She drew herself away from me gently, sat up and glanced about. "How tired you must be. I have been very selfish. There is nothing in sight?"
"Nothing."
"And the men are still asleep. Who are they?"
I named them as best I could, pointing out each in turn.
"Are they reliable—safe?" she asked. "You know them?"
"Not well, but they were selected by Watkins, as among the best on board the Namur. No doubt they will behave themselves."
"But they are pirates; they cannot be trusted."
"These fellows were not aboard the Namur from choice, but seamen captured on merchant ships and compelled to serve to preserve their lives. They are as eager to escape as we. Anyway I shall see to it that they do their duty. Sam!"
The negro looked up quickly.
"Yas, sah!"