164 



would remain an historic flight. Being curious about this matter, 

 at about 8 p.m. I wrote on a sheet: 



'Will you kindly write here what you said, when you heard 

 you had to come on this unusual flight to go hunting a dead fish 

 near Madagascar. (Leave out unprintable words.)' This was 

 passed around in turn, and it is interesting to record their com- 

 ments, which are given below : 



1 . Commandant J. P. D. Blaauw 



It must be a pretty important fish if the Prime Minister is pre- 

 pared to give an aircraft and crew to some hare-brained scientist to 

 fetch it. 



2. Captain P. Letley 



The first time that I knew we were going to fetch a fish (dead) was 

 when the Orderly Officer told me. My reply, as you requested, can- 

 not be written down. Anyway, I enjoyed the trip. 



3. Lieutenant D. M. Ralston 



Not very impressed at first and was doubtful whether it was the 

 correct fish. Professor Smith's enthusiasm is infectious, and I have 

 found this an extremely enlightening trip. 



4. Lieutenant W. J. Bergh 



As I was all set to go on a special visit (my girl friend) for the 

 week-end, I did not like the idea very much at first. I had to cancel 

 all arrangements by phone and said, 'Somebody caught a fish that 

 should long since have been dead !' The trip was, however, so 

 enjoyable that I was all for staying at Dzaoudzi. 



5. Corporal J. W. J. van Niekerk 



When I heard about the fish story, I thought that we were going 

 to have chips with it, too, but I enjoyed even the smell. 



6. Corporal F. Brink 



Although I made arrangements to visit some friends on Sunday 

 for a swell dinner, I had no idea that I would have to come on a 

 fishing trip for a fish that was dead already. But the trip was very 

 enjoyable, and the Professor was like a nurse to us, feeding us all 

 the time. 



I suddenly realised that the pain had gone from my ears and 

 the enforced inaction had produced relief from strain; but only 

 to merge into an incredible weariness, and I could think of nothing 

 more wonderful than getting between cool sheets in a quiet room. 

 Though what I had already planned meant a very early start next 

 day, I might manage to snatch some sleep at Durban ; for the few 



