fresh-water lake described by Flinders, as existing
there, we should find abundance of the flag-reed for
our support. Keeping a little behind the shore
for the first hour, we crossed over the sandy ridge
bounding it, and upon looking towards the sea, I thought
I discovered a boat sailing in the bay. Upon pointing
this object out to Wylie, he was of the same opinion
with myself, and we at once descended towards the
shore, but on our arrival were greatly disappointed
at not being able again to see the object of our search.
In the course of half an hour, however, whilst resting
ourselves and watching the surface of the ocean, it
again became visible, and soon after a second appeared.
It was now evident that both these were boats, and
that we had noticed them only when standing off shore,
and the light shone upon their sails, and had lost
them when upon the opposite tack. It was equally
apparent they were standing out from the main land
for the islands. I imagined them to be sealers,
who having entered the bay to procure water or firewood,
were again steering towards the islands to fish.
Having hastily made a fire upon one of the sand-hills,
we fired shots, shouted, waved handkerchiefs, and
made every signal we could to attract attention, but
in vain. They were too far away to see, or too
busy to look towards us. The hopes we had entertained
were as suddenly disappointed as they had been excited,
and we stood silently and sullenly gazing after the
boats as they gradually receded from our view.
Whilst thus occupied and brooding over our disappointment,
we were surprised to see both boats suddenly lower
their sails, and apparently commence fishing.
Watching them steadily we now perceived that they were
whale boats, and once more our hearts beat with hope,
for I felt sure that they must belong to some vessel
whaling in the neighbourhood. We now anxiously
scanned the horizon in every direction, and at last
were delighted beyond measure to perceive to the westward
the masts of a large ship, peeping above a rocky island
which had heretofore concealed her from our view.
She was apparently about six miles from us, and as
far as we could judge from so great a distance, seemed
to be at anchor near the shore.
Poor Wylie’s joy now knew no bounds, and he
leapt and skipped about with delight as he congratulated
me once more upon the prospect of getting plenty to
eat. I was not less pleased than he was, and almost
as absurd, for although the vessel was quietly at
anchor so near us, with no sails loose and her boats
away, I could not help fearing that she might disappear
before we could get to her, or attract the notice of
those on board. To prevent such a calamity, I
mounted one of the strongest horses and pushed on
by myself as rapidly as the heavy nature of the sands
would allow, leaving Wylie at his own especial request
to bring on the other horses. In a short time
I arrived upon the summit of a rocky cliff, opposite
to a fine large barque lying at anchor in a well sheltered