300 
H.'S ARRIVAL. 
down and let ourselves slide. I several times 
gave in, and begged to be left, but the good 
doctor encouraged me with infinite patience. 
At last we reached the plain, where I could be 
carried comfortably, and he rode on to tell our 
friends that I should soon arrive. 
They at once sent word to H., w T ho got the 
news of my sickness in mid-Timor. He never 
left the saddle for three days and three nights, 
and landed amongst us one Sunday morning, 
the sorriest sight imaginable — burnt and travel- 
stained to a ludicrous degree. I was then con- 
valescent, thanks to the great kindness of 
Madame da Franca and her family, and we lost 
no time in returning to the hut, at 'which the 
collection of plants, &c., gathered on H/s journey 
might any day arrive. 
So we are again enjoying the old tranquil life. 
But I have frequent attacks of fever, and we 
have decided to return to England by the first 
mail. 
Buitekzorg. 
I am now under the roof where I commenced 
these letters to you. We left Timor very hur- 
riedly at last. We thought some weeks must 
pass before the mail we meant to leave by 
should arrive. One morning, on coming out on 
