A few hours after the worst of the gale had abated we made Cape Padaran; passing which we found more quiet waters, and were soon near that shore where “Cochin China’s cultivated land ascends.” During the remainder of the day we were sailing within three quarters of a mile of the bold, rocky coast, which is lined with high mountains, sometimes running in two parallel coast ranges, then three, and at one time I counted four distinct tiers rising one back of the other. In form and slope they reminded me of the Green Mountains of Vermont, and were entirely different from any we had seen during the voyage. The verdure of their sides was of a deep green; and the shade cast by the clouds that rested upon them, giving their surfaces a still darker hue, made their appearance a remarkable combination of the grand, the gloomy, and the picturesque. We were now passing localities that were formerly infested with Malay pirates; and were told that even now any vessel which is so unfortunate as to be lost on the coast is soon surrounded by the same piratical, grasping, and treacherous race. The bracing and deliciously cool atmosphere of the northeast monsoon had a grateful effect upon all on board our vessel, and was delightful after the many weeks of depressing heat that we had endured. After leaving the coast of Cochin China the weather became more favorable, and we moved onward with more rapidity, until, on the morning of the 23d of January, after threading our way among the small islands in the neighborhood of Hong Kong, we sighted Victoria Peak, and, firing our guns as we sailed around its base, entered the harbor. Before the _Poyang_ had reached her anchorage we were boarded by two gentlemen belonging to the house of Olyphant & Co., who, surprised and delighted with our safe and speedy passage, welcomed Captain Briggs with great warmth, while they complimented him on having made the quickest voyage on record. At 12 o’clock we were moored before the city of Victoria, after having been at sea only eighty-six days, seventeen of which were passed in the ports where we touched for coals. FOOTNOTES: [4] _Pulo_ is the Malay for island. [5] Almost all Hindus bear the name of some one of their gods. _Samy_ means god, or lord. [6] Among these was the Rev. Levi Janvier, D. D., of the Presbyterian mission of Lodiana,--a place in the Punjaub province,--the recent news of whose sudden and lamented death has saddened the heart of every one who had the pleasure of knowing him. CHAPTER V.