"Oh, yes. There it is right ahead."
I looked. Sure enough, land was not a great distance off.
"I'm going to get out of the way," I said suddenly. "Mr. Ranson, you will see me later."
"Do as you think best. I will stand by you."
I walked off. I was not sure of my course, and entered the forecastle to arrange my plans.
By this time the captain had come on deck. He saw where we were, and gave orders to lower some of the sails, and then called Lowell to consult with him.
Seeing that I was not being noticed, I slipped from the forecastle to the companionway. In a moment I was down the steps and in the cabin.
No one was present. Even Phil Jones was away; I could hear him talking to the cook in the galley. I had the place all to myself, and now was the chance to do the work I wished to accomplish.
I will not deny that I was nervous, and for the first moment my hand trembled so that I could hardly open what I touched.
But presently I grew more composed and even reckless, and ransacked whatever came beneath my notice.