280 
NIGHT AND DAY. 
arranged in parallel strata, and discharges of 
lightning kept passing from one to the other. 
At 8 p . m . the clouds still caught a little linger- 
ing light, probably zodiacal. In these tropical 
lands Night is of jealous mood, and will abide 
no lengthened parting between Earth and Day. 
Ever at the appointed hour she comes with im- 
patient step to spread her spangled mantle in 
the heavens, hastily trailing her sombre skirts 
over distant scene and near prospect ; and Day 
departs, often with plashing rain -drops for tears, 
and low-moaning winds for sighs. 
14 th April. 
I was in Dilly this week. Last mail brought 
the news from my friends Mr and Mrs Van 
Deventer that they mean to change residence 
from Amboina to Samaraug in Java, and that 
the vessel by which they travel will probably 
call at Dilly. I saw the mail steaming into the 
bay when I came out on the verandah at dawn, 
and in half an hour, with my packet of letters 
for despatch, I set off for the town. I had never 
gone alone before, and at a point where several 
paths diverge unfortunately chose the wrong 
one. 1 landed in an unfamiliar valley, from 
which I could see no egress. There was noth- 
ing for it but to retrace my steps and make 
