In lowering boats Comber fell out of the cutter: recovered much exhausted, but poor Wallis had sunk to rise no more alive, the sea had closed over him. He was only twenty-four, and Second Captain of the Top: a favourite with the ship’s company, who expressed a wish to send his mother, whom he supported, a day’s pay. Lots of albatross and other sea-birds about; some endeavoured to flap Comber on the head with their powerful wings while he was in the water; much exhausted, but swam manfully. [Illustration: _Comber in Danger._] [Sidenote: May 2.] Occasional heavy squalls, in one of which the chain bowsprit shroud carried away the bowsprit badly sprung; wind driving aft, enabling us to repair damages without altering course. Spring in bowsprit was just outside the knight-heads and nearly through. Got spare boat’s masts out as supporters on each side; secure but not handsome, it enabled us to carry the jib with care. [Sidenote: May 5.] Miss Napier having this day attained her nineteenth year, champagne and a dance in the fore-cabin. Think there is something in the wind between her and Low! [Sidenote: May 8.] On referring to my _Dido_ log, curious how near together the running of the two ships over a space of seven thousand miles: never having been a hundred ahead of one another. [Sidenote: May 12.] Made Christmas Island at 3 A.M. A few days over six years since I did so in _Dido_. [Sidenote: Singapore, May 14.] Within the Straits of Sunda: squally weather. Master and self piloting ship past the numerous shoals: anchored off Singapore. Mail in. [Sidenote: 1848.] Stunning news of Revolution in France; Louis Philippe an exile in England; a Republic proclaimed, and other extraordinary facts. Heard of Admiral Inglefield’s death at Bombay from wearing cocked hat in the sun. _Cambrian_ here with Plumridge, my old _Magicienne_ Captain, flying First-Class Commodore’s broad pennant! [Sidenote: May 22.] Brooke was received with all the honours due to a Governor, and on the following day preparations commenced for establishing the new colony of Labuan. An office was opened in Singapore, and contracts received for the frameworks of temporary residences to be erected for the Government functionaries. Singapore has now become a rich and extensive town. By no act of his life did Sir Stamford Raffles manifest greater discernment and foresight than by founding this settlement; steam then not dreamed of. It has become the emporium of all the trading communities of the Eastern Archipelago, as well as of that of extensive trade carried on by all nations with China and India. Here twice a month now come the steam-vessels of the Dutch from Batavia, of Spain from Manila, and our own from China, to meet the European mail. Colonel Butterworth, the present Governor, has had roads opened in all parts of the island, and thrown substantial bridges across its streams. Met Captain M‘Quhae of the _Dædelus_, lunched with him. [Sidenote: May 23.]