'All hands stow canvas!' Mr. Sennit sang out.
With a young ordinary seaman Jack helped to furl the fore royal. And, that being neatly accomplished, he then slid down to the topgallant yard, where two extra men had already arrived. But instead of remaining near the mast he was sent out to the yardarm, where, of course, the work was much lighter than at the 'bunt,' or centre part of the sail.
The upper and lower topsails were also stowed, and then the whole port watch 'lay down' to the fore yard, Jack being still shifted outside of the men. With a cheery—
'Yoh, ho, we'll all sling duff at the cook,'
the big sail was rolled up snugly on the yard, and the men were soon on deck.
With the furling of all the canvas the yards were correctly squared in their lifts and braces, the ropes were coiled on the belaying-pins, and a general 'knock off of work' followed the safe completion of the voyage.
Jack's attention was immediately directed toward the appearance of the country in which he had just arrived, and many emigrants also peered landward.
Moreton Bay was of considerable size, deep water and good anchorage being readily found anywhere, but of signs of habitations not a trace existed, and many people openly discussed the means of existence in such an apparently desolate spot.
The land all round seemed of a uniform flatness, and thickly covered with trees and undergrowth, while of the River Brisbane, or the city of that name beside which it was supposed to flow, not the slightest sign was visible.
But it was not long before black smoke was seen rising above the 'bush' some distance beyond the inner end of the bay, while out of the foliage there a small steamer suddenly emerged, and speedily made fast alongside the clipper.