noon
In one moment the word ran like electric fire through all the veins of the _ Phoenix _ ; the upper deck was crowded in a minute , but all were disappointed . No one saw land but Mr. Patterson , whose elevation and keen sight gave him an advantage . But a heavenly smell as of a region of cowslips came and perfumed the air and rejoiced all the hearts ; at six o'clock a something like a narrow cloud broke the watery horizon on the weather bow . All sail was made and at noon the coast of Australia glittered like a diamond under their lee . Then the three hundred prisoners fell into a wild excitement -- some became irritable , others absurdly affectionate to people they did not care a button for . The captain himself was not free from the intoxication ; he walked the deck in jerks instead of his usual roll , and clapped on sail as if he would fly on shore . At half-past one they glided out of the open sea into the Port Jackson River .