I stood regarding him wonderingly.
"Now's your chance, Hump," he said.
"I don't understand," I lied, for I thoroughly understood.
"Oh, nothing," he added softly, as if he were drowsing; "only you've got me where you want me." "No, I haven't," I retorted; "for I want you a few thousand miles away from here." He chuckled, and thereafter spoke no more.

He did not stir as I passed by him and went down into the cabin.

I lifted the trap in the floor, but for some moments gazed dubiously into the darkness of the lazarette beneath.

I hesitated to descend.

What if his lying down were a ruse?
Pretty, indeed, to be caught there like a rat.