CHAPTER III.

Cape Frio--Arrive at Rio de Janeiro--Magnificent Harbour--An Hour on Shore--Crucifix-bearers--Wooden Collars--The Captain’s good Advice--Christmas Day--Plum-duff--Close-reefed Topsails--A Sight of Tristan de Acunha--The Gun-boats cast off--Algoa Bay--Foul Weather--Money landed in Surf-boats--Port Elizabeth at a Distance--Discontent--Natal--A Snuffler--Simon’s Bay, Cape of Good Hope--Romantic Scene--Bullock-wagons--A brooming Party--Savage Landscape--A good Word for Government--Sailors’ Orchards--A fresh Departure--Four Gun-boats--A Truant--Strait of Sunda--Boatswain Birds--Anjeer--Java--Sumatra--Singapore--Something to laugh at--Waterspout--Arrival at Hong-Kong--The Letter-bag--News from Home 37