OUR FIRST LANDINGS 49 
and spangled blue and pink. The sun was shining 
brightly, and the thing was so unexpected and so beauti- 
ful after the dreariness that had gone before, that I gave 
quite involuntarily a shout or cheer, or some noise which 
made old Sailor come running up. 
In a moment I was up the bank on hands and knees, 
picking and digging up flowers. Sailor at first was much 
excited at this move, but after he had stuck his nose into 
several places, and could find no smell of bird or beast, 
he drew off and sat and watched me for a fool. 
Forget-me-not was here, and flowers in purple, white, 
and pink (Astragalus), and a tiny veronica, as well as a 
buttercup (Ranunculus acris). 
This was such an attractive spot that we talked of 
landing again to-morrow. But it was not possible; for 
we had to shift our anchorage. 
June 18th.—Powys had turned in and I was writing 
my diary in the chart-room, when, chancing to look up 
from my task, I saw that the sky to the north, which had 
long looked queer, was growing very curious. Whether 
it meant wind or fog I did not know, but obviously one 
or the other was threatening. 
I went out on deck. The skipper and the mate were 
both below, and I routed the watch out of the galley. 
Bidding him keep a good look-out and report any change, 
I went on writing. 
About one o’clock I was out again. The sky looked 
D 
