His interest was concentrated elsewhere, and, in all probability, he could not swear whether I was black or white.

If others of that devilish crew had been secretly watching our deck it was with no thought of me; and not one of them would retain any memory of my appearance.

If only I might once succeed in getting safely aboard, slightly disguised perhaps, and mingle unnoticed among the crew, the chances were not bad for me to pass undetected.

No doubt they were a heterogeneous bunch, drawn from every breed and race, and in no small force either, for their trade was not so much seamanship as rapine and fighting.

Such ships carried large crews, and were constantly changing in personnel.
A strange face appearing among them need not arouse undue suspicion.
From what Estada had reported to Sanchez, I knew boats had been sent ashore on this coast.