'The mate says we are going through Torres Strait,' Jack said.
'A mighty rough spot, Master Jack,' Readyman replied. 'I've never been there, but a mate of mine once sailed that way, and was no more seen. It's full of coral reefs and islands, and some cannibals, I'm told, and woe betide the craft that runs ashore.'
'I hope we shall have better luck,' Jack returned.
That afternoon some signalling passed between the 'Alert' and the brig which had come out with her from the river, and it was then arranged that both should keep together while passing through Torres Strait, the ninety miles wide channel lying between Cape York in Australia and the shores of New Guinea.
Of the ship they took no notice, partly because she was a German, and partly owing to her keeping a more off-shore course.
The weather continued delightful, and for many days the two vessels sailed along the mainland, passed Moreton Bay, and the new settlement farther north known as Rockhampton. At last they were abreast of the southern end of that wonderful marine formation named the Great Barrier Reef, which, an almost unbroken line of coral, extends southward from Cape York for a distance of fourteen hundred miles.
This remarkable structure varies considerably in its distance from the mainland. At places toward the north it is not more than ten or twelve miles off, but farther south, and especially toward its end, it is as much as one hundred miles away, while the channel between it and the shore can be navigated with ease. Its seaward face rises almost perpendicularly from the ocean, and in some places narrow passages admit small craft.
For Jack Clewlin the new life on which he had ventured was daily becoming more and more interesting, and he and Readyman never regretted the change.
Day by day both vessels kept well together, the brig sometimes forging far ahead in the light winds, while on other occasions the barque easily passed her in strong breezes. At last they reached the northern end of the Great Reef, it and the main coast being visible; and, having left some islands astern, the entrance of the dreaded strait was found.
The utmost vigilance was now maintained. To the vast delight of all hands, a splendid fair wind began to freshen, just as the dawn of a beautiful morning showed eastward.