"We are safe now," remarked the captain, as he gave his second in command charge of the deck, and approached Mr. Thornhill and Colonel Jeffery.
"I am happy it is so," replied Jeffery.
"Well, captain," said Mr. Thornhill, "I am glad we have done with being knocked about; we are anchored, and the water here appears smooth enough."
"It is so, and I dare say it will remain so; it is a beautiful basin of water—deep and good anchorage; but you see it is not large enough to make a fine harbour."
"True; but it is rocky."
"It is, and that may make it sometimes dangerous, though I don't know that it would be so in some gales. The sea may beat in at the opening, which is deep enough for anything to enter—even Noah's ark would enter easily enough."
"What will you do now?"
"Stay here a day or so, and send boats ashore to cut some pine trees, to refit the ship with masts."
"You have no staves, then?"
"Not enough for such a purpose; and we never do go out stored with such things."