When the lieutenant took a survey of the prospect around him, he discovered, on the outside of the islands, and at the distance of two or three leagues from them, a reef of rocks, upon which the sea broke in a dreadful surf, and which extended farther than his sight could reach.
Hence, however, he collected, that there was no shoals beyond them; and, as he perceived several breaks or openings in the reef, and deep water between that and the islands, he entertained hopes of getting without the rocks.

But though he saw reason to indulge, in some degree, this expectation, the haziness of the weather prevented him from obtaining that satisfactory intelligence which he ardently desired.

He determined, therefore, by staying all night upon the island, to try whether the next day would not afford him a more distinct and comprehensive prospect.

Accordingly, the gentlemen took up their lodging under the shelter of a bush, which grew upon the beach.

Not many hours were devoted by them to sleep; for, at three in the morning, Mr.Cook mounted the hill a second time, but had the mortification of finding the weather much more hazy than it had been on the preceding day.