uspecting creatures still played on, unconscious of the
doom that awaited them. The effect on firing the torpedo was terrible:
for a space of 150 yards all around, the surface was like one mass of
silver, from the closely-packed and upturned bellies of a species of
pilchard. The slaughter was complete--not a fish moved after the awful
stun it had received. Boats from the squadron were signalled to gather
up the slain, which will perhaps convey a pretty fair idea of their
number.

Of late the admiral's barge has been attracting much attention by her
sailing qualities. She has been taken in hand by the same energetic
officer previously alluded to, who has altered the service rig, and
provided a new set of sails, more suited in every way to develop the
boat's qualities. We had not long to wait for a challenge, for the
"Comus'" people, ever jealous in all such matters, offered to match
their sailing pinnace against her. The challenge was accepted, and bets
were concluded in the customary manner. The admiral, in particular, was
especially pleased to think that, at last, he would have an opportunity
of verifying his remarks about his boat; for he has reiterated again and
again that, in his opinion, the boat wanted only proper handling to go.
Well, as you know the race came off, and as you may also remember the
"Comus'" boat was beat--in common phrase--"all to smash."

September 15th.--Southward once again. It was intended to call in at
Yamada on the way down, but by some unaccountable reason we overshot the
mark and found ourselves in Kama-ichi instead. The mistake was, of
course, speedily discovered; the squadron hove around and headed north
for Yamada.

Next we put in to Sendai bay, a commodious anchorage, but very much
exposed seaward from its broad and unprotected mouth. Great rollers and
heavy swells come thundering in with nearly all winds.

Previous to leaving, the admiral conveyed his intention that certain
ships would prepare to take the others in tow. Acting on this the
"Curacoa" took us and the "Mosquito;" the "Comus," the "Albatross" and
"Zephyr;" and the "Swift," the "Lily." Thus we started, and under these
conditions logged five knots, and all went merry until the sky began to
frown, and displayed evident signs of bad temper. Half a gale blew,
ships still towing, but cutting a violent caper because their freedom of
action was curtailed. With the night the wind increased to a full gale,
and as the ships were