64 THE IMAGE OF WAE 



it enabled us to have our breakfast in peace before 

 we emerged into the lake. This is, properly speak- 

 ing, a lagoon, as it communicates with the sea. On 

 this occasion it was decidedly rough for inland 

 water, and there was a strong breeze blowing right 

 in our teeth. The steamer puffed and snorted, but 

 made little progress. I had rolled up my shirt- 

 sleeves for coolness, regardless of the spray which 

 blew over us at intervals. I was, however, to have 

 cause to remember it. At last we reached our des- 

 tination, some three hours after time. We amused 

 ourselves in the evening by watching a cricket 

 match between native teams, and "doing" Negombo, 

 a dull little place, but prettily situated. When we 

 went to get ready for dinner at the rest-house, I 

 found my hands, arms, and face were becoming in- 

 tolerably painful. The sun and wind, aided by the 

 salt spray, had made them almost raw. Will was- 

 also suffering, but not so badly. Fortunately the 

 Government Agent's wife kindly sent us some 

 glycerine and rose-water, which allayed the pain. 

 But for this I hardly think I could have continued 

 our journey, and as it was I could scarcely bear my 

 coat on for some days. The Ceylon sun is quite 

 powerful enough without salt water : I have often 

 had my sleeves burnt red through a drill - coat 

 when out shooting. 



Next morning we were up betimes, and after a 

 hasty "early tea" we found our host waiting for 

 us with a ramshackle dog - cart. He was one of 

 those Portugo - Dutch - Cingalese so common in the 

 island, his name Fernandez de Silva. He was very 

 talkative, and a keen sportsman. He was very 

 proud of his " breech - loading rifle," which rather 



