The kind people of Mauritius, to make me richer and happier, rigged up
the opera-house, which they had named the "_Ship Pantai_." [Footnote:
Guinea-hen] All decks and no bottom was this ship, but she was as
stiff as a church. They gave me free use of it while I talked over the
_Spray's_ adventures. His Honor the mayor introduced me to his
Excellency the governor from the poop-deck of the _Pantai._ In this
way I was also introduced again to our good consul, General John P.
Campbell, who had already introduced me to his Excellency, I was
becoming well acquainted, and was in for it now to sail the voyage
over again. How I got through the story I hardly know. It was a hot
night, and I could have choked the tailor who made the coat I wore for
this occasion. The kind governor saw that I had done my part trying to
rig like a man ashore, and he invited me to Government House at
Reduit, where I found myself among friends.
It was winter still off stormy Cape of Good Hope, but the storms might
whistle there. I determined to see it out in milder Mauritius,
visiting Rose Hill, Curipepe, and other places on the island. I spent
a day with the elder Mr. Roberts, father of Governor Roberts of
Rodriguez, and with his friends the Very Reverend Fathers O'Loughlin
and McCarthy. Returning to the _Spray_ by way of the great flower
conservatory near Moka, the proprietor, having only that morning
discovered a new and hardy plant, to my great honor named it "Slocum,"
which he said Latinized it at once, saving him some trouble on the
twist of a word; and the good botanist seemed pleased that I had come.
Pages:
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216