storeroom."

I opened the door, and stepped out into the main cabin, the roll of
charts under my arm. The place was deserted, and, with a glance
about, met Estada's eyes observing me closely. He didn't wait for me
to question him.

"Captain Sanchez's stateroom is aft," he said, with a wave of the
hand.

"The entire width of the bark?"

"No, there are two rooms."

"He is left alone?"

"Jose is with him--a negro, with a knack at nursing."

"Who else is quartered aft here?"

He ignored the one thing I most desired to learn, but I did not press
it, believing I knew the answer already.

"LeVere has this middle stateroom, and Mendez the one forward."

"What rank has Mendez?"

"Third officer, and carpenter. Just at present with LeVere required on
deck, he has charge of the men below."