would have been impossible. Influenced by these considerations, we gave up the idea; and being now in two fathoms water, we lowered the sails, and hove out a grappling, which, assisted by the rebounding swells kept the boat from drifting. By this time, the day had closed, and the aspect of the sky led us to expect moderate weather.
This part of the coast, from the numerous fires observed on the hills near us, appeared to be well inhabited; but not knowing how we might have been treated, had we been in the power of the fierce and lawless natives, we were rather pleased than otherwise, that such a powerful barrier intervened.
We now joined cheerfully, and partook of our frugal fare; and then, thanks being offered to our Almighty Preserver, we disposed ourselves in the best way we could to rest, and, undisturbed by fears of foundering, enjoyed a night's refreshing repose.
At daylight, we got under weigh; but we had not proceeded far when the rain fell in torrents, accompanied by a very dense fog, which prevented our seeing to any distance. About nine, P.M., we had approached very near to the land, which was considered the south-west point of Timor; off which we perceived a reef extending about a mile. By hauling up, we were able to clear the breakers; but, being just on the verge of them, we got into a very turbulent and confused sea, which, in a short time, we cleared. As the land now trended to the northward, we altered our course accord-
