Page:Suakin, 1885.djvu/23

 but every one was very attentive and all seemed to join in it. Prayers over, there came the first parade at 9.30, then dinners at twelve o'clock, and parade again at 1.45. At 3,30 we were running off the heats in the various athletic events till five o'clock, when "retreat" sounded and hammocks were drawn; the men also had their evening meal, but we did not have our dinner till 6.30. At 7.45, the piano having been carried on deck, music followed, till "First Post" sounded at 8. 30 p.m., "Last Post" half an hour later, and "Lights out!" at 9.15. So ended the ordinary day's routine at sea.

But I must go back a little. The next land we sighted was the Galita Islands, which are sadly in want of a lighthouse. These islands belong to Italy, and though the Government would be glad to erect a lighthouse there, people refuse to live on these islands, as they are said to be haunted—at least so runs the story.

On the 26th of February we saw Cape Bonn, on the African coast, far away on our starboard beam, and about midday we passed quite close to Pantalaria, a very fine-looking place, and used by the Italians as a convict station.

At 9.30 p.m, on the same day we passed