Some of the men were having a nap, and the heat below must have been very great, for it was scorching on deck.
At last we were abreast of the rocky islands dotted here and there, and upon the reef I could just make out a few pieces of the burned vessel.
But as I swept the rocky islets and channels and then the horizon, I could not make out a sail, only our companion the junk, with her bows and stern high out of the water, sailing easily along that fine afternoon.
Another hour passed, and there were rocky islands on our starboard bow and two astern, but not a sign of inhabitant, only high bluffs, rugged cliffs, and narrow channels between reefs whitened by the constant breaking upon them of a heavy swell.
"Rather slow work, Reardon," said the captain, as they two came by where I was at the bulwark, using a small glass.

"See anything, Mr Herrick ?" "No, sir," I said.
"No, sir, indeed; of course you don't," cried the captain impatiently.
"Nice trick you've played me, sir.

Made me dress up my men and the ship in this tomfool way.

There you are using your glass.

What have you got to say for yourself, eh ?" I could not tell whether he was speaking banteringly or really angrily, and, keeping my glass to my eye in the hope of seeing something to report, I mumbled out some excuse about meaning it for the best.
"Best, indeed!" he said pettishly.