AND THE MALAY STATES 5 



and settled down to the Mediterranean trip. We passed through the 

 straits of Bonifacio in the night, so that I had no chance to observe, or 

 photograph, and the next morning we were out of sight of land. The 

 day following we all started in to get acquainted. I was the only Ameri- 

 can aboard, the major part being English people who had interests in 

 India, Ceylon, or Australia, and some even were going beyond to Hong- 

 kong and Yokohama. 



I had thought to do some writing on this voyage, but some kindly 

 soul put me on the "amusements committee," and what with tourna- 

 ments for deck quoits, cricket, ball, needle and cigarette races, etc., not 

 to speak of two concerts, my time was pretty well taken up. My revenge 



THE AMUSEMENTS COMMITTEE. 



[On H. M. S. "Himalaya."] 



came with the concerts, however. I made a speech at each, relating vari- 

 ous well known American stories as personal experiences, and they were 

 most -enthusiastically received. As the British are firmly convinced that 

 all Americans are speech makers, it is well for those who propose to travel 

 with them to prepare to be called upon. 



On the night of November 21, we had a splendid view of the volcano 

 of Stromboli, which gave us a veritable special exhibition. The night 

 was moonless, and the sea as smooth as glass. About nine o'clock we 



