Long before sunset we approached it close enough to see where we were going.
The nearest shore was that of an island, with high mountain peaks, but of little apparent extent, looking, as we saw it, barely a mile long.
Near this were three or four other islands, although further to the northwards; while on the extreme left, some miles to the westwards, was the high snow-white peak which the skipper had said was Cape Horn, standing on a little island of its own that stretched out into the sea to a more southerly point than any of the other islets composing the archipelago.
"Why, sir," said I to Captain Billings, "I always thought that Cape Horn was part of the mainland, jutting out from the end of Tierra del Fuego-- that's what my school geography taught, at all events!" "Oh, no," he replied.

"It is on an island, sure enough, as all mariners know, although these chaps that write books for schools may not think it island enough to mention the fact.

Where it stands is called Horn Island, and the next large one beyond it Wollaston Island; but I'm going to make for that little one ahead, as it is the nearest." "And what is that called ?" I asked.
"Herschel Island, after the great astronomer," answered the skipper.
"I've been here before, my lad, and recognise the whole lot of them, and that is how I come to know about 'em." "Are any people living there ?" said I, presently, the boat nearing the island so quickly that we could see a line of white beach, with the waves breaking on it, lying below the chain of mountain ridges that ran across it "fore and aft," as a sailor would describe it.
"Only cannibals," replied the skipper, placidly.
"Cannibals on Herschel Island, and we going there!" I exclaimed, half astonished, half frightened.
"Aye, they are there or thereabouts; but, at all events, we're going to land on Herschel Island, as it's a case with us of any port in a storm! Look out there, forwards!" he called out a moment or two after to the men.

"Be ready to down the mainsail when I give the word.

Steady with the sheets.