We had seen, but because it told us that we had
passed the Cape, - were in the Atlantic, - and that, with twenty-
four hours of this breeze, might bid defiance to the Southern
Ocean. It told us, too, our latitude and longitude better than
any observation; and the captain now knew where we were, as well
as if we were off the end of Long wharf.
In the general joy, Mr. N. said he should like to go ashore upon
the island and examine a spot which probably no human being had
ever set foot upon; but the captain intimated that he would see the
island - specimens and all, - in - another place, before he would get
out a boat or delay the ship one moment for him.
We left the land gradually astern; and at sundown had the
Atlantic Ocean clear before us.
CHAPTER XXXIII
CRACKING ON - PROGRESS HOMEWARD - A PLEASANT SUNDAY - A FINE SIGHT -
BY-PLAY
It is usual, in voyages round the Cape from the Pacific, to keep
to the eastward of the Falkland Islands; but as it had now set in
a strong, steady, and clear south-wester, with every prospect of
its lasting, and we had had enough of high latitudes, the captain
determined to stand immediately to the northward, running inside
the Falkland Islands.
