'If she is in the Bay,' said he, 'she should be able to sail with you in a fortnight, and that is as quick as gold itself shall let you be in this climate.'
I was excited by his praise of the brig, and, standing up, I asked him to accompany me to the waterside, and search the Bay with his sight for her. But he had an engagement, so I stepped forth alone, there still remaining a long evening of daylight.
I made my way to the same place I had embarked from that afternoon, and looking at the scene of Bay which glowed like the sky with the evening splendour, stretching out from my feet, and brimming into gold trembling into purple to the white beach abreast, which ran in a curve flashing like light against the lip of the brine, I counted no less than twenty-two ships riding to their anchors: vessels of all rigs and of several nationalities, and, as though heaven were on my side in this time of trial and grief, I saw what I guessed was the vessel I was here to look for. She lay, curiously enough, immediately astern of the whaler—a milk-white figure, slightly swaying on the satin-smooth heave, with wet green gleams trembling along her as she lifted her metal sheathing.
I said to a coloured waterman who stood near, pointing to the brig:
'What brig is that, do you know?'
He answered immediately, 'De "Albatross," boss!'
'Ha!'
'From Sydney, boss.'
'When did she arrive?'
'Two yastardays, boss.'