Then we had time and courage to look back,
but not till then.
And what a sight we beheld! The horizon was illumined with
phosphorescent light from the breakers just passed through. The
rainstorm which had obscured the coast was so cleared away now that we
could see the whole field of danger behind us. One spot in particular,
the place where the breakers dashed over a rock which appeared awash, in
the glare flashed up a shaft of light that reached to the heavens.
This was the greatest danger we had yet encountered. The elasticity of
our canoe, not its bulk, saved it from destruction. Her light, springy
timbers and buoyant bamboo guards brought her upright again and again
through the fierce breakers. We were astonished at the feats of wonder
of our brave little craft.
Fatigued and worn with anxiety, when clear of the shoal we hauled to
under close reefs, heading off shore, and all hands lay down to rest
till daylight. Then, squaring away again, we set what sail the canoe
could carry, scudding before it, for the wind was still in our favour,
though blowing very hard. Nevertheless the weather seemed fine and
pleasant at this stage of our own pleased feelings.
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