He wanted to grapple his enemy somehow--to ascertain the nature of the game that was being played against him.

He had kept himself very quiet for this purpose, wishing to take Percival Nowell by surprise; and on this last day but one of the voyage, when he was able for the first time to rise from his berth, no one but the steward and the surgeon knew that he intended so to rise.
He had taken the steward in some measure into his confidence; and that official, after helping him to dress, left him seated in the cabin, while he went to ascertain the whereabouts of Mr.Nowell.

Mr.Martin, the steward, came back after about five minutes.
"He's in the saloon, sir, reading, quite alone.

You couldn't have a better opportunity of speaking to him." "That's a good fellow.

Then I'll go at once." "You'd better take my arm, sir; you're as weak as a baby, and the ship lurches a good deal to-day." "I'm not very strong, certainly.