that even the Portuguese reached the conclusion that she was not altogether regretful for this adventure and that it was safe for him to relax some degree of vigilance.  His manner became more gracious and, long before the meal ended, his language had a tendency to compliment and flatter.  I contented myself with occasional sentences.  The young woman sat directly across from me, our words overheard by all, and as I knew both men possessed some slight knowledge of English, I dare not venture beyond commonplace conversation in that tongue.  With quick wit she took her cue from me, so that nothing passed between us, either by word of mouth or glance of eye, to arouse suspicions.

Believing the feeling of confidence would be increased by such action, I was first to leave the table, and it being my watch below, immediately retired to my room, noisily closing the door after me, yet refraining from letting the latch catch, thus enjoying a slight opening through which to both see and hear.  Manuel did not linger long, making some excuse to go forward, but Estada remained for some time, endeavoring to entertain.  She laughed at his efforts and appeared interested in encouraging him, so that he kept his spirit of good humor even amid these difficulties.  His egotism made a fool of the man, yet even he finally became discouraged of making her comprehend his meaning, and lapsed into a silence which gave her an excuse to retire.  This was accomplished so graciously as to leave no sting, the fellow actually accompanying her to the door of her stateroom, bowing his compliments as she disappeared within.  The fool actually believed he had made a conquest and preened himself like a turkey cock.

“Gunsaules.”

“Senor.”

“You need not lock the Senorita in her room or guard her in any way hereafter.  She is permitted to come and go as she pleases aboard.”

“Si, Senor.”

“You have served the Captain and Jose?  Yes—­did the wounded man eat at all?”

“A little soup, Senor; he would taste nothing else.”

Estada entered his own stateroom, leaving the door ajar.  When he came out he had exchanged his coat for a rough jacket.  Thus attired for a turn on deck, he disappeared through the companion.

CHAPTER XVI

IN DOROTHY’S STATEROOM

I stood crouched, with eye at the crack watchful of every movement in the lighted cabin, my own decision made.  I must see and talk with Dorothy.  We must understand each other, and the earlier we could thus begin working together in unison, the better.  Gunsaules bore a tray of dishes from the Captain’s room and then, after carefully wiping up the main table, and sliding it up out of the way on its stantions, placed a bottle of brandy and some glasses on a swinging shelf.  Apparently satisfied that his work there was completed he turned down the light, and departed along the passage leading amidships.  A moment