I had no wish to be the occasion for laughter; it would be better first to ascertain who these parties were, rather than create an unwarranted alarm.

The reasonable probability was they composed merely a party of innocent fishermen, returning home after a day of sport--plantation servants possibly, who having stolen away unobserved, were now endeavoring to beach their stolen boat, and reach quarters without being seen.

This theory appeared far more reasonable than the other, and, if it proved true, to arouse the sleepers on deck, would only result in making me a butt for ridicule.

It appeared safe enough for me to adventure alone, and I was at least determined to assure myself as to the identity of these strangers.

If they had actually landed it would require only a few moments to ascertain the truth, and I could accomplish this fully as well by myself, as though accompanied by others--indeed with less danger of discovery.