that he would be watching me from above.

I had every reason to believe I had won his confidence, that he counted me as already among those he controlled and commanded, yet he was not a man who would ever rise above suspicion, and his trust would always be limited.