were if it was just myself that was involved. I can stand a good deal and Hannibal can stand a good deal more. But the high injustice to Dr. Drowne and the gloomy future of the ship makes it high time to have something understood by people at home. The result of a row I had with Beck the other day is sending the ship to Rabaul to have the leak patched up. Hamlin, Dr. Drowne and myself are going up in the bush here on Bougainville for two months. What will happen after that is uncertain. The captain has pleaded with us to stay on board saying that Beck will really have nothing done to the ship at all, the same way he always has failed to have anything done. I am writing this to you and not to Dr. Murphy, because you know me pretty damn well and Murphy doesn't. I am telling you from the bottom of my heart that which I feel very strongly. It is perfectly evident to me that Beck pulled himself together when we first came on board, realizing that if he wasn't careful his little pack of cards would tumble down on him. As time went on and Hannibal and I were very polite to him, and willing to do most anything on board such as work with the crew on the anchor, engine, etc., he automatically drifted into his customary ways, mistaking our politeness to him as a sign of our fear of him. He has that inherent psychology, that of a small town bully. I want you to distinctly understand that Hannibal and I are tremendously grateful for the