Watkins led the way up the main-mast ratlines, and Cole was first into the fore shrouds, the others following eagerly.  I watched them lay out on the yards and was heartened to hear the fellows sing as they worked, the canvas melting away as if by magic.  Only three men remained in sight on the main deck, the two guarding the closed hatch, and one watching the open scuttle leading into the deserted forecastle.  Back and forth in the galley the cook and his assistant passed the open door and Carter had disappeared through the companion.  I climbed the ladder to where LeVere stood on the poop, but carefully ignored his presence, my gaze on the scene aloft.  Twice I gave orders, changing the steering direction slightly, and commanding the lower sails reefed.  The mulatto scowling, joined me at the rail.

“Main-top there!” I called sharply.  “Anything to report?”

“No, sir; all haze off the port quarter, and nothing showing to starboard.”

“Keep a lookout; let the others lay down.”

LeVere fronted me.

“What’s all this about?” he asked.  “That’s no storm cloud yonder.”

“There is always danger in fog,” I answered coldly, “and besides there is no use carrying on until we know where we are bound.  My purpose is to keep the men busy, and then talk the situation over with them.  Have you any criticism of this plan, Senor LeVere?”

He hesitated, but his eyes were narrowed, and ugly.

“You’ll do as you please, but you told me we sailed for Porto Grande.  Was that a lie?”

“Not necessarily,” and I smiled grimly.  “Although I should not have hesitated to tell one under the circumstances.  I mean to leave that decision to the men themselves.  It is their lives that are in danger.”

“That damn scum! half of them are English and French.  All they want is to get away; they will never go back to Porto Grande without you make them.”

“How make them?”

“By false observations; there is no navigator forward.  It is a trick easy enough to play with a little nerve.  I would never have taken part in this mutiny if I had supposed you meant to play into the hands of the men.”

“It is very little part you took Senor LeVere, judging from what I saw.  You seemed quite content to stand aft here and look on.  However you are in it just as deeply as I am, and are going to play the game out with me to the end.  Do you understand that?”

“What you mean, Senor—­play it out?”

“Go on with the rest of us; take your chance with the men and do your duty.  I am captain here, and I know how to handle insubordination.  The first sign of treachery on your part, will send you below with those others.  I don’t trust you, and all I want is an excuse to put you out of the way—­so be careful what you do.”

I turned and walked away from him toward the forward rail.  The men were still aloft but coming in from off the yards.  Below me in the door of the companion, stood Dorothy, her eyes peering curiously about the deserted deck.  She glanced up, and saw me, the whole expression of her face changing.