228 TRAVELS IN THE EAST INDIAN ARCHIPELAGO. 



have if they were on their way to some theatrical 

 show. 



As the governor had now finished his duties as 

 inspector, he proposed that we try to reach, the top 

 of the volcano ! As we looked up toward its high, 

 dark summit, then but partially lighted by the fading 

 sunset, the thought of such a dangerous undertaking 

 was enough to make one shudder, and, indeed, even 

 while we were sitting on the broad veranda, and 

 discussing the dangers we must incur on the morrow, 

 there was a sudden jar — everybody darted instantly 

 down the steps — it was an earthquake^ and no one 

 knew that a shock might not come the next instant 

 so severe as to lay the whole house in ruins. These 

 frightful phenomena occur here, on an average, once 

 a month, but, of course, no one can tell what moment 

 they may occur or what destruction they may cause. 

 Such is the unceasing solicitude that all the inhabi- 

 tants of these beautiful islands have to suffer. The 

 governor had ascended fifteen volcanoes on Java, 

 some of them with the famous Dr. Junghuhn, and 

 such a slight earthquake could not shake his decision. 

 But our party had to be made up anew. I j^romised 

 the governor he should not go alone, though I could 

 not anticipate the ascent without some solicitude. 

 The captain of our yacht then volunteered, also a 

 lieutenant, and finally, as no other shock disturbed us, 

 the excursion became as popular as before, and a 

 number asked permission " to go with His Excel- 

 lency," a favor the governor was quite ready to grant, 

 though I noticed a good-natured smile on his counte- 

 nance to see such devotion and such bravery. 



