se up to it,
there would still be great danger, even should she succeed in making the
entrance.

The boat was reached, but now came the difficulty of launching her; for
the wind having shifted to the south, the sea raised across the broad
estuary drove directly into the bay. Could they once get her safely
through the surf, however, they might obtain shelter under the western
point, where a reef running out formed a natural breakwater. They ran
her down the beach, but when near the water both Harry and the boatswain
hesitated about attempting to launch her. Should they not succeed in
getting her quickly through the surf, one of the heavy seas which were
breaking on the shore might roll her over and knock her to pieces, as
well as endanger all their lives. Still, if they waited till any
accident happened to the ship, they might be too late to render
assistance to those on board.

As the stranger stood in, the English flag was seen flying at her peak,
and from her appearance the boatswain pronounced her to be a
merchantman, probably an Australian emigrant ship, and that if so she
would probably have numerous passengers on board.

"She has evidently been fearfully knocked about," said Harry, who was
looking at her through his spy-glass. "And I can only see one
quarter-boat. Come, lads, we must try to launch the cutter. Dicey and
Patch, do you jump in and stand by with the oars. When I give the word,
we will run her down without stopping, and back out as the sea falls
off."

Harry waited till a heavy sea broke on the shore, then all hands uniting
their strength, in another instant the boat was afloat. They leaped in,
the oars were out in a moment, and before the next sea broke, the boat
had been urged fifty fathoms from the beach. Only one small patch of
water was visible where she could remain in safety, close inside the
reef. They pulled towards it, the seas, as they rolled in, threatening
to capsize her. It was reached, and by keeping the boat's head towards
the outer rocks they were able to lie in comparative safety, and watch
the progress of the ship.

"If the wind holds she will get in, and may be come to anchor under the
south island," observed Bollard.

"It would be safer for her, then, to run up the inner harbour; for
should the wind afterwards shift, she would be placed in a dangerous
position," said Harry.

"No doubt about that, sir," observed Bollard. "The chances are that she
will leave he