For the last time I tell you to be careful with your hands.

A sailor man would miss his fingers." He backed cautiously until his heels touched the ladder, meanwhile watching the eyes of the man.

He knew that the captain was consumed with rage, but angry and reckless as he was he would not dare to reach for a weapon of his own, while the pistol confronting him was held with such a steady hand.

He also listened for sounds made by other men on the ship, but heard none.

Then he began to back slowly up the stairway, continuing his running address.
"I know that your arms must be growing weary, captain," he said, and he enjoyed it as he said it, "but you won't have to keep 'em up much longer.