Twenty minutes ago something happened to our dynamo engine, and all the electric lights went out. The ship was steeped in absolute darkness. Now all is repaired. My servant has just brought a white tunic and trousers, which he washed himself. They have turned out very well. "I don't think a washerwoman could have done it better," he said. "There is one drawback--they are not starched. But no matter; that's a trifle." _November 8th_ (11 p.m.).--As soon as ever night falls the same old story begins. From 8 p.m. until now the fleet stopped. We are only going at five knots. The unfortunate _Malay_ has again delayed us. Something broke in her engine and the pump refused to work. I am very anxious about her. At Dakar she sprang a leak. I saw it, and reported that she could proceed without danger, working her pump. Just imagine it! The only pump she has is broken. She has nothing with which she can get rid of the water, and there are no docks near. At the present moment the _Roland_ is towing the _Malay_, as one of her engines is broken and a blade of the screw of the other engine is broken off. Briefly, the _Malay_ is unable to steam by herself. We are still far from Gaboon. Again there is a great delay. Thank God the sea is calm! If it were rough, the _Malay's_ situation would be very dangerous. As it was, the _Roland_ took a long time passing the tow-rope to her. _November 9th_.--The _Roland_ is still towing the _Malay_. As soon as they are able to coal her, she will be sent back. She will not then hinder and delay us. When we were at lunch to-day they signalled to the admiral, saying that the _Kamchatka_ had gone out of her course and signalled, "Dangerously damaged. Cannot proceed." Luckily, it turned out that the damage was trifling, and she was able to continue. What a number of changes in climate we shall have had if we reach Vladivostok! We left Russia in very cold weather. Gradually it became hotter and hotter, till the heat was intense; then it will become cold again; then hot; and finally it will be very cold, as we shall reach Vladivostok in winter. _November 10th_ (night).--Again a bother with the _Borodino_. Something went wrong with her machinery. It was soon put right, but, nevertheless, time was lost over it. The _Malay_ is still being towed. Have found out about Gaboon. The fleet will not go within thirty versts of it. All communications with Gaboon will be _viâ_ the _Roland_. Of course, no one will be allowed to land, and we shall all kick our heels on board. Our ships cannot go nearer, owing to shallows and banks. The _Meteor_ signalled to-day that one of her stokers has struck work and refuses to keep up the necessary amount of steam. The captain asked to be allowed to deal with him himself. The crew of the _Meteor_ are volunteers.