Again was the helm put up, and they narrowly escaped.

As soon as the sails were trimmed the men came aft and proposed that if they could find anchorage they should run into it, for they were quite tired out.

This was true, and Jack consulted with Mesty, who thought it advisable to agree to the proposal.
That the islands were not inhabited was very evident.

The only point to ascertain was, if there were good anchorage.

The coxswain offered to go in the boat and examine; and, with four men, he set off, and in about an hour returned, stating that there was plenty of water, and that it was as smooth as a mill-pond, being land-locked on every side.
As they could not weigh the bower-anchor they bent the kedge, and running in without accident, came to in a small bay, between the islands, in seven fathoms water.