“I know that,” I admitted, “but he had to be used.  It was through him that Estada’s murder was discovered.  But he is safe enough for the present, for he made the attack on Manuel, and so will not dare go back on us.  His life is in the balance.  But wait, Tom; don’t breathe in his ear our real purpose; I’ve convinced him that we mean to keep in the trade, dividing the treasure aboard, and sailing the bark to Porto Grande.”

“Oh, so that’s the game?  And what is my part now?”

“This is my watch below, and it will be best for me to keep off the deck until all is prepared.  Besides I am afraid to leave the cabin unguarded.  There is no knowing what Gunsaules might do.  You sound these men and get them together; wake up the ones in the starboard watch you feel sure are all right, and have them slip quietly on deck.  LeVere will understand what you are up to, and will make no objection.  As soon as you have everything ready, let me know.”

“We are none of us armed, sir.”

“That is what I was coming to.  When you are sure of your men, and have them on deck, I’ll get LeVere to send them all aft on some pretext or other.  I’ll think up a way to do this without creating any suspicion.  Then we’ll get these arms in the rack here, and be ready for business—­the rest will be done in a hurry.  You have it all clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then I’ll wait here for your report.”

At the very best Watkins could scarcely perform the task assigned him in less than an hour.  No doubt there were those on his list whom he would have to approach with great caution, while there was always danger that some word might be dropped to awaken suspicion.  The success or failure of our effort depended entirely upon taking these fellows by complete surprise.  If it came to an open fight our cause was hopeless, for that would mean fourteen or fifteen men unarmed, pitted against over a hundred, thoroughly equipped and trained fighters.  To be sure these were at present, without a leader, yet their force alone was sufficient to overcome us, and some one among them would doubtless assume leadership in an emergency.  Only by confining them below, with hatches battened down, and a carronade trained upon them, would we be safe.

I sat where I could watch the stairs, and the entire forward part of the cabin.  Gunsaules lowered the table, and began preparing the morning meal.  He glanced at me each time he passed, but ventured on no questioning, although it was quite evident the fellow was nearly bursting from curiosity.  I lit my pipe, endeavoring to appear entirely at ease, as I turned over and over again in mind every detail of the contemplated action.  With each review the result seemed more certainly assured, and my courage revived.  Except for some accident, or act of treachery, I could perceive no reason why my plan should not work perfectly.  It was evident that LeVere was endeavoring to keep the watch on deck busy.  I could hear his voice frequently, calling out orders and occasionally singling out some man for a special task.  A slushing of water proved that the deck amidships was being washed down, and twice, at least, men were sent aloft to make some change in the spread of canvas.