It was clear that there were no fresh-water springs on the island, and that the vegetation depended entirely upon the rain that fell in the regular season.
But they discovered, from the top of the island, another and much larger one; lying, still again, some fifteen miles to the south.
After much deliberation, they determined to make for this; as it was of importance that they should have some news, of a place to which the goods could be transported, to carry back to the ship.
This island was much higher, and there appeared every probability that water, and all they required, would be found there.
Accordingly, taking their place in the canoe, they again paddled out through the entrance to the reef, and steered their course for their new discovery.
This was a large island, measuring at least, as they judged from the view of the one side, twenty miles round.

The shores were steep, and they rowed for some time before they succeeded in finding a place where a landing could be effected.

Then a deep bay suddenly opened out, and into this they rowed.
Scarcely had they fairly entered it when, from some bushes near the shore, two large war canoes, crowded with natives, shot out and made towards them.

The lads at first grasped their muskets, but Ned said: "Let the arms be.

We are here to make peace with the natives, and must take our chance." They stood up in the canoe, holding up their arms in token of amity.