_February 24th._--I have just returned from the harbour. I am very much pleased with the work of the divers in the _Jemchug_; they have carried it out brilliantly. I was rather doubtful of success at first. I asked that a letter should be written to the admiral about the successful work of the officers and divers who took part in it. The captain promised to do so, and I for my part undertook to put in a few words. Some home-made kvass has made its appearance in the _Suvaroff_. I drink it incessantly. It is indifferent kvass, but at least it is Russian. A boy from the _Borodino_, whose name I do not remember, has just come to ask me to help him gain permission to be examined for the rank of petty officer. I am preparing myself to go ashore at three o'clock. I shall call at the post-office, walk through the streets, and freshen myself up. The shore at least is a change, however dull it may be. _February 26th._--The Malagassy are beginning to be impertinent in offering their services. Europeans do not stand on much ceremony with them. When they saw me with a parcel in my hands, a crowd rushed to the verandah of the shop. The European clerk grew angry, jumped up, and kicked them like dogs. It did not disconcert them in the least. At the post-office I was given telegrams and local letters for the fleet. Among the letters was a postcard for Admiral Rojdestvensky. On it the Germans were jeering at him about the North Sea affair, and advising him to return, "the more so as they have prepared vodky for you."[11] At three o'clock a wireless message was received from the _Irtish_. At eight she arrived in the harbour. There is scarcely a line in her. The cursed staff have not sent the mail by her, although they might easily have done so. The _Irtish_ was lying at Jibutil for nearly a month. How every one abused the staff! Can you wonder at it, when even the chief of the staff himself sends letters to his son by Günsburg. How can we fight Japan when they cannot arrange such a simple matter as sending the mails? We have not received a word from home for two and a half months, thanks to their negligence in not putting two and two together. If they cannot do this much that is absolutely necessary for the moral welfare of the personnel of the fleet, how are they to contend against an enterprising foe like Japan? Knowing their disposition, I little expected to receive anything by the _Irtish_; but others were certain that there would be a very large mail. Their disappointment is very great. The first officer of the _Irtish_ went mad, and was sent back to Russia from Suez. I hope to go on board her to-morrow, and must also go to the _Borodino_. _February 27th._--I counted on getting cigarettes in the _Irtish_, but there were none. They required them themselves.