On the homeward trip on one occasion we met the outward-bound steamer _Celt_, one of ours, and passed within hailing distance. Before the captains could get a word in there was a chorus from our passengers: “What won the Grand National?” Answered from an equal chorus: “The Lamb.” We had one or two breakdowns, between that and the Channel, and on one occasion I remember hoisting the mainyard by the passengers only, the inducement to help being that if we did not hurry up they would not see the Derby. That was Favonius’ year. When the time came to leave the _Roman_, I was pleased to get my promotion, but sorry to lose my shipmates. I was rather lucky, two of my seniors had just resigned in order to try their luck at the diamond fields. One was named Johnson, and I don’t know what eventually became of him; but the other was Doveton, who, as Major of the Imperial Horse, was killed at Wagon Hill. At one time serving in the _Cambrian_ when she put into Saldana Bay short of coal, he rode to Cape Town for help in record time, for he was one of our best riders, and a first-class all-round man. The Company had bought from the Royal Mail their paddle steamer, _Danube_, had converted her into a screw, and generally made a very nice little ship of her. She was commanded by Captain Baynton, who was commodore. She was, therefore, the best ship in the Company, and I was very proud when I mustered on her as second officer. It was true that I was told I should have to change with a senior then serving on the coast ship, but that in no way detracted from my satisfaction. CHAPTER VI “Fair is our lot--O, goodly is our heritage!”--KIPLING.