Anyway, there was nothing else for it; 'twas a moment when one must cast timidity to the winds.
Yet I found it difficult to essay the first step in so desperate an enterprise.

For several moments I waited, hanging back within the shadow of the mast, gathering my wits together for the chances of the play, while endeavoring to pick out details of the situation along those silent, gloomy decks.

Owing to the mass of over-hanging cordage and the high wooden bulwarks on either side, the night appeared even darker than when I was above, perched on the dizzy yard.

Occasionally some deeper shadow, or the noise of voice or footfall, made apparent to me the life on board.

Toward the stern that steady tramping back and forth of the officer on watch continued uninterrupted, as he paced steadily from rail to rail.