Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 2.djvu/46

 was seen just in time to put the helm a.lee, or we should have run upon it. June The weather was now so thick, that we could not see a mile around us; ve were therefore obliged to follow our former courses, to avoid the risk of running over a strange track in such unfavourable weather. At sunset we anchored under the lee of Piper's Islets. The next day we anchored under Sunday Island in Margaret Bay, at about half a mile from the sandy beach, on its north.west side. Here we were detained by bad weather until the 30h; when, with some slight appearance of improvement, and tired of losing so. much time, we weighed and proceeded on our course. ARer passing the Bird Isles, thick weather again set in, with constant rain, and a strong breeze from S.E. Upon reaching Cairncross Island, under which it was my intention to anchor, the sails were reduced; and, as we were in the act of letting go the anchor, Mr. Roe, who was at the mast-head holding thoughtlessly by the fore.topmast staysail.halliards, whilst the sail was being hauled down, was precipitated from a height of fifty feet, and fell senseless on the deck. We were now close to the reef; and, in the hurry and confusion attending the acci- dent, and the Dick at the same time luffing-up

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