Page:Scented isles and coral gardens- Torres Straits, German New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies, by C.D. Mackellar, 1912.pdf/137

Rh to the shore. A large boat, manned by many natives, was launched and after much difficulty approached the Stettin.

Then began an exciting scene. The swell was so heavy that the boat was dashed high up against the gangway, and then receded many yards with a rush. It needed agile limbs, a steady head and nerve to step in at the right moment as it was dashed towards the ship. The Bishop, absolutely furious, got in all right, but his eight followers were terrified, had not courage for the attempt, and clung frantically to the gangway, whilst wave after wave dashed over them. They were in actual danger and might easily have been washed away, but I regret to say so comical was the scene that we on the ship were speechless with laughter. The poor men had not sense enough left to ascend the gangway, but clung on to it desperately at the bottom, dashed about by every wave. At last, in disgust, the Bishop went off alone, and we watched his progress to the shore. Twice his boat was overwhelmed by the surf, but natives rushed into the water and hauled it to safety by main force, and we saw the Bishop, after a very brief greeting to his flock, striding off along the shore. The Mission Brethren were at last also embarked all upside down, and when they reached the surf were helpless, and wave after wave broke over them, they having a near shave of being drowned. From the ship it looked very funny indeed: there are always different ways of viewing things. Sister Amigunda, Sister Ludwina, and the other Sisters had been ungallantly left behind to shift for themselves, so when the boat came back for them one of the officers and I rushed to the gangway to assist, but were not needed. Headed by the two Australian Sisters they all walked calmly and