‘When you see the place where you were cast up by the sea,’ said Wal, ‘you will wonder still more that you were not dashed to pieces. I see you are tired now. In the morning we can talk over what is best to be done.’
CHAPTER IX.
UP COUNTRY.
Edgar Foster accompanied Wal Jessop to Sydney, in order to give evidence before the Marine Board as to the cause of the disaster to the Distant Shore. He found he was the cynosure of all eyes on the ferry-boat, for the morning papers had given a glowing account of his bravery in saving Eva.
Wal Jessop felt proud of the fine lad by his side, who had so quickly recovered from his exertions, and seemed to have almost forgotten the horrors of the wreck in looking at the beautiful scene he now saw for the first time.
As the ferry-boat left the landing-stage at Watson’s Bay, Wal Jessop pointed out the narrow passage through the Heads, and Edgar saw with wondering eyes how near the ill-fated ship had been to the harbour of refuge.
‘If we could only have been driven through that passage instead of on to the rocks,’ said Edgar, ‘we might all have been alive now.’
‘It was a terrible thing to go down so near home,’ said Wal Jessop. ‘This is one of the best and safest harbours in the world.’
‘I have heard a good deal about it,’ said Edgar, smiling, ‘but I am not surprised at the enthusiastic way in which people praise its beauties. All I have heard or read gave me a very faint idea of the reality, which is far beyond any expectation I had formed.’
‘I’m glad to hear that,’ replied Wal Jessop. ‘People at times are apt to consider we “blow” too much about our harbour.’
‘Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon a scene like this,’ said Edgar.