Without lighting a lamp I lay down, still partially dressed, on my bunk, my mind busily occupied with desperate plans, none of them satisfactory.

We would not be far from land, according to his statement, until late the following night.

The small boat hanging astern was fully capable of transporting the two of us safely, and I was sufficiently acquainted with such a craft to feel no doubt of my ability to navigate it if once afloat.

But unless Mrs.Henley was also given her freedom on board, I could perceive no means of reaching her.
With her stateroom key hidden in the Captain's pocket, any plan I might formulate was useless.

Nor was it at all probable she would be released until we were well at sea.