XII HOMEWARD-BOUND 171 
storm that was brewing broke over our heads in one 
tremendous crash of thunder, and the rain came down 
as if it was quite in earnest ; in half an hour it was all 
over, and by the time the anchor was up and we were 
away, nothing was left of it but the long swell of the 
sea. Moisture, stickiness, and general discomfort were 
everywhere, and bed being the least objectionable 
place, I got there as quickly as I could. 
At six next morning we were on our way again, 
pounding and driving through a heavy sea and tide to 
Somerset The water went swishing backwards and 
forwards over the decks, and how thankful I was to 
leave the Albatross for a good night's rest on shore I 
We were on board s^ain at six next morning, and 
at ten anchored off Thursday Island. I sent my 
luggage up to the Grand Hotel, and have spent a 
fortnight here waiting for a steamer to Port Darwin. 
What with two dances, races, and a theatre going on, 
we have had quite a gay time ; but it has been getting 
warm, the steamer has been detained, and I have a 
vague sort of uneasy feeling that I cannot go on, but 
must give up my trip to Port Darwin, and come back 
to you. You will laugh at my foolish fears, but never 
mind ; to-morrow I turn my face southward from 
sunny Queensland to home and you. 
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