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[Page 65]
1914
from the "Australia" in Hobart, Tasmania, some 12 months previously. He was recognised & taken on board. Of course, a deserter giving himself up in war time receives a free pardon. It was considered necessary, in view of the number of German ships in the harbour, to keep a strict lookout during the night, in case any of their German crews should attempt any form of treachery. Shortly after midnight a boat was seen to be approaching the ship at some distance away. The sentry on duty hailed the boat, but he got no reply to his challenge, & after repeating with the same result, he promptly fired his rifle at her, & she thereupon disappeared into the darkness.
Dec. 19.
The following day I was detailed to land & purchase stores for use on board. I went on shore at 7.30 a.m. with £20 with which to make my purchases. I foresaw that it would be a matter of difficulty to purchase such things as nuts & bolts, etc. in a strange land, & at the same time not knowing the language. I got over the latter difficulty, partially, by taking with me a Stoker Petty Officer who had, at one time, been a foreman on an Argentine ranch, & therefore was conversant with a colloquial Spanish. In the first place I made my way to the offices of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company, & here they advised me where to get the articles which I required, & kindly sent a man to guide me. However, I could not get the things I