German officer---but he failed to
show up when we sailed. Now I have run across you I am damned glad he
did. You are more the style of man I want. Come, now, I don't believe
you can afford to turn this offer down."

"It looks good," I confessed, but still hesitating. "Only I shall have
to have it in writing, and more in detail."

"We'll talk that over in the morning; it's late now. Take the third
stateroom starboard: it's all ready for you."

"Then I am no longer to consider myself a prisoner onboard?"

"Certainly not. Practically you are one of us."

"And I have the freedom of the deck?"

He smiled grimly, gazing intently at me.

"That is safe enough, I reckon, even if I questioned your interest in
this adventure. There must be ten miles of water already between us
and the coast. There are no limits on your liberty, but I would n't
advise your going forward at present--not until the men understand the
situation--they 're a hard lot."

"Revolutionists?"

"Hell, no; plain New Orleans wharf rats, the scouring of the Seven
Seas."

"Who is first mate--the German?"

"Yes, Herman, a fine sailor; was with the Hamburg people until he had a
wreck. The Creole Broussard is second, and the two of them together
could tame a cargo of wild-cats. Is that all, Craig?"

"All at present."

"Good night then; think this over, and we 'll have another talk
tomorrow. The third starboard stateroom is yours."

I took his hand, feeling the sinewy grip of his lean, brown fingers,
and turned to the door, cursing myself under my breath for a weakling,
and yet utterly unable to perceive how I could choose otherwise. The
single lamp in the main cabin was turned low, only faintly illuminating
the interior. In the quiet I could feel the movement of the vessel,
and realized there was some sea on, although the engines were being
operated only at half speed. This seemed odd, if speed was desirable,
as I supposed it must be on a voyage of this nature. However that was
none of my affair, and, heaven knows, I had enough to consider in my
own situation. I was not in the least sleepy, and sank down in the
first chair to think, my eyes on the Captain's door. But I was not
disturbed. If this was my case exclusively I doubt if it would have
greatly worried me. Indeed, I might have rejoiced over the outlook,
welcoming the excitement, and rough experience promised in a new land.
I possessed the adventurous spirit, and the positio