I said: "Is there fresh water in it?"
"It is nearly full. Prins keeps it replenished."
I said: "Are bottles to be had?"
She reflected and answered: "There are jars in which wine is kept, but I do not know where to find them."
'Twas my turn to think. I then cried: "There is a silver flagon in the box under the table; that which Prins took away last week and brought back filled with sherry for Vanderdecken. Can you get it?"
"Yes."
"We may not need it; if so we will leave it. Vanderdecken shall not say that we have plundered him though we must risk a graver charge even than that if there be occasion. Dearest, convey that flagon to your cabin. Fill it with fresh water in readiness. We shall find fresh water sweeter than the richest wine. Also contrive to have the pitcher filled to the brim. Prins will do that and suspect nothing. You will invent a reason, and when it is filled cork it as securely as possible and bind the head with stout rag that what you use as a cork may not fall out."
She said she would go and see about it at once.
"A moment," I whispered. "Is the window of your quarter-gallery open?"