ortured by the refinements of Japanese curiosity. Finally
an ultimatum was obtained from the Japanese, who refused to deliver up
their prisoners until they received from the authorities at Okhotsk a
formal written statement that they had not ordered the hostile
proceedings at Saghalien. The Diana returned for this, and in October
made her appearance at Hakodate, bearing the letter required and another
from the governor of Irkutsk.

The ship had no sooner entered the harbor than it was surrounded by a
multitude of boats, of all kinds and sizes, filled with the curious of
both sexes, many of whom had never before set eyes on a European vessel.
They were in such numbers that the watch-boats, filled with soldiers,
had great ado to keep them back.

Kachi came on board the next morning, and was given the letter from the
governor of Okhotsk. The other Rikord would not deliver except in
person, and after much delay an interview with the governor was
arranged, at which Rikord was received with much state and ceremony. The
letter of the governor of Irkutsk was now formally delivered, in a box
covered with purple cloth, its reception being followed by an
entertainment composed of tea and sweetmeats.

Meanwhile Golownin and his companions, from the time the Diana set out
for Okhotsk, had been treated rather as guests than as prisoners. They
were now brought to Hakodate and delivered to Rikord, after an
imprisonment of more than two years. With them was sent a paper
reiterating the Japanese policy of isolation, and declaring that any
ships that should thereafter present themselves would be received with
cannon-balls instead of compliments.

In all this business Kachi had worked with tireless energy. At first he
was received with reserve as having come from a foreign country. He was
placed under guard, and for a long time was not permitted to see
Golownin, but by dint of persistence had done much in favor of the
release of the prisoners.

His abduction had thrown his family into the greatest distress, and his
wife had made a pilgrimage through all Japan, as a sort of penitential
offering to the favoring gods. During his absence his business had
prospered, and before the departure of the Diana he presented the crew
with dresses of silk and cotton wadding, the best to his favorites, the
cook being especially remembered. He then begged permission to treat the
crew.

"Sailors are all alike," he said, "whether Russian or Japanese.