In one of the principal temples, the remains of His Majesty were placed in a huge silver urn, from which a ribbon passed through the hands of numerous priests, whose duty it was to pray day and night for the repose of the King’s soul. The ceremonies continue for a year, after which all that is left of the departed is consigned to the flames. Nothing could exceed the kindness of the young King: an intelligent and good-looking youth. Banquets and entertainments were the order of the day, and there was much of interest to see in the beautiful temples, palaces, and buildings, placed in the most picturesque scenery. [Sidenote: Nov. 18.] On the 18th left for Sarawak, paying a short visit, and arrived at Singapore on the 27th. [Sidenote: Nov. 30.] Weighed and steamed to the westward. [Sidenote: Dec. 2.] Came to in Penang Roads. [Sidenote: Dec. 8.] Mail steamer arrived, bringing the wife, Colin and little May, who were quickly embarked. [Sidenote: Dec. 10.] Arrived at Singapore, but for the duties of command, with wife and kids on board, my kind old friends made me feel doubly at home. Alongside Kampong Bahru I felt the harbour was my own: it was scarcely discovered when in the _Mæander_. I recommended it to a shifting Board of Admiralty as the fittest coaling station in the Far East. [Sidenote: Dec. 19. Labuan.] Arrived at Labuan. Mr. Pope Henessey was the first on board; he had a grievance. The officer in command of a gunboat had declined to fire a royal salute when directed by the Governor to do so, on Mr. Disraeli becoming Prime Minister. Explained that owing to accidents no man-of-war mounting less than ten guns was allowed to fire a salute. However, I was told that the zealous Governor had dug up some old buried guns, and had his salute fired, not quite to regular time. Vast improvements had been made since our last visit. Mr. Hugh Low, the Secretary, had married his daughter to the Governor. Low was a botanist, and had introduced that delicious fruit, the pumalo. Dr. Treacher, the late Rajah’s friend, held a government appointment. De Crespigny had left the navy and become a Resident. We remained till the 23rd. [Sidenote: Dec. 26.] [Sidenote: Dec. 31.] Came to in Manila Bay. Courteously received as before in _Dido_, and again in the _Mæander_. It has altered little in the past five-and-twenty years, except to become more like a town on the Riviera than those one finds in the East under our own flag. There are plate-glass windows in the shops, a handsome boulevard, cafés, and bands playing. [Sidenote: 1869. Jan. 1.] We were no sooner clear of Manila Bay than we began to experience what it was to face the north-east monsoon. All my party were prostrate. _Salamis_ was so sudden in her movements that cots were given up and beds spread on the deck. My boy was in a burning fever--caught, we supposed, at Labuan--patient and good, calling only for drink, but unable to bear clothing. [Sidenote: Hong Kong, Jan. 3.]