“Come here, Gunsaules,” I said sternly.  “Step lively, lad; there’s nothing for you to fear.”

“Yes, Senor—­yes,” and; he crept forth from his partial cover, glancing fearfully from face to face as he advanced.

“Senor Estada has been killed during the night, and we have just captured his murderer,” I explained hastily.  “There is reason to believe this act was part of a conspiracy to seize the ship.”

“By Senor Manuel?” his eyes staring at me from out a white face.

“Yes, in connection with those fellows amidships.  Does that passage lead to their quarters?”

“It did once, Senor, but now there is a closed door.  The Captain Sanchez had it so arranged to prevent the men from coming aft.”

“What kind of a door?”

“Of oak, studded with iron, not only locked, but barred on this side.”

“You have no key?”

“No, Senor; there are but two—­one for the Captain and the other for him who commands the buccaneers.”

“Manuel?”

“Si, Senor.”

I stood there a moment silent, considering this information, and rapidly arranging in mind our future operations.  The only way the mutineers could reach the cabin then would be from the deck, descending through the companion.  So long as they remained unaware of the capture of Manuel there was little danger of their taking such action.  My faith in Gunsaules was not great, yet the probability was that he would remain loyal to whichever party held the upper hand.  That was ever the way with these men.

“Very well, steward,” I said.  “You go on about your work as though nothing had happened.  If any word of this affair gets to the crew, or to those fellows forward, I’ll hold you responsible.  Understand that!”

“Si, Senor.”

“You are not to leave this cabin without my permission, nor speak to anyone.  LeVere.”

The mulatto faced me respectfully enough, and I had a feeling he would obey orders, largely because he dare not rebel.

“Si, Senor.”

“They will be wondering why you are not on deck.  It will be better for you to take charge of the watch at once, and keep the men busy.  Relieve Watkins at the wheel and send the man down to me.  He can choose the fellows who will stick better than you could, and then can circulate among them without arousing suspicion.  Send him down at once quietly.”

He disappeared through the companion, while Gunsaules vanished within the storeroom, where I could hear him rummaging noisily about.  I sat down to wait the appearance of Watkins, satisfied that matters were already safely in my control.  That the English sailor would cooperate, I had no doubt, and as to LeVere, he had already gone too far to openly play the traitor.  It was full daylight now, and evidently a bright morning, although the swell of the sea remained heavy, and I judged there must be a strong wind.  Watkins, muffled to the ears in a heavy jacket, and with cap pulled down so I could scarcely see his face, shuffled down the steps.  He whipped off the cap and stood waiting.