I learned afterwards that, having the French prisoners on board who had led on and then deserted the rebels, Du Petit Thours was afraid that a wrong construction might be put on our cheers, and wrote to Stanhope, hoping that we should not take any notice of him. We never met so good a Frenchman or a better man. _Opossum_ returned from expedition up Yang-tse. A placard had been stuck up in I-Chang offering rewards for her capture, as well as others for the heads of the captain or crew! CHAPTER C THE CHINA COMMAND [Sidenote: 1869. Yokohama, June 23.] Some man remarked that having lost half an hour on coming into the world, he was never afterwards able to make up the lost time. My journal has got three days behind, and I feel that I shall not be able to make it up. This is an attempt. My temper, too, ruffled by a vet who, I believe, poisoned Mrs. Fitzroy’s grey pony. [Sidenote: June 24.] The American Admiral arrived on the 21st and a Prussian corvette on the 22nd, when much saluting of three admirals with their returns took place. Hakodati invested, but still holding out. Yesterday commenced housekeeping on our own account, obtaining our hospitable host’s permission. Children taking kindly to a day governess after desperate opposition by Colin. Blowing too hard to return calls afloat. Called on the Netherlands Consul, who was entertaining a party of twenty Dutchmen who claimed me as a countryman, and with pleasure we liquored up in sweet champagne. Colin enjoying the substantials. [Sidenote: June 27.] On starting for church this morning, the card of Don José de Grandaria, ex-Captain-General of the Philippines, was put into my hand. He had arrived by the American mail _en route_ for Europe, _viâ_ San Francisco. Good fellow that he is, he came to luncheon, and if possible will dine; glad of an opportunity of returning a trifle of his hospitality. News from Hakodadi of the capture of the town by the Imperialist troops and total destruction by explosives of two of Kerair ships. They, however, still hold the forts. [Sidenote: June 29.] Mounted Colin on the pony “Ko” and gave him his first lesson in riding. [Sidenote: June 30.] Had the _Rodney’s_ steam launch ready yesterday evening to convey my good friend, the Governor of Manila, on board the mail steamer. We first became acquainted in 1837 when he was Governor of Fernando Po. [Sidenote: July 4.] The shock of an earthquake was felt about 1 A.M. Clearing up in the afternoon, Colin mounted his pony before I had got hold of the tow-rope. Colin touched him with the whip to close with me. The pony, being fresh, gave a jump and a kick, placing the little man on what he called his “bob” on the road, and scampered up His Excellency’s soft turf.