A week after leaving Shark's Bay they came across the entrance to what looked like a good sized harbour. On either side trees were growing, and it was an inviting place, providing the passage was safe. Phil Danks sent out a boat to take soundings, and on their return the man in charge reported there was plenty of water, but that the bottom was rocky and covered with coral. His opinion was that a big coral reef existed all along the coast, which at low tide would be dangerous. Phil Danks agreed with him, and thought it would be the best plan to anchor outside the heads, and explore the bay in small boats. Accordingly, the two skippers, with Jack and Harry, and half a dozen men, rowed towards the opening. The sea was as clear as crystal, and at the bottom Jack Redland saw a sight that astonished him. The boat seemed to be gliding over the jagged tops of some great mountain range. They were rowing over a coral reef, and the splendour of the huge masses of grotesque shapes was dazzling. The movement of the water caused the most beautiful reflections, and almost every shade of rainbow hues was to be seen. Gorgeously coloured sea anemones clustered on the white coral, and strangely coloured fish darted in and out of their hiding places. "What a wonderful sight!" said Jack. "Yes, it's not a bad entrance, and there seems to be plenty of vegetation," said Phil. "I was alluding to the coral bed," replied Jack. Phil Danks smiled as he replied-- "It is new to you, of course. I am not partial to coral reefs. I see the danger in them--not the beauty. If you were dashed on to one in a gale you would have a different opinion of them." "I suppose they are dangerous," replied Jack. "Yes, and treacherous. They tear the bottom out of a boat before you know where you are." They passed safely through the narrow opening, and there burst upon them a strange sight. They were in a small bay, and round it were large trees sweeping down almost to the edge of the water. There was no sign of life, and yet the place seemed so home-like they could hardly believe it to be desolate. "I have been up this coast a few times," said Hake Moss, "and never struck this place before. Have you, Phil?" "Never," answered Danks, "and it's worth exploring. I vote we land over yonder and see what sort of a country it is." He pointed across the bay to where the white beach shimmered in the blazing sunlight, and the trees drooped in graceful folds over it. "There may be natives here," said Moss. "We must be cautious; they are treacherous beggars, especially when they have not seen much of white men." They had their guns with them, and Phil, pointing to them, said, "We can easily frighten them off with a few shots."