Edward wasn't too concerned that the gentleman didn't answer him. What did bother him was that the person just basically ignored him. Edward didn't particularly like being ignored and he certainly didn't feel like it was appropriate to just brush by a man. It also felt a little odd that the brushing seemed to happen after he had been passed. And the hold did hold some echo based upon the metallic nature of a ship's hold. It sounded like there was more than 1 set of footfalls going down the stairs.

Edward whirled about and headed back down the stairs and saw the man stop for a moment and heard something, but couldn't quite make it out. OY! You there. I apologize for interrupting, but you could have at least acknowledged my presence before you walked by me!