stal's' steam launch on board the 'Gamma,' one of the new
Chinese gunboats on her way out to China.

After afternoon tea we all adjourned to the 'Sunbeam,' where we found
many other friends already arrived or arriving. We had only just time
to look round before the sun set, and the short twilight was succeeded
by the swift tropical darkness. All too soon good-bye had to be said;
the anchor was raised, and we were actually drifting slowly along
under our head canvas before our friends took their departure. It was
a lovely evening, with a light fair breeze, and although there
appeared hardly any wind, it was wonderful how swiftly we crept out of
the harbour, and, as sail after sail was spread, how rapidly we glided
past the land.

Our visit to Aden has been short but very agreeable; it is not by any
means such a dreadful place as we had always fancied. Most of the
people we have seen to-day seem rather to like it; there is good
boating, excellent sea fishing, moderate shooting, and many rides and
excursions. A vehicle of some sort is an absolute necessity, however,
if you want to see anything of your friends, for the three divisions
of the settlement are at least four miles apart, and the heat is far
too great for driving or riding in the middle of the day, except on
business. I cannot say, however, that we ourselves found it
intolerably hot to-day.

CHAPTER XXVII.

TO SUEZ.

_Round the decay_
_Of that colossal wreck; boundless and bare_
_The lone and level sands stretch far away._

_Tuesday, April 17th_.--The breeze still continued and freshened, and
we sailed along pleasantly before it, finding it a great relief to be
rid of the thud and beat of the engine. There is no vibration, but the
noise is unpleasant. About eleven o'clock we passed the island of
Perim, a most desolate-looking place. I do not wonder that officers so
much dislike being quartered there. It is an important position
though, and is shortly to be strengthened, when water-tanks will be
built, and attempts made to cultivate the soil. At present there does
not appear to be a blade of vegetation, and on the side we passed,
between the island and the coast of Arabia, nothing is to be seen but
the little white lighthouse and the path leading up to it. On the
southern side there is a very fair harbour and a moderate town. On the
shore all round the island turtles are caught at the season when they
land to d