To better assure myself that no watch was upon the after deck, I circled the cabin, and then, crouching in the shadow of the rail, advanced even with the chart-house.

From this point I could distinguish voices in conversation, but the forms of the men could not be discerned.

Still, without accurately locating them, I had ascertained all I required to know, and made my way back along the slippery deck.

All hands were on duty forward, and would be held there for a time, at least, while the _Sea Gull_ was slipping through the danger zone.

But supper had not been served, and one of the watches might be piped down at any moment.