Happily, about this time, another opening was perceived, nearly a mile to the westward.

Our commander immediately sent Mr.Hicks, the first lieutenant, to examine it; and in the meanwhile the Endeavour struggled hard with the flood, sometimes gaining, and sometimes losing ground.

During this severe service, every man did his duty with as much calmness and regularity as if no danger had been near.

At length Mr.Hicks returned with the intelligence, that the opening, though narrow and hazardous, was capable of being passed.

The bare possibility of passing it was encouragement sufficient to make the attempt; and indeed all danger was less to be dreaded by our people, than that of continuing in their present situation.