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8 however, we managed after some delay, by means of ropes and hooks; then, finding a broader channel of still water leading away from the current, we steered the vessel into it. The wind at times was favourable, and we got a considerable distance away from the volcanoes. The inlet now, however, began to turn in a northerly direction, so we commenced to search for a suitable place to leave the ship, with a view to explore the country on foot. Having found a broad, lagoon-like sheet of water nearly enclosed by the land, we made the Penguin secure, and began to make arrangements for a trip into the interior. It was agreed that one of the crew and myself should go inland to examine the territory, while the remaining three were to stay with the vessel and await our return.

From what we had already seen, we felt sure the climate would become more temperate as we advanced, and in this we were not disappointed.

My mate was Septimus Robinson, the most daring and hardy of all the crew. He was about thirty years of age, tall, muscular, well built, and what is known as a silent man; indeed, I felt that with him I should be able to overcome all difficulties.

The sun was always shining, water was plentiful,