Then he made his way back to the main deck, carrying the black staff.

Then her attention was drawn back to the main deck again.

Once again he tried to get back to the main deck and away from me.

He concluded they had to be on the main deck, outside.

He knew his only hope would be to get up onto the main deck.

The four men stepped outside and began to move toward the main deck.

The answer came just as he reached the main deck.

After a time his voice came up from the main deck.

He was down on the main deck and seeing me, came over.

Together, they started up another ladder toward the main deck.