I never was so astonished in my life, not knowing what he intended, and thinking that the wines and liquors he had drunk had set him entirely beside himself.

He proceeded to talk very coolly, however, saying he knew that I supposed him intoxicated, but that he was never more sober in his life.

He was only tired, he added, of lying in bed on such a fine night like a dog, and was determined to get up and dress, and go out on a frolic with the boat.

I can hardly tell what possessed me, but the words were no sooner out of his mouth than I felt a thrill of the greatest excitement and pleasure, and thought his mad idea one of the most delightful and most reasonable things in the world.

It was blowing almost a gale, and the weather was very cold--it being late in October.