304 
MENABO. 
The pretty town had been wrecked by an 
inundation the previous week, and though re- 
freshingly green overhead from abundant foliage, 
every garden was destroyed, every road was 
washed bare or into deep ruts, and the base of 
each house was discoloured and shabbydooking. 
People had been wading waist-deep in their 
dwellings, and far into the sea rode a forest of 
uptom, down-washed trees, A little child was 
picked up near the shore riding on a sow’s back, 
where it had kept its equilibrium by clinging to 
the ears. 
At Surabaya we parted with much sorrow and 
regret from our true friends the Da Franca 
family. They return to Portugal by Singapore, 
while we wait the Queensland mail for England. 
I have no words to express what we owe to 
them. Elders and children, they compose the 
most lovable family imaginable, and we found 
them as courteous and kindly to the stranger as 
they were affectionate amongst themselves. 
Now I have done. We sail on 9th July, and 
when the song of the reapers floods the fields, 
we shall touch our own island shores. The 
beautiful archipelago we are so soon to leave 
behind us will, I think, from the discomfort and 
even danger of travelling in such a tropical 
