upward, advancing
so cautiously progress was scarcely noticeable, and I could frequently
distinguish the voice of the anxious captain from the upper deck, above
the hiss of the steam, as he called some hasty warning. In all
probability we should have eventually been compelled to tie up against
the bank, and await daylight, but for the disappearance of the heavy
masses of clouds overhead, and the welcome gleam of myriads of stars,
reflected along the smooth surface of the water.

Three times, at intervals, I made an effort to explore the second deck,
but each time met with failure to accomplish my object. The narrow
space extending between rail and cabin never seemed entirely deserted,
and my last attempt brought me face to face with Mapes, who very curtly
ordered me below, accompanying his command with a profane request to
remain there. To protest, and thus possibly arouse the mate's
suspicion as to the purpose of my presence on board, would have
resulted in greater damage to our cause than any probable peril of the
coming night. So I obeyed without a word, deeming it best to lie down
quietly in the space allotted, and endeavor to think out some feasible
plan for the morrow, rather than be caught again prowling around
blindly in the dark. To assist me in this decision Mapes hung about
the lower deck, until satisfied that I had actually turned in.

But I made no effort to sleep, and my mind remained busy. Even in the
course of those brief excursions I had acquired some little information
of value, and of a nature to leave me more at ease. I was now
convinced that Kirby, whatever might be his ultimate purpose regarding
the girl, had no present intention of doing her further injury. He
contemplated no immediate attempt at forcible possession, and would be
well satisfied if he could only continue to hold her in strict
seclusion. The thing he was guarding against now, and while they
remained on board, was escape from discovery.

I could easily understand the reason for this. He dare not expose her
to the view of others, or permit her the slightest opportunity to
appeal to them for rescue. Whether the man still believed her to be of
negro blood, or not, the girl's unusual appearance would be certain to
exercise more weight than his unsupported word--her refined, Caucasian
face, the purity of her language, her simple story, would assuredly win
an instant response from many of those on board. These waters were too