"I will do just what you tell me to do," replied the steward.
"I have full confidence in you. Tie my hands up just as you found them, only not quite so tight."
He followed my directions; and, as I had finished my supper, he made fast my right arm to the stanchion. I had my doubts about trusting this man with the secret of the crew; but, since our party had given in their adherence to the mate, and the plan had been practically abandoned, so far as I knew, I did not feel that I need distrust him.
"Palmer, where do you sleep?" I asked.
"Here," he replied, pointing to his berth.
"What time do you turn in?"
"Any time when I can; sometimes at eight bells, sometimes at two."
"What time do the mate and the passengers turn in?"
"Mr. Waterford always turns in at eight when he has the mid-watch. The Spaniards sometimes sit up till eleven, but generally turn in by ten. Why do you ask, Phil?"
"If you really wish to serve me, Palmer, you can do so."