BOATS SEEN. 
65 
over the sandy ridge bounding it, and upon looking 
towards the sea, I thought I discovered a boat sail- 
ing in the bay. Upon pointing this object out to 
Wylie, he was of the same opinion with myself, and 
we at once descended towards the shore, but on our 
arrival were greatly disappointed at not being able 
again to see the object of our search. In the course 
of half an hour, however, whilst resting ourselves 
and watching the surface of the ocean, it again 
became visible, and soon after a second appeared. 
It was now evident that both these were boats, and 
that we had noticed them only when standing off 
shore, and the light shone upon their sails, and had 
lost them when upon the opposite tack. It was 
equally apparent they were standing out from the 
main land for the islands. I imagined them to be 
sealers, who having entered the bay to procure 
water or firewood, were again steering towards the 
islands to fish. Having hastily made a fire upon 
one of the sand-hills, we fired shots, shouted, waved 
handkerchiefs, and made every signal we could to 
attract attention, but in vain. They were too far 
away to see, or too busy to look towards us. The 
hopes we had entertained were as suddenly disap- 
pointed as they had been excited, and we stood 
silently and sullenly gazing after the boats as they 
gradually receded from our view. 
Whilst thus occupied and brooding over our dis- 
appointment, we were surprised to see both boats 
suddenly lower their sails, and apparently commence 
VOL. II. 
F 
