entering the cut and rowing by the reef. They proved to be of the boat crew of the France. They had been sent over from Kalunbandra to find out the news. They had come over eleven miles in the rain. It was a joyous moment for all of us as we had the mail they had been waiting for for two months. We blew them to some beer and lunch at the Chinamen's hangout. Then shortly after noon time they made fast the small cutter to the 'Awa' and with Captain Tate in command and the crew from the France keeping up an incessant chatter all the time about how glad they were to get their musical instruments which we had in the mail bags, about Mrs. Beck, about Dr. Drowne and all sorts of other things in connection with the long hunt we had had for each other, we steamed out of Gizo in the rain and headed for where the France was anchored twelve miles across the mists of the bight. We came aboard the France about three o'clock and were given a royal reception. Mr. Beck is up in the mountains at camp and is not expected down until the week-end. But Drowne, Mrs. Beck and Lang were alongside to welcome us. Journey's end and three cheers!