With but two watch officers on board, only one at a time could leave the deck, and Broussard, I felt assured, had no privileges in the Captain's cabin.

From what I knew of Henley I doubted if even the first officer felt privileged to invade the privacy of his chief without some special reason.

There was discipline on board, strict discipline; there had to be to control such a crew, and it was my impression Henley was the very kind to insist on every privilege of his station.

Herman was of value merely for his ability as navigator; socially, the Captain and he had nothing in common.

It was on this theory I decided to work.
As I lifted the helpless Captain into his berth, his eyes glaring at me in impotent rage, my ears could distinguish the sound of oars as the small boat rounded the stern of the _Sea Gull_.