If he was loaded with cane-sugar and hides for market, he wouldn't be nearly so high out of water.

That bark was in ballast, or I miss my guess.

Besides, if he was a trader, where was his crew?
There wasn't a single head popped over the rail while we were alongside; and that isn't natural.

Even a West India nigger has curiosity.

I tell you the men on board that hooker had orders to keep down." Fairfax stroked his chin, his eyes shifting from the distant vessel to Dorothy and Sanchez who were now making their way slowly aft, the latter grasping the girl's arm, and smirking as he talked rapidly.
"By God! but I believe you are right," he admitted frankly, "although it had not occurred to me before.