And finding some in a clumsy cask, drank long and freely, and to our thirsty souls' content.
The wind now freshening, and the rent sails like to blow from the yards, we brought the brigantine to the wind, and brailed up the canvas.

This left us at liberty to examine the craft, though, unfortunately, the night was growing hazy.
All this while our boat was still towing alongside; and I was about to drop it astern, when Jarl, ever cautious, declared it safer where it was; since, if there were people on board, they would most likely be down in the cabin, from the dead-lights of which, mischief might be done to the Chamois.
It was then, that my comrade observed, that the brigantine had no boats, a circumstance most unusual in any sort of a vessel at sea.
But marking this, I was exceedingly gratified.

It seemed to indicate, as I had opined, that from some cause or other, she must have been abandoned of her crew.

And in a good measure this dispelled my fears of foul play, and the apprehension of contagion.

Encouraged by these reflections, I now resolved to descend, and explore the cabin, though sorely against Jarl's counsel.