CHAPTER V

AT MADAGASCAR

Life in a Torpedo-boat--Elephantiasis--Officers discharged--Sailors suffocated--A Funeral Service--Further Tragical Mishaps--_Suvaroff_ Shore Leave stopped--A Snake in the Hay--Requiem Service on Board the _Ural_--A Sad Spectacle--Population of Nosi Be--Frightened Oxen--Telegrams from Home--News of the _Oleg_--The _Kuban_ arrives--Prickly Heat--Rumours of Return--Luxurious but Useless Ships--Animals on Board--On Shore--Gambling--Blessing the Water--The Rainy Season--The Mad Ensign--Intense Heat--_Malay_ returns with Sick and Incapables--Arrest of Mutineers--The Foreign Legion--Pianola Musicians--Bad Meat--Shipping Cattle--Sinking of the _Bengal_ Coal Steamer--Passive Resistance 108