Therefore at first I could identify nothing, but finally, out of the grotesque, shifting shadows, dimly appearing against the slightly lighter sky beyond, there suddenly arose, clearly defined, the gaunt limbs of a dead tree, bearing a faint resemblance to a gigantic cross.

I recalled that Sam had chanced to point this out to me on our upward voyage, and this glimpse obtained of it again now told me exactly where I had made shore.

This peculiar mark was at the extremity of the first headland lying north of the point itself, and consequently a straight course across the Bay, would land me within five hundred yards of where the _Namur_ had last been seen at anchor.
To a degree my immediate plan of action had been definitely mapped out within my own mind while toiling at the oars.

At least I had arrived at certain conclusions.

The one immediate object before me was to attain the bark in advance of Estada.