In our plying to get through between Pentare and Laubana we had (as I said) a good tide or current setting us to the southward.  And it is to be observed that near the shores in these parts we commonly find a tide setting northwardly or southwardly as the land lies; but the northwardly tide sets not above 3 hours in 12, having little strength; and sometimes it only checks the contrary current which runs with great violence, especially in narrow passes such as this between 2 islands.  It was 12 at night before we got clear of 2 other small islands that lay on the south side of the passage; and there we had a very violent tide setting us through against a brisk gale of wind.  Notwithstanding which I kept the pinnace out, for fear we should be becalmed.  For this is the same place through which I passed in the year 1687, mentioned in my Voyage round the World, only then we came out between the western small island and Laubana, and now we came through between the two small islands.  We sounded frequently but had no ground.  I said there that we came through between Omba and Pentare:  for we did not then see the opening between those 2 islands; which made me take the west side of Pentare for the west end of Omba, and Laubana for Pentare.  But now we saw the opening between Omba and Pentare; which was so narrow that I would not venture through:  besides I had now discovered my mistake, and hoped to meet with the other passage again, as indeed we did, and found it to be bold from side to side, which in the former voyage I did not know.

The island Timor.

After we were through we made the best of our way to Timor, and on May the 18th in the morning we saw it plain, and made the high land over Laphao the Portuguese factory, as also the high peak over our first watering-place, and a small round island about midway between them.

We coasted along the island Timor, intending to touch at Babao, to get a little water and refreshments.  I would not go into the bay where we first watered, because of the currents which there whirl about very strangely, especially at spring tides which were now setting in; besides, the south-east winds come down in flaws from the mountains, so that it would have been very dangerous for us.

Babao bay.

Wherefore we crowded all the sail we could to get to Babao before night, or at least to get sight of the sandy island at the entrance of the bay; but could not.  So we plied all night; and the next morning entered the bay.

There being good ground all over this bay we anchored at 2 o’clock in 30 fathom water, soft oazy ground.  And the morning after I sent my boat ashore with the seine to fish.  At noon she returned and brought enough for all the ship’s company.  They saw an Indian boat at a round rocky island about a mile from them.