147 

 had several times looked into the cabin, but we did not see him, 

 and Blaauw returned twice to say that we must get off as soon as 

 possible. The clouds were certainly low and threatening, and there 

 was rain at intervals. 



I told Hunt that I should be giving this animal a scientific 

 name, and that I proposed Malania hunti, the latter to honour 

 him for his important part. He asked if I could not somehow bring 

 in the French, as his relations with them were important, his 

 living depended on that. I said the only way would be for him to 

 drop out, when we might call it Malania comoroae or anjouanae; 

 and after discussion he said that while it would be very flattering 

 to have his name figured that way, could it be Malania anjouanae; 

 to which I agreed only with reluctance and only because he was 

 quite emphatic that he preferred it. 



It was clear even then, and it became much more so later, that 

 Hunt was in a difficult position: and in view of all he had done I 

 was prepared to go as far as possible to alleviate this and to aid him. 

 I told him that I was prepared to continue the offer of a reward of 

 jfioo for another Coelacanth, through him as my agent; and that 

 if he got another in their waters that way, it was to be offered to 

 the French. I intended to say this to the Governor before I left. 

 Hunt was very appreciative of this suggestion, which he thought 

 would go far to smooth any ruffled pride or hurt feelings. 



It was only about 500 yards to the Governor's residence, and I 

 elected to walk as I wanted some photographs. The precious 

 coffin was put on a lorry and Hunt arranged that it would be 

 taken direct to the air-strip to await us there. I hated to let it out of 

 my sight, but felt they knew I would kill anyone who tried any tricks. 



At the top of the steps I turned and took one more long look 

 at Hunt's trim schooner, which had played its part, an important 

 part, in this fascinating story. It was his home and his life; he 

 obviously kept it trim and neat and cleaner than most such craft 

 are. I had a queer feeling that had he lived in earlier times Hunt 

 would also have lived on the sea, but he would probably have been 

 an explorer rather than a trader. He and Blaauw had 'clicked' at 

 once, and Blaauw told me, almost wistfully, that he would not 

 mind a voyage with Hunt. I wondered, for I know what it is like to 

 live in a small boat in the tropics, but there would have been 

 something natural in their association. They would make a for- 



