We had made ourselves as snug as it was possible to be in such weather,
under an awning of boat sails, and had kindled a fire in a tub at the
bottom of the boat, at which we had made ready some slices of beef, and
roasted some yams, and were, all hands, master and men, making ourselves
comfortable with a glass of grog, when the warp by which we rode
suddenly parted, from a puff of wind that eddied down on us over the
little cape, and before we could get the oars out, we were tailing on
the beach at the opposite side of the small bay. However, we soon
regained our original position, by which time all was calm again where
we lay; and this time, we sent the end of the line ashore, making it
fast round a tree, and once more rode in safety. But I could not sleep,
and the rain having ceased, the clouds broke away, and the moon once
more shone out cold, bright, and clear. I had stepped forward from
under the temporary awning, and was standing on the thwart, looking out
to windward, endeavouring to judge of the weather at sea, and debating
in my own mind whether it would be prudent to weigh before daylight, or
remain where we were. But all in the offing, beyond the small headland,
under the lee of which we lay, was dark and stormy water, and white
crested howling waves, although our snug little bay continued placid and
clear, with the moonbeams dancing on the twinkling ripple, that was lap,
lapping, an& sparkling like silver on the snow--white beach of sand and
broken shells; while the hills on shore that rose high and abrupt close
to, were covered with thick jungle, from which, here and there, a
pinnacle of naked grey rock would shoot up like a gigantic spectre, or a
tall tree would cast its long black shadow over the waving sea of green
leaves that undulated in the breeze beneath.
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