three in the afternoon
The first group of islands we touched at after leaving the abandoned Spanish settlement at New Holland , appeared to be well wooded and fertile , and approaching one of the largest we cast anchor near the shore . On the following day we endeavoured to work to windward of this dangerous coast , but in spite of skilful seamanship it soon , became certain we were being drawn , probably by some strong current , closer to the land . The ship was so near to the rocks that escape appeared impossible . At three in the afternoon , however , the ship doubled the reefs , it may be said , almost by a miracle . This adventure set us thinking upon a record among the manuscripts we had brought with us of a remarkable phenomenon existing somewhere in these regions . In describing one of the larger islands the record says : `` By the coast of this country , toward the north , is the sea called the Dead Sea , the water whereof runneth into the earth , and if anyone falleth into that water he is never found more . And if shipmen go but a little way into it they are carried rapidly downward , and never return again .