Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/141

1837.] length, was seven fathoms, sand. The swell was very high, not cresting outside of us, but roaring fiercely within, where all was one sheet of foam.

I am inclined to think this must have been an off-shore shoal; as at the time I quitted the deck no land could be seen within three miles of us. I did not make any signals until we reached forty fathoms, (fearing to draw Starling into danger,) when lights were shown, a blue light burned, and a gun fired. She did not perceive or did not answer, and my anxiety during the night was great. But trusting to the tried caution of Kellett, I felt easier for the Starling than if she had been in other hands.

During the night the wind and sea increased much, making her plunge heavily, but before daylight the weather had moderated, and the wind shifting to the westward, enabled us to crowd canvass for Norfolk Sound.