This morning we were astir very early, and after Prayers and breakfast were very busy getting ready for our departure. Many hands made light work, and soon our impedimenta were shouldered by willing bearers, and we were on our way for the Kerepei. We had a most pleasant walk down, Mr. Brittain most cheery and appreciative all the way, and we were all on board very soon after the stipulated time, 10 o’clock. We had a light wind to start with, but it soon fell calm, and the engineer’s services were called into requisition. It is very hot work steaming in these latitudes, and the cabin especially gets very stuffy. We anchored at Opa between five and six o’clock, and I got my things ready for the start ashore in daylight. Mr. Brittain and Mr. Turnbull came with me, and we visited the French Trader ashore, who was said to have the latest telegrams. We were quite astonished, not only at the polite manner in which we were received, but by the neat and tastey appearance of the little man’s premises and dwelling house. He is evidently a man of considerable genius, and far more energy than most of the Traders down in these parts. His kitchen garden was a sight to behold, and although for three months he has had no rain he has an abundance of cabbages, carrots, onions, shalots, garlick, parsley, spinnach, lettuce, &c. The whole garden too is laid out in the most natty matter, showing wonderful care and perseverance. Inside his house it was equally neat, and the walls were decorated with an enormous number of island curiosities. During the slack time of the year when cocoanuts are scarce he makes very curious, but extremely chaste, ornaments out of shells, and sells them to Traders at about fifteen shillings the pair. He also makes sleeve links out of opercules, and many other ornaments of personal adornment. He gave us a great basket full of eggs, and some green food for the ship. We bade the amiable and loquacious little man good-bye, and thanked him for his kindness, and then pushed on for Tavalavola where we found the whole village waiting for us, and Charles and Monica heading the party. I was most pleased to see the happy and affectionate relations which existed between them, and the natural and unaffected way in which she came into my house, and the kind care she exhibited in the bestowal of my goods and chattels. Afterwards when we went off to the ship she came with us, and went down of her own accord to see the Bishop in the cabin. We did not stay long on board, but bidding farewell to them all we came ashore for the night. I should have liked of course to stay till morning, but they were so crowded on board I thought it was better we were out of the way. It was near midnight when we finally retired for the night, and I was very tired and glad to get to bed. The boys are so nice and friendly, and come in and out of my house so naturally, that it gives one quite a homely feeling, and when they call me “Mama” (Father) I feel