The man reported it and the Captain was about ordering the guns turned on it, when an officer approached him and said: "Let us examine it.

We may learn something." The Captain consented to the officer going off to the little boat; but with repeated instructions to examine carefully before touching it.

It proved to be a beautifully built lady's pleasure boat that had broken from its moorings and drifted seaward, a piece of frayed line still hanging from her bow.

She was painted white and gilded, elegantly furnished with cushioned seats and handsomely ornamented.

An open book was found on one seat and a single oar rested on the bottom.