So the boat was hoisted 'two blocks' in the davits, and again setting every inch of canvas that would draw, and quickly followed by the brig, away sped the barque, in a brave attempt to pass the most dangerous portion of the strait during daylight.
The decks being cleared up Jack enjoyed a substantial breakfast, and was then supplied with a quantity of biscuit for use during the day. Accompanied by Mr. Statten he returned to his former position at the masthead, with strict orders to keep watch and report all reefs in sight.
The position afforded an extensive range of vision, and it was not long before several streaks of white water under the port bow indicated coral just awash, while others were visible on the starboard beam. Between them, however, and as far as could be seen, the deep blue fairway remained unbroken; but when Jack 'shinned' up to the topgallant yard, he immediately perceived and reported the loom of land ahead.
'That's Thursday Island,' the mate replied. 'Keep close lookout for another, named Prince of Wales.'
Under her big press of sail the' Alert' raced along in grand style, but the brig was slowly dropping astern.
However, as plenty of good daylight would remain for several hours, not much notice was taken of her, and Jack became keenly interested in the beautiful scene spread out before him. Thursday Island was fast losing its cloud-like appearance, every portion of it being covered with trees and scrub, but no sign of habitation or natives was apparent.
The canvas of the barque swelled out splendidly in the fresh fair wind, mounds of foam rolled away from beneath the bow, while over all was an unclouded sky of brilliant blue.
Prince of Wales Island also hove in sight, and when the barque was nearly abreast of it Jack saw a white signal being energetically waved by someone ashore, and he immediately warned his companion.
'It might be a sign from the missing crew,' Mr. Statten said. He hailed the deck.
Captain Thorne promptly altered his course and stood in nearer to the island, where three white specks that lay up on a yellow beach proved to be European-built boats.