We divided ourselves among the different houses, and our goods were scattered all over the village; but everything, to the smallest trifle, was brought safely back, and a few small gifts were received with wonder and delight. The (very meagre) contents of my travelling-bag were gazed at with much interest, especially some photographs of sacred subjects in one of my books. They all called one another to look at and discuss these; one of the Crucifixion, Mary at the foot of the Cross, chiefly riveting their attention. I often wonder, considering how many of our own impressions of sacred things are due to pictures seen in early life, that their use is so entirely neglected in all these schools. It may be because the supply is not forthcoming. Certainly these highly imaginative people have always shown themselves wonderfully capable of realising things unseen; and even in their days of most gross idolatry, their religion was entirely an appeal to the imagination—wild legends of the gods, told in song, but very rarely reduced to the visible form of any idol. The only pictures I have seen in any native houses are portraits of (I think) Holloway, whose advertisements are duly sent to all native ministers in the group. The literature is of course thrown away on them, but the portraits, sometimes several in a row, ornament some prominent pillar. As soon as we were moderately dry, we settled ourselves for the night in the wretched little church, which is a miserable spot, with mangrove-swamp all round it. It is the tiniest little building of wicker-work—quite a St Columba style of architecture,[38] wattle without the daub; and the rainy wind blew through it, and the mosquitoes took refuge in it. We had a weary night. Being very tired, we all hoped for a good night’s rest, but had hardly fallen asleep when a cheerful brother missionary, in aggravating health and spirits, chanced to anchor at a neighbouring village, and in his delight at hearing his friends were so near, he came over and woke us all, and kept the gentlemen talking the whole night. Pleasant for Mrs L. and myself, who were vainly striving to sleep! At early dawn the two little orphan babies I told you about were brought to be christened, so we had to hurry over our dressing, and for once were right glad to return on board ship. How any human beings can deliberately build their villages in these mangrove-swamps passes my comprehension. It simply means living in the mud, with salt or brackish water on every side, and mosquitoes in myriads. Our quarters to-night seem strangely luxurious, and I must profit by them and sleep now,—so good night. * * * * * _August 17._