A NOISY DINNER 265 



was gravely consulted as to whether the royal flag might not be 

 hauled down, as the day was so wet ; I accordingly graciously 

 signified my approval of their doing so. As soon as possible, I 

 intimated that I would like to go and see my friend and com- 

 panion. The governor leading the way, I was taken to a house 

 at the far end of the enclosure, where I found Mr Street in bed 

 and very unwell. But the house was large and dry, a fire was 

 burning on the hearth, and we were glad to get our wet things 

 dried. Several of our men were also ill with fever, so I had my 

 hands pretty full with dispensing medicine and nursing. Be- 

 sides this, numerous callers had to be talked with and presents 

 received. 



A good part of the following day was occupied in conversa- 

 tion with the native pastors, examining the school, teaching, 

 singing, etc. But soon after four o'clock in the afternoon 

 the sound of music and drumming in the courtyard told us that 

 the time was approaching for the feast they were going to give 

 us, and presently the governor and all his people came to fetch 

 us. My companion was unable to go, but I was led by the 

 hand and had to receive all the honours. In the open central 

 space all the military force of the town, about five and twenty 

 soldiers, was drawn up, and the royal flag was flying. On one 

 side the ladies, the wives and daughters of the officers, were 

 arranged, dressed in their best ; on the other side were row after 

 row of pots with fires under them, where the feast was being 

 cooked. There was a terrible din of drumming and music 

 going on. After a prayer, salutes, speech-making, including a 

 long flourish of our honour, and presentation of another immense 

 heap of provisions, I was again taken by the hand, and led 

 into the government house for the repast. I should add that 

 the governor also gave us ten dollars for vdtsy (food by the way), 

 counting them into my hand in English numbers. 



The dinner was, I think, the longest, and certainly was the 

 noisiest, entertainment at which I have ever assisted. About 

 a score of the officers were at the table, and seven of the ladies. 

 After a long grace from the pastor, dinner was brought in, and 

 consisted of the following courses : 1st, curry ; 2nd, goose ; 

 3rd, roast pork ; 4th, pigeons and water-fowls ; 5th, chicken 

 cutlets and poached eggs ; 6th, beef sausages ; 7th, boiled 

 tongue ; 8th, sardines ; 9th, pigs' trotters ; 10th, fried bananas ; 



