Page:Notes of a journey across the Isthmus of Krà.pdf/22

 Mr. Delaplanche to be dangerously ill of fever, and requesting immediate assistance.

The steam launch, with Mr. Schlüssel, was dispatched to Krà at once to render help and bring the sick gentleman back as soon as possible. The gunboat, which had been moored for our operations, was unmoored again, and preparations were made for a start to Penang on the arrival of the remainder of the Expedition from the jungle. Nothing was lost by this act of consideration, the monsoon had evidently commenced, (which was confirmed by the knowledge of H.E. the Governor, many years resident in this place), for every day until we reached Penang heavy squalls, accompanied with thunder, lightning and rain, were experienced. While waiting for the return of the launch, I fixed in front of the Governor's house a large cylinder axis sundial (an invention made in Siam and patronized by His Majesty) from which the true and mean time could be found year after year in the simplest manner. This seemed to gratify His Excellency very much.

About three days after the launch left, the whole of the party from the jungle returned by her to the Apollo. Steam was got up at a convenient time afterwards. His Excellency rowed on board in his fine boat, and after he had taken a friendly farewell of his guests, the Apollo got under weigh at 3 p.m. and steamed through the south channel for Puket, Junksylon, where we arrived the following evening after a stormy passage. Junksylon is an island well known for its richness in tin mines. It belongs to the kingdom of Siam.

April 7th. Provisions having been taken on board, the Apollo again got under weigh, and after twenty-one hours' steaming was anchored, true sailor fashion, in Penang Harbour by her young commander, who seems to have made good use of his time during his studies in the Naval College and subsequent service on board the ironclads of the British Navy. When the arrival of the Expedition was made known, Mr. Neubronner (the amiable and zealous Siamese Consul at this port) showed the utmost attention to the members of the Expedition, and saw them comfortably installed in the beach