I dare say some old happening of the sort had taught them caution.
"There are thirty of us on board, mind you," the man who set us free said, as he gathered the loose cords and went his way.

"Better join us offhand, and make the best of the business." "Good advice that, maybe," said Dalfin, stretching himself.

"Pass along yon ale pot.

I have a mighty thirst on me." "That is better," said the man, and laughed.
I heard him tell another that the Irishman would come round first; but Dalfin's foot had warned me that he spoke in no earnest.
Whether my friend had any plan in his mind I could not say, but at all events there was no use in making our bondage worse than it might be by sullenness.
It was good to be free from the lashings that had galled us so sorely, if we were still captives indeed, and had no mind to pass from the cramped cabin, if one may call the forepeak so much, to the deck where the foemen sat and made merry with the stores they had taken from us.

The wind was steady and light, and they had naught to do but rest and eat their supper.