He would never dare ally himself openly, for the cost of such action would be too high.

On the other hand, from my knowledge of Kirby's desperate character, and previous exploits, I seriously doubted the efficacy of threatening him with lynch law.

He would be far more liable to defy a mob than yield to its demands.

Yet memory of those two helpless girls--more particularly that one over whose unconsciousness there hung the possibility of slavery--urged me strongly to attempt even the apparently impossible.

I had it in my mind to fight the man personally if, in no other way, I could attain my end; at least I would face him with every power and authority I could bring to bear.
With no other object in mind, and unarmed, never once dreaming of attack, I advanced alone along the dark, narrow strip of deck, leading toward the ladder which mounted to the wheelhouse.