It was evident enough, however, that Estada had no intention of trusting me immediately with his real motives.  His confidence was limited, and his instructions related altogether to mere matters of ship routine.  I asked a few questions, and twice he lied coolly, but I dared not mention the girl in any way, for fear that even a casual reference to her presence on board, might arouse his suspicions of my interest.  We were at sea, and my presence aft gave me opportunity to observe all that was going on in the cabin.  I could await developments.  But I was becoming wearied by the man.

“I understand perfectly, Senor,” I broke in at last impatiently.  “You will have to take for granted that I can enforce sea discipline, and navigate your boat to whatever part of the ocean you desire to sail.  All I need is your orders.  This, I take it, is all you require of me?”

“Yes; I plan, you execute.”

“Very good; now about myself,” and I arose to my feet, determined to close the interview.  “I would study these charts, and figure out our probable position by dead reckoning—­there is little chance of having glimpse of the sun today; the fog out there grows heavier.  You say I may choose any stateroom on the port side?”

“They are all unoccupied, except one, used by the steward as a storeroom.”

I opened the door, and stepped out into the main cabin, the roll of charts under my arm.  The place was deserted, and, with a glance about, met Estada’s eyes observing me closely.  He didn’t wait for me to question him.

“Captain Sanchez’s stateroom is aft,” he said, with a wave of the hand.

“The entire width of the bark?”

“No, there are two rooms.”

“He is left alone?”

“Jose is with him—­a negro, with a knack at nursing.”

“Who else is quartered aft here?”

He ignored the one thing I most desired to learn, but I did not press it, believing I knew the answer already.

“LeVere has this middle stateroom, and Mendez the one forward.”

“What rank has Mendez?”

“Third officer, and carpenter.  Just at present with LeVere required on deck, he has charge of the men below.”

“The crew, you mean?”

“Not the working crew; they are quartered in the forecastle, and are largely English and Swede.  But we have to carry extra men, who bunk amidships—­hell-hounds to fight; damn mongrels of course.”

“You keep them below, all through the voyage?”

“They are allowed on deck amidships when we are at sea, but are not encouraged to mingle with the sailors.  We’re over a powder magazine all the time, Gates—­any spark might set it off.”

I opened one of the doors opposite, and glanced within.  The interior differed but little from that of the stateroom occupied by Estada, except it was minus the table.  No doubt they were all practically alike.

“This will do very well,” I said, quietly.  “Now how about clothes?  These I wear look rather rough for the new job.”