The sails were furled, and everything put in order by the seamen, who then took the boat and pulled on shore.
"They might as well have asked leave," thought Jack.

In an hour they returned, and, after a short discussion, came aft to our hero in a body.
The coxswain was spokesman.

He said that they had had hard work, and required now to have some rest--that there were provisions on board for three months, so that there could not be any hurry, and that they had found they could pitch a tent very well on shore, and live there for a short time; and that, as there was no harm in getting drunk on shore, they expected that they might be allowed to take provisions and plenty of wine with them, and that the men had desired him to ask leave, because they were determined to go whether or no.

Jack was about to answer with the handspike, but perceiving that the men had all put on their cutlasses, and had their pistols at their belts, he thought proper to consult Mesty, who, perceiving that resistance was useless, advised Jack to submit, observing that the sooner all the wine was gone the better, as there would be nothing done while it lasted.
Jack, therefore, very graciously told them that they should have their own way, and he would stay there as long as they pleased.

Mesty gave them the keys of the provision-hatch, and told them, with a grin, to help themselves.