The wind began to fall so light when they had sailed a few miles, that it was evident that before long they would have a similar calm to that which they had experienced on the previous day.
“My brain’s a little foggy about where the opening in the reef is,” said the captain soon after breakfast; “and I am rather anxious to get inside before the wind drops, for one never knows what weather one is going to have in these latitudes at this time of year, especially after a calm.”
“Are you sure there is an opening in the reef?” asked the doctor anxiously.
“Oh yes, I’m sure of that,” said the captain, “for I rowed through it and landed; but it’s some years ago, and one can’t recollect everything. Suppose you go aloft, Bartlett, with the glass, and see what you can make out.”
“May I come with you, Mr Bartlett, and bring mine?” said Jack eagerly.
“Glad of your company,” replied the mate. “You take one side and I’ll take the other.”
“Ay, that will be best,” said the captain; “for our main-top is not like that of a man-o’-war.”
Sir John looked a little anxious, but he said nothing, and stood watching as Jack went to the starboard main shrouds and began to ascend rather awkwardly but with a quiet determination which soon landed him in the little top, where he and the mate levelled their glasses, and began to trace the edge of the reef where the great rollers were foaming, but nothing was visible, till all at once Jack said—
“What will the opening be like?”
“A spot where there is no foam—no breakers curling over.”