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[Page 90]
the Mission Fathers to enter the line of Guards. I am leaving at 9.15 for Madang.
9 pm : I saw the Major this morning & he approved of my action. He has for various reasons, however, decided to extend the time for the production of the "Gabriel" another week. We are therefore withdrawing our embargo & the works will start again tomorrow. I have just had an interview with the Father Prefect.
Thurs 26th : Normal conditions again prevail at Alexis Hafen & the works are in full swing. Some of my men are down with malaria & Doctor Kloster, assisted by one of the Brothers, has been continuously in attendance on the victims. I cannot speak too highly of the way this excellent medico has given time & trouble to the alleviation of the sufferings of his country's enemies.
From my quarters I occasionally catch a glimpse of the summit of Maulun Beng looming dark & mysterious from among heavy clouds. This peak is over 20 miles away and is the highest point on Dampier Island.
Since leaving the Madang garrison I have been thrown more into the company of my P.O.'s & leading hands. They are old sailors & some of their yarns are redolent of the salt. Thus, "one day, Sir", said one, "I was settin' up some riggin' taut & I called out to one chap. 'go & get us a handy billy'. Away he goes & I waited & waited & kept on waitin' till at last he turns up. 'Here y'are mate', he ses, handin' me a large billy-can. 'It's pretty big but it's the handiest I c'd find'." Those who know what is meant by a "handy billy" will no doubt appreciate the above.