We were now in a sad plight, having lost our two best men, and being doubtful if we had strength left to hoist our mainsail.

We had only two days' water on board, and the small, rocky, volcanic island did not promise us much chance of finding any.

The conduct of the men on shore was such as to render it doubtful if they would make any serious attempt to reach us, though they might easily do so, having two good choppers, with which in a day they could male a small outrigger raft on which they could safely cross the two miles of smooth sea with the wind right aft, if they started from the east end of the island, so as to allow for the current.

I could only hope they would be sensible enough to make the attempt, and determined to stay as long as I could to give them the chance.
We passed an anxious night, fearful of again breaking our anchor or rattan cable.

In the morning (23d), finding all secure, I waded on shore with my two men, leaving the old steersman and the cook on board, with a loaded musketto recall us if needed.