“Thomas” and I rode over to the Beans. Same hospitable couple I had sojourned with in 1824. [Sidenote: Dec. 13.] Weighed early. Everybody pleased with their visit to Madeira. [Sidenote: At Sea, Dec. 23.] A marine fell overboard, and was saved by a gallant fellow of the name of Moodie, second-class ordinary. The night was dark, and the two life-buoys let go by a marine, stationed for the purpose, without first pulling the igniting trigger, were lost. [Sidenote: Dec. 25.] Christmas Day. All the youngsters and warrant officers, including Turnour, Autey, Thompson, and brother Tom, to dine--sixteen in all. How many of us will meet next Christmas! “Qui en sabe?” [Sidenote: Dec. 26.] Neptune came on board and performed the usual ceremonies. CHAPTER LXV CAPE TO CHINA [Sidenote: 1857.] [Sidenote: Simon’s Bay, Jan. 17.] 9 P.M.--Arrived in Simon’s Bay, just five weeks from Madeira, and the fastest passage by a sailing ship on record. [Sidenote: Jan. 18.] This cape always brings happy recollections of bygone days, when I was free as the air and without a care or thought beyond the present. [Sidenote: Jan. 19.] Hired a two-wheel pair-horse cart and drove brother Tom, three youngsters, and Thompson to Cape Town. Parke’s hotel. Called with Tom on Mrs. Stoll, Longmores, and the Lorentzs. At Lorentz’s met their daughter Louisa, whom I had last seen as a pretty child, riding like a boy on a goat. She was now a widow; the handsome mother of six children. [Sidenote: Jan. 20.] A regular Cape north-easter blowing. Nothing to be done afloat. Tom and I breakfasting with the Stolls. Dined at _table d’hôte_--a large party. [Sidenote: Jan. 21.] To Sans Souci to call. Tea at Lorentz’s, meeting Stolls. [Sidenote: Jan. 24.] Landed £50,000 in gold; sent £300 in copper to _Penelope_. Governor kindly lending his eight-horse waggon, started for Simon’s Bay, calling at Sans Souci and on the Bishop. [Sidenote: Jan. 29.] Dined to-day with the midshipmen. We sat down twenty-four. Not only was their mess good and comfortable, with everything clean and in good taste, but one could not have met a nicer set of lads. They appeared in clean white waistcoats. Felt proud of my boys! [Sidenote: Mar. 9.] At last we have rounded Acheen Head and passed through the “Surat” passage into the Malacca Straits. [Sidenote: Mar. 11.] In a calm let go first anchor in India. From this date our _batta_ commences. [Sidenote: Mar. 12.] Came to in Penang Roads; was saluted. On landing took up my quarters with friend Lewis. Old Jack Rodyk here. With Lewis, two daughters, one just from England, and a Miss Neubrouner. [Sidenote: Penang, Mar. 13.] Ship taking in water and otherwise getting ready, but contrary to my religion to start on a Friday. Dined with Campbell, late of Singapore. [Sidenote: Mar. 14.] Weighed before daylight. [Sidenote: Mar. 15.] Came up with the barque on board of which were Miss Blundell and Amy Neubrouner. Serenaded them in passing.