He could see plenty of fish, but not a single shark, whilst on the inner slope of the reef was plainly visible the destroyed fore part of the _Sirdar_, which had struck beyond the tree, relatively to his present standpoint.

He had wondered why no boats were cast ashore.

Now he saw the reason.

Three of them were still fastened to the davits and carried down with the hull.
Seaward the water was not so clear.

The waves created patches of foam, and long submarine plants swayed gently in the undercurrent.
To reach Palm-tree Rock--anticipating its subsequent name--he must cross a space of some thirty feet and wade up to his waist.
He made the passage with ease.
Pitched against the hole of the tree was a long narrow case, very heavy, iron-clamped; and marked with letters in black triangles and the broad arrow of the British Government.
"Rifles, by all the gods!" shouted the sailor.