If he could be kept absolutely secure in his cabin, unable to create any alarm, we would be free to plan our escape.

There were but two points of danger to be guarded against--Herman and the steward.

The former, when he returned from shore, might seek him for final orders, and the latter, if he failed to appear in the cabin for the regular meal, would endeavor to learn his desires.

I would have to guard against these contingencies, and, with the first in mind, I stepped across to the bathroom, and was gratified to learn that the door leading into the mate's stateroom could be locked on the inside.

With this private approach barred I felt confident of being able to guard the single entrance remaining.