On entering or leaving them when the fleet is spread out, torpedo attacks might be made. We may expect surprises from torpedo-boats and from the shores. It is impossible to pass through a strait unperceived. I have just hit on the idea that we may possibly go to Saigon. On the way to Saigon a collison will infallibly take place. It may have sad consequences for me as well as for the others. Perhaps I shall not be able to send letters. Let us suppose we get to Saigon. The _Diana_ is lying there. She is officially disarmed. What is to prevent her joining our fleet? Instead of the _Diana_ a ship like the _Almez_ might be left. That would be excellent. It would be better if we were joined by the _Cesarevitch_, _Askold_, and torpedo-boats. It is difficult to count on this. All the ships are disarmed in neutral ports. It is a pity we have to pass through the straits in dark, moonless nights. _March 15th._--I was called at 5 a.m. in order to go on board the _Gromky_. Divers arrived and the work began. The work is greatly hampered by the swell. The divers are constantly struck by the rudder. I am astonished at the dog's life they lead on board the torpedo-boats. Whilst steaming, the vibration is so great that it is impossible to write. They roll so much that nothing remains on the tables without fiddles (frames which support tumblers, plates, etc.). The accommodation is cramped, and it is dirty and sooty. In addition to all this the fare is disgusting. I remained in the _Gromky_ until eleven o'clock. It was time to eat, but they did not think of laying a table. They brought the crew their stchee,[14] and my appetite left me. There were only four sausages for the officers. Some officers from the _Kamchatka_, which was lying close by, were in the _Gromky_. They requested by semaphore that preserves, lemonade, etc., might be sent from her. I was so hungry that I did not hesitate to insist on their bringing sardines, ham, bacon, etc. When they arrived we all threw ourselves on these delicacies with avidity. They purposely brought more than sufficient, in order to leave the surplus for the officers of the torpedo-boat. The latter astonished me. They look upon a lack of food as inevitable. The _Irtish_ should supply them with provisions, but she fulfilled the duty badly. The captain asked that his torpedo-boat should be attached to another transport. I supported the captain's request to the utmost of my ability, and depicted in vivid colours their famished condition. Life on board a torpedo-boat is sufficiently penal, but in this one they starve as well. For the future the _Gromky_ will be attached to the _Kieff_. While I was in the _Gromky_ a heavy squall went by on the beam. It was lucky it did not catch the torpedo-boat. Several times sharks gathered near the divers, but they saw them in time and drove them away with rifle-shots. You suddenly see a large, grey, shapeless thing appearing. It is an ugly and repulsive-looking shark.