and was about two miles in length.
That there was a bar at the entrance of the harbour was evident from the
way the water broke completely across it; but, from the size of the
basin, it would have contained a fleet of ships as large as the
_Empress_. While they were looking at the shore, a Dutch flag was run
up to the end of a staff at the end of a high rock at the southern side
of the entrance.

"Sure, I thought so!" said Pat, when he saw it. "That's the Flyin'
Dutchman. Before the boats reach the shore he an' his island will be
off again, an' lead us a pretty chase!"

"Maybe, Massa Pat," replied Peter, "if it come on calm, we beat him by
de steam. He hab always sail head to wind; but me tink dat big rock no
play us dat trick."

Before sending any of the boats on shore, Adair mustered all hands.

"Now, my lads," he said, "I have to tell you what I did not think it
right before to acknowledge, although you may have guessed it, that this
ship will not reach Aden or the Mauritius, or any other land that I know
of; and that, to save your lives, I propose running into yonder harbour
and beaching her to prevent her going down; but, remember, there is one
thing I must have--that is, strict discipline and obedience to orders.
You will understand that I will severely punish any man who exhibits
insubordination. It is as well to say that, at the same time, I know
that I can trust you. You have all shown what you can do by having kept
the ship afloat so long. You will, I know, work with a will, and every
man must do what is necessary for the preservation of our lives. Return
to the pumps until you can get the ship into harbour, or, if not, to
some spot where she can sink no lower."

The crew gave three cheers, and resumed their labours. Adair
immediately despatched two boats, with the first lieutenant and master,
to sound the entrance of the harbour and communicate with the person or
persons who had lighted the fire at night and hoisted the flag in the
morning.

The master in his boat led the way, sounding as he went, until the
entrance was nearly gained. Twelve feet were found, which shallowed to
eight, the greatest depth over the bar. As the boats got in closer
Green observed a person at the end of the point, dressed in a conical
goat-skin cap, with jacket and trousers of the same material, who had
been watching them closely and waving vehemently. The master, having
performed the first part of his duty, steer