ut. As the ship drew
nearer the island, it appeared to be larger and higher than was at first
supposed, and covered with cocoa-nut and other trees. Rounding a point,
a narrow opening appeared. The ship's head was directed toward it, and,
guided by the old seaman, she passed safely through it, though it seemed
as if an active man could have leaped on shore from either side. So
clear, too, was the water, that the bottom could be seen below the
ship's keel. The order to "furl sails" was given, and the ship came to
an anchor in a broad lagoon, where she could lie secure from the
fiercest hurricanes of those regions. On one side was a sandy beach,
where the old sailor assured the captain the ship could be placed on
shore with safety, when her damages might be examined. The trees came
close down to the water's edge, and among them were seen several huts,
and ruins of huts, showing that the spot had at one time been inhabited,
but no persons appeared. Hauled up on shore, too, were several boats,
one or two in good repair, but the others considerably damaged. Broken
anchors, spars, pieces of cable, and other ship's gear lay scattered
about, confirming the account given by old Rullock. As there was no
time to be lost, the passengers immediately went on shore, and they and
the crew set to work to land their goods as well as the cargo, that the
ship, being lightened, might be hauled up for repair. The ruined huts
were repaired, and others were built, so as to afford shelter to the
passengers while this operation was going on. Every one worked with a
will, with the exception of two or three, Jonas Ford being one of them.
He grumbled greatly at having the voyage thus prolonged, and not ceasing
to blame the captain for the ship having failed to reach the Delaware at
the time expected. From a slight elevation near the harbour, a view of
the whole sea on that side of the island could be obtained. Old Rullock
had not been quite easy since their arrival. He had found evident
traces of a late visit of persons to the island, and he confided to
Wenlock his fears that should the vessel which had chased them have
escaped, she might possibly come into that harbour to repair damages.

One morning, soon after daybreak, and before the men were called to
their work, Rullock came hurrying into the village. Wenlock was the
first person he met.

"It is as I feared," he said. "I have just made out a tall ship
standing towards the isl