226 VOYAGE TO THE 



imminent danger of being thrown upon the rocks, 

 and her escape is entirely attributable to the rapid 

 descent of the coral reef, which at times was 

 almost under her bottom. She, however, fortu- 

 nately cleared the reef, and was immediately in 

 safety. After collecting the necessary information, 

 we steered for Bow Island, which was seen from the 

 mast-head at three o'clock the same afternoon. 



