One of the recent victims was the son of the head man at Passir Pâdi, who, having gone into the jungle behind his father’s house to cut wood, was attacked by a tiger. The father, hearing screams, rushed just in time to grasp his boy’s legs as the brute was dragging him. The father pulled and the tiger growled: it was only on other people arriving that he quitted his prey; but the unfortunate lad was dead. There is a procession and much parade in bringing these tigers to the Government offices for the reward. The tigers are made to look as fierce as possible--propped up in a standing position by pieces of bamboo, the mouth open, and tail on end. So great is the virtue of tiger flesh as a pick-me-up from fever that a portion of my beast found its way to the sick-room of a friend in the 21st Madras Native Infantry. He was recovering from fever, and expressed surprise at the tough meat in his curry, when his native servant explained his reason for supplying it. Although out on various occasions, I was never fortunate enough to fall in with a live tiger. With wild hog we had excellent sport, and occasionally with deer. [Sidenote: June 24.] Comber was made a Freemason of the lodge “Zetland in the East” (to which I subsequently belonged). The members gave a farewell dinner to Read, and invited me to meet him. Brooke was also a guest, and made an excellent speech. [Sidenote: June 27.] _Auckland_ steamer in from Labuan; Sekarran pirates requiring a visit. Captain Young of _Auckland_ took up his quarters with me. Drove with the Governor. Assembly ball in evening. [Sidenote: Singapore, June 28.] _Mæander_ hoisted Royal Standard and saluted on anniversary of the Coronation. Our worthy old Purser, Simmons, departed this life while staying at Whampoa’s country house. Whampoa was a fine specimen of his country, and had for many years been contractor for fresh beef and naval stores. His generosity and honesty had long made him a favourite. He had a country house, and of course a garden; also a circular pond in which was a magnificent lotus, the _Victoriæ regia_, a present from the Regent of Siam, who sent it to him by W. H. Read. The huge lily grew splendidly, and bore leaves over eleven feet in diameter. When in blossom, Whampoa gave sumptuous entertainments to naval officers: although our host, he would not eat with us, but sat in a chair, slightly withdrawn from the table. At midnight, by the light of a full moon, we would visit this beautiful flower, which faced the moon and moved with it until below the horizon. Amongst other pets he had an orang-outang, who preferred a bottle of cognac to water. Dear old Whampoa’s eldest son was sent to England for education, and while there became a Presbyterian.