I fixed my eyes upon the deck.
‘Where was the brig bound to, can you tell me?’
‘To Toulon.’
‘From where?’
‘From Boulogne-sur-Mer.’
He ran his eyes over me again but was interrupted in what he was about to say by the emergence of the three sailors.
‘There’s nothin’ living to be seen,’ said one of them.
‘What is to be seen?’ said the young mate.
‘Vy, sir, in both cabins nautical instruments, charts, vearing apparel, Vellington boots, bedding, and de likes of such things as them.’
‘We have rummaged the brig,’ said the young officer; ‘there’s nothing left alive in her but this poor woman. Get the boat alongside, men. Are you strong enough,’ said he, turning to me, ‘to ascend those steps without aid?’