When
Ready first saw her the wind was light, but latterly the breeze had
increased very much, and at last the brig took in her top-gallant
sails. The horizon behind the vessel, which had been quite clear, was
now banked up with clouds, and the waves curled in white foam over the
reefs of rocks extending from the island.
"The breeze is getting up strong, William," said Ready, "and she will
soon be down, if she is not frightened at the reefs, which she can see
plainer now the water is rough, than she could before."
"I trust she will not be afraid," replied William. "How far do you
think she is off now?"
"About five miles; not more. The wind has hauled round more to the
southward, and it is banking up fast, I see. I fear that we shall have
another smart gale; however, it won't last long. Come, let us hoist the
flags; we must not lose a chance; the flags will blow nice and clear
for them to see them."
William and Ready hoisted up the ensign first, and below it the flag,
with the ship's name, Pacific, in large letters upon it. "Now then,"
said Ready, as he made fast the halyards, "let us strike a light and
make a smoke; that will attract their notice.
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