Strange lights have appeared. Our fleet has been ordered to put out superfluous lights. Ports are covered with dead lights. We may expect an attack to-night. At last our wartime has begun. How many restless nights are before us? How will it all end? FOOTNOTES: [13] This is the torpedo-boat which took the admiral and his staff when the _Suvaroff_ sank in the battle of Tsushima. [14] Cabbage soup. CHAPTER IX THROUGH THE STRAITS OF MALACCA _March 23rd_ (morning).--Yesterday the following message was received from the captain of the _Terek_: "The crew will not disperse after prayers, and demand that the first lieutenant should be changed. The latter requests to be taken off the ship's books. I consider the crew in the wrong." What? A mutiny? The last sentence is specially characteristic. The fleet has increased speed. We are entering the straits of Malacca, and have said good-bye to the Indian Ocean. Two oceans successfully passed! What will the third bring us? The island of Pulo Way is close, but not yet visible. During the day the shores of a small island were to be seen on the horizon, lying off the island of Sumatra. This is the first land which we have seen since leaving Nosi Be. For twenty days we have seen no land at all. It is difficult to remain in one's cabin, owing to the heat. No other place is convenient for writing. The ship is in darkness everywhere. This has been done purposely, in order that when the men have to rush hurriedly on deck they will be accustomed to the darkness. The battleship _Orel_ delayed the speed of the fleet for two hours. One of her principal steam-pipes burst, and she could not steam. Now it is repaired. We are at present in a wide part of the straits. God forbid that a similar thing should happen in the narrows, or during the battle. Since seven o'clock till the present moment I have been on the bridge, hesitating to go below. Nevertheless, I am satisfied--satisfied because we are moving towards the finale. _March 24th._--Yesterday we lost four hours of the twenty-four. This is bad. In order to pass through the dangerous parts by day we shall have to remain in the straits an extra day. The sooner we pass the straits of Malacca and Singapore the better. I am surprised at myself. I am in no way disturbed. Knowing that at any moment any night we may be attacked, I continue to sleep peacefully. I go to bed undressed. I go to sleep quickly, and think little about the danger. My servant is dissatisfied. He bothers me to hide my things. He has not found a convenient place for them, and it troubles him. Though I know of a good place, I am silent. He is probably beginning a removal. I shall have to sort out my clothes, and I do not want to. It is raining and gloomy. This morning there were two water-spouts, but I did not see them, although I got up at seven.