By-half-past six, the last of our guests (over 150 in number)
had said farewell, and there only remained the band to be shown round
and feasted after their labours. Tom went on board the 'Fantome' to
dine, and to meet the British, French, German, and American
representatives. We went to the hotel; and I must say that I never in
my life felt more thoroughly worn out than I did that night, after
standing about and receiving and entertaining all the day.
_Wednesday, January 3rd_.--This was sure to be a disagreeable day,
since it was to be the concluding one of our short stay in this
pleasant place. The final preparations for a long voyage had also to
be made; stores, water, and live stock to be got on board, bills to be
paid, and adieux to be made to kind friends.
I was on deck at six o'clock, in order to take some photographs and to
stow away the coral, shells, curiosities, and presents of various
kinds, that the King, Queen, Prince and Princess, as well as other
kind friends, had sent us. Before seven the yacht was surrounded by
boats, and the deck was quite impassable, so encumbered was it with
all sorts of lumber, waiting to be stowed away, until the boats could
be hoisted on board and secured for the voyage. The large mizen-sail,
which had just been repaired and sent on board, looked enormous as it
lay on the deck, surrounded by hen-coops, sheep, geese, sacks of coal,
and baskets and parcels of every size and shape.
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