I could even distinguish the dim outlines of his lower limbs as he passed and repassed before the single gleaming point of light on board.

I was also assured as to a group of seamen forward, hard against a steeper rise of the deck; once I heard the officer aft call out some unintelligible order, when one of the group detached himself from among those others and passed along the opposite side of the mast from where I lay, yet so close I could have touched him with extended hand.

I felt convinced a sentinel stood beside the hatch, and imagined I could distinguish the faint outlines of another farther back, near the rail.

Trusting to avoid interference from this latter soldier,--for I sought no risk of accident which might be escaped,--I crept around upon the opposite side of the deck from where I had been crouching so long.

Getting my new bearings as well as possible amid such confusing darkness, I finally set my teeth to it, rose, and bore directly down upon the hatchway, lurching somewhat heavily and unsteadily upon my feet.
Whatever vestige of doubt lingered as to the nature of my reception on board the "Santa Maria" was quickly out to rest.