at we should stand into the harbour as proposed.
Approaching nearer we made out several channels apparently between
islands, inside of which we might at all events find good anchorage.
Captain Haiselden offered to lead the way, and shortening sail, with the
lead going, we stood on.

The water was deep, the hills rising on either side of us covered with
the richest vegetation. Rounding a point we presently found ourselves
in a beautiful land-locked harbour, from the sandy shore of which rose
heights, covered like the island with fine trees of varied foliage,
while a glittering cascade falling from above formed a bright stream
which made its way into the bay.

Having brought up as agreed on, we fired a gun, and Uncle Jack pulled
off in the whale boat to pilot in the "Iris," which had hove to outside.
In a short time we had the satisfaction of seeing her rounding the
point, and she brought up near us. As she by this time had almost
exhausted her stock of water, her boats and ours went in to obtain a
supply. Hitherto no natives had been seen, but in case any should make
their appearance, we had a guard with loaded muskets ready to protect
the watering party. It occurred to us that had there been any natives
in the neighbourhood the sound of our gun, which reverberated loudly
among the hills, might have kept them at a distance. The operation of
watering occupied us for the greater part of the day, and it was agreed
that it was too late to set off in the boats until the following
morning. In the meantime every preparation was made for the proposed
expedition.

The chart, which was very imperfect, helped us but little, but by
Captain Bingley's calculations the wreck was about twenty miles to the
southward, which might take us, should the weather continue favourable,
five or six hours to reach. We were to go on shore at the most
convenient landing-place we could find to the northward of the spot, and
try and open up a communication with any of the natives we might see,
not knowing whether they might prove utter savages or semi-civilised,
like the Malay tribes inhabiting many of the islands in the
neighbourhood. We were to carry goods of various descriptions, axes and
knives and coloured cloth, as well as beads and rings and
looking-glasses.

I scarcely slept a wink during my watch below, thinking of the
possibility of meeting with my father before the next day was over. I
was to accompany Uncle Jack in the whale b