_December 23rd._--The _Malay_, which remained at our former anchorage, has not yet reached the fleet. The cruisers have gone. The _Roland_ has not yet returned. The _Kuban_ is not here, nor the squadron from Suez. To-night there was a long story from the _Esperanza_, which is cruising under the French flag and has a French crew. The crew, not liking to lie at anchor without lights during the night, threatened the captain. These brave Frenchmen feared an attack. The _Esperanza_ has now been sent away somewhere. A collier arrived bringing some information, thanks to which we shall leave here to-morrow--whither I do not yet know. Evening.--The _Kuban_, it appears, is lying at Diego Suarez, and the ships from Suez at Nosi Be, where we are also going to-morrow. _December 24th._--Port Arthur has surrendered. What more can be said? On the way to Nosi Be from Tang-tang. The sad news of the surrender of Port Arthur was brought by the _Roland_. She arrived to-day. On the 24th the cruiser _Svietlana_ and the torpedo-boats _Biedovy_ and _Bodry_ joined the fleet. The latter damaged her engines, and was at once taken in tow by the _Roland_. The same day we met two colliers. They were ordered to go to Nosi Be. On the 25th the _Bodry_ reported that she had very little coal. The fleet stopped, and the _Bodry_ took coal from the _Anadir_, going alongside her. It is a good thing it was calm, and this could be done without risk of damage. Yesterday there was mass and prayers. It is really Christmas. After mass the admiral made a short but impressive speech to the crew. All the ships saluted according to regulation. They fired thirty-one guns. In the evening the _Borodino_ reported by semaphore that shortly before sunset four large warships were visible from her masts, steaming in line ahead. Afterwards three of the ships turned and disappeared. Lights were burning on the remaining ship. After a short time, they made out that this ship, having put out her lights, altered course and also disappeared. There is evidence that there are Japanese warships off Madagascar. The night passed in alarms. Some lights were visible away from our course. Attacks were feared. Instructions were given to the battleships and transports what to do during an attack. The cruiser _Svietlana_ was sent to the squadron lying in Nosi Be. I could not sleep from the closeness in my cabin. Until 6 a.m. I slept in my clothes on a sofa in the wardroom. At 6 I went back to my cabin and opened the port. The sea wetted the table and fell on to the bed, but that afforded nothing but pleasure. It does not even wake you.