422 VISITS TO MADAGASCAR chap. xv. 



iiie to my first halting-place, and wished to know at what time 

 I should set out. I replied that, as the officers did not propose 

 to travel far the first day, I should leave between two and 

 three o'clock. I afterwards went to take leave of some of 

 my patients who were doing well. I also went to look again 

 at places of great interest to me, — the rock of execution, and 

 the site of the burning of the martyrs, both conspicuous 

 spots, and visible from great part of the capital. 



During the forenoon the queen sent an officer with some 

 JMozambique men to carry my palanquin, and I hired others. 

 The officer also informed me that eight officers were appointed 

 to proceed with me to the coast, that there might be no delay 

 in the fever districts ; and a hundred men, more than double 

 the number required, came to arrange and apportion my 

 packages. Officers came and furnished the requisite cordage 

 and poles, and all were ready by noon. I requested the 

 officers to thank the queen for the kindness and attention she 

 had shown me, even to the last. About one o'clock the prince 

 arrived, and, accompanied by one of the nobles and their 

 attendants, entered the house. Many people were collected in 

 the courtyard. The prince was more than usually grave ; and 

 we were long engaged in earnest conversation. He spoke 

 much of his anxiety for the people and his distress at events 

 that occurred. He said it was like tearing his heart out. 



About three o'clock we rose to depart, when the prince, 

 with a degree of feeling that almost overcame me, came and, 

 taking my hand, led me out of the house through the crowd 

 of officers and people to my palanquin. As soon as I was 

 seated he entered his own, as did also the young noble his 

 companion. Thus accompanied I commenced my homeward 

 journey. 



As we passed through the narrow streets there were not 

 many people, but I recognised amongst them the faces of 

 friends. On reaching the more open road, we were joined by 



