She had no means of resistance even if she had suspected his purpose, and the probability was the fellow had been plausible enough to achieve his point without violence.

This was all clear enough to my mind, but what I could do to help her, to overcome him, was not so evident.

I was alone, unarmed, surrounded by men under his command.
Possibly, even now, I was under surveillance.

The negro had left the cabin, I knew, but where was Herman?
Broussard was in charge of the deck, and hence this would be the first mate's watch below.

Impressed with this disconcerting thought, I emerged again into the main cabin.
The stateroom doors were all closed, and I had to guess which was the German's.