4 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
before the captain was obliged to make sail, that 
he might get the ships through the intricate pas- 
sage of the Cockle Gat before it was dark. For- 
tunately, through the kindness of Lieutenant 
Hewit, of the Protector, I was enabled to convey 
a note to our missing companion, desiring him to 
proceed immediately by the coach to the Pent- 
land Firth, and from thence across the passage to 
Stromness, which appeared to be the only way of 
proceeding by which he could rejoin the party. 
- June 3.—The wind continuing favourable after 
leaving Yarmouth, about nine this morning we 
passed the rugged and bold _ projecting rock, 
termed Johnny Groat’s house, and soon after- 
wards Duncansby Head, and then entered the 
Pentland Firth. A pilot came from the main 
shore of Scotland, and steered the ship in safety 
between the different islands, to the outer anchor- 
age at Stromness, though the atmosphere was 
too dense for distinguishing any of the objects on 
the land. Almost immediately after the ship 
had anchored, the wind changed to N.W., the 
rain ceased, and a sight was then first obtained 
_ of the neighbouring islands, and of the town of 
", Stromness, the latter of which, from this point of 
view, and at this distance, presented a pleasing 
appearance. 
Mr. Geddes, the agent of the Hudson’s Bay 
