Pencroft prudently lowered the foresail, not wishing to be caught by a sudden gust while carrying too much canvas; it was perhaps an unnecessary precaution on such a calm night, but Pencroft was a prudent sailor and cannot be blamed for it.
C'était peut-être trop de précaution pour une nuit si calme, mais Pencroff était un marin prudent, et on n'aurait pu le blâmer.