"What do you mean to do, Phil?" asked the steward, opening his eyes very wide.
"We haven't time to talk about it now; but if there is any back-bone left in the men, we will have the bark before morning," I whispered in his ear.
"I'll do all I can."
"Where are the powder and ball for these guns and pistols?" I asked.
"Here, in that box in the corner."
"All right."
The cabin steward left the steerage, and I felt that I had an ally whose aid made success hopeful, if not certain. I was excited by the prospect. I intended, as soon as all was quiet in the cabin, to make my way to the forecastle through the between-decks, and stir up the men to carry out the project we had arranged. Right and justice, as well as self-preservation, demanded action.