Page 155 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat
P. 155
136 SURVEY or THE [CH.
and sheet anchors, and veered on all our
chains.
At daylight, affairs wore a serious aspect.
The ship was anchored under a reef of rocks,
in some degree sheltered by a point, distant
about a mile and a half. But as the wind in
creased, the swell continued to get higher;
and it soon became apparent, if the vessel
should drive off the bank, and cant with her
head in-shore, that she must go to pieces.
The coast was similar to that which I
have before described—a steep precipice of
smooth, grey granite, having, on a level with
the surface of the water, a short, narrow
projecting ridge of rocks, against which the
sea was lashing and foaming with much fury.
Our chains were therefore all unshackled,
and the ends kept on deck in readiness.
Boats were secured, and all necessary prepa
rations made either for slipping or encounter
ing the breeze. Our bagahi, also, was de
spatched nearer the shore, so that, if again
between banks which suddenly contract their width. In such
situations the water rushes onwards with terrific impetuosity in an
accumulated mass several feet in height, accompanied by a deaf
ening noise.
