I felt that I had already penetrated the cowardly plan of the Portuguese, but felt no inclination to interpose.  Indeed I had more occasion to dread the return of Sanchez to command than did Estada himself.  With me life was at stake; while with him it was but the goal of ambition and power.  Brutal and evil minded as Estada undoubtedly was, I had taken his measure, and felt confident of being able to outwit him; but Sanchez would prove a different problem, for he possessed brains and cool, resourceful courage.  Of the two he was far more to be feared.

For half an hour Estada hung about aft, apparently paying no attention to me, and yet watching my movements closely.  There was little to be done, but I thought it best to keep the watch reasonably busy, so they might thus learn that I knew my work.  They proved prompt and capable enough, although I was eyed with some curiosity when I went forward, and, no doubt was very thoroughly discussed behind my back.  The idlers amidships were a totally different class—­a mongrel scum, profanely chatting in Spanish, or swaggering about the deck, their very looks a challenge.  However they kept out of my way, and I found no occasion to interfere with their diversions.  After Estada left the deck the majority amused themselves gambling, and as I had received no orders to interfere, I permitted the games to proceed.  Mendez interfered only once on occasion of a brief fight.  My only instructions from the Portuguese on his going below was to call him at once if a sail was sighted.  Apparently he was satisfied of my ability to command the deck.

No occasion to call him arose during my watch.  The mist of fog slowly rose, and drifted away, leaving a wide view of ocean, but revealed no glimpse of any other craft.  The white-crested waves gleamed in the sun, as we plowed bravely through them, and the wind steadily decreased in violence.  I had the crew shake out reefs in jib and foresail, and was surprised myself at the sailing qualities of the bark.  In spite of breadth of beam, and heavy top-hamper, she possessed speed and ease of control, and must have been a pretty sight, as we bowled along through that deserted sea.  Before my watch was up I could see Gunsaules through the skylight busily preparing the table in the cabin below.  It was still daylight, but with a purple gleam across the waters, when LeVere arrived on deck for my relief.  We were talking together abaft the wheel when Estada appeared in the companion-way.

“Every promise of a clear night,” he said, glancing about at the horizon.  “Better change the course two points east LeVere; we are lying in too close to the coast for our purpose.  The table call will come very shortly, Senor Gates.”