“Then we can do nothing further, until I learn the disposition of the crew,” I said quietly.  “Estada is not likely to resort to extreme measures at present.  He has two objects before him—–­to permit Sanchez to die of his wounds, if that is at all probable; and to win the men by some successful capture.  These fellows only retain command by success.  The taking of a rich ship will make Estada a hero, while a defeat would mean his overthrow, and the ascendancy of someone else.  There is no other test of a robber chief.  Estada knows this, and will not dare act until he has put clinking coin in the pockets of his men.  That is why I believe you are comparatively safe now—­his own position of command is in the balance.”

“I am glad you explained that to me, The knowledge will give me more confidence.”

“Do not rely too much on his control of himself.  There is no trust to be put in such a man.  I must go now, and endeavor to reach my quarters unseen.”

“I will see you again?”

“Perhaps not here; it is too dangerous, but I will find means to communicate with you.  Possibly the steward can be trusted as a messenger; I will talk with him and make sure.  Meanwhile we must not appear interested in each other.  Good-bye.”

We stood with hands clasped in the darkness.  I thought she was going to speak again, but the words failed to come.  Then suddenly, silently, the door opened a mere crack, letting in a gleam of yellow light from the main cabin, while the crouching figure of a man, like a gliding shadow slipped through the aperture, closing the door behind him as softly as he had opened it.  I heard her catch her breath, and felt her hands grasp my sleeve, but I never stirred.  The fellow had neither seen nor heard us, and I stared into the black curtain, endeavoring to locate him by some sound of movement.

Who could he be?  What might be the purpose of his entrance?  But one answer occurred to me—­Pedro Estada, driven by unbridled passions to attack the girl.  Mad as such an act would be, yet no other explanation seemed possible.  I thrust her behind me, and took a step forward, with body poised for action.  I was unarmed, but cared little for that in the swift desire felt to come to hand grips with the brute.  I could hear him now, slowly and cautiously feeling his way toward us through the darkness.

CHAPTER XVII

A MURDER ON BOARD

The fellow made scarcely a sound as he advanced, yet, as I waited breathlessly, I felt assured of his stealthy approach.  To be certain of free space I extended one hand and my fingers came into unexpected contact with the back of a chair.  Without moving my body I grasped this welcome weapon of defense and swung it above my head.  Whoever the invader creeping upon us might prove to be, he was certainly an enemy, actuated by some foul purpose, and, no doubt armed.  To strike him down as quickly and silently as possible was therefore the plain duty of the moment.  I had no other thought.