( 108 ) 



I had determined to carry the work through at all hazards, and 

 have done so, I hope, to the satisfaction of the Local Administra- 

 tion and Supreme Government. Late in the evening, Yan Sing 

 appeared again, and reported that all was ready for a start next morn- 

 ing, but that the Loogyee, and his satellites, wished to talk matters 

 over with me before finally arranging for my escort. Of course, I 

 understood what this meant, and was perfectly willing to pay my way, 

 provided that the demand was not exorbitant. The Loogyee was 

 accordingly sent for, and received with much politeness ; and, after 

 a few friendly greetings, we all (eleven) lighted cheroots and com- 

 menced to blow a cloud that very soon nearly filled my shanty to 

 suffocation. I had been coached up in the etiquette to be observed, 

 and consequently remained silent, while the old gentleman leisurely 

 looked round the room, and apparently took stock of my lares et 

 penates ; he then commenced the conversation with a string of absurd 

 questions, regarding my age, and pay, and as to whether I was 

 married or not, — and in either case how many children I had, — why 

 I risked my life for a Ficus elastica, and so on ; then followed the 

 intermediate course of palaver, and after a little more beating about 

 the bush, he came to the point, and gave me to understand what 

 I would have to pay my escort and the guide, which latter would 

 serve also as an interpreter ; as for his own services, he remarked, 

 nothing was expected, unless I felt disposed to assist a poor married 

 man, with many hungry mouths to feed. He next stipulated 

 that no payments were to be made to the parties he provided, 

 excepting through him. I agreed to his plans throughout, and the 

 party were promised to be in readiness to start on the morrow at 8 p.m. 

 The assembly now broke up, and I was heartily glad when they were 

 all gone, for I know of nothing more tedious than an interview of 

 this nature, but it has to be gone through, — and with an apparent 

 relish too, — if there is an object to be gained. 



3rd January 1874. — Dense fog up to 8 a.m. Thermometer, 51°25'F. 

 at 6 a.m. I had to be up at early dawn to superintend the packing 

 of my kit, for it was important the loads should be light, and nothing 

 more taken than was absolutely necessary. Each follower had 

 to carry his own requirements ; this ensured no extravagance in 

 the form of luxuries, which are generally included when their 

 loads are carried for them ; but this arrangement also necessitated 

 my provender being kept locked up ; for on a previous occasion, and 

 under similar circumstances, I found myself without anything to 

 eat, the cat having emptied the biscuit tin and replaced the cover ! 

 By 7 a.m. everything was ready, but we did not get away until 

 the fog had commenced to lift, for the people have a strong aversion 



