MAKE FOR KAMTSCHATKA. 339 
set, and steered with a fresh wind to the north- 
west, in the hope of falling in with the group 
Ralik. 
As darkness came on, we again took in most 
of the sails, and endeavoured to keep the vessel 
during the night as much as possible on the 
same spot. With break of day we continued 
our voyage; but the weather, hitherto so fine, 
now became very gloomy. The heavy rain per- 
mitted us only to see to a short distance; and as 
no hope of improvement appeared, I gave up 
the idea of visiting Ralik, and bent my course 
direct for Kamtschatka. 
We often thought and conversed upon the 
interesting inhabitants of Radack, of whom we 
had for ever taken leave. Since this chain lies 
far out of the course usually pursued by navi- 
gators in the South Sea, it will not soon be vi- 
sited again, and may in course of time be en- 
tirely forgotten. Whether this will be for their 
benefit or their misfortune, he who rules the des- 
tinies of man can alone foresee. 
It is certain that the Radack chain has been 
peopled much later than most of the South Sea 
