hard luck, I don't know it. All I got was a bad
photograph of him, and I had already decided where I would hang his
head, and how much I would tip the crew for cutting him up. It was a
really wonderful journey. I loved every minute of it and never was I
in better health.

If I only could have known that you knew that I was all right, but
instead you were worrying. The nights were bright moonlight, and the
days were beautiful; full of strange people and animals, birds and
views. We three sat in the little bridge of the tinpot boat, and
smoked pipes and watched the great muddy river rushing between
wonderful banks. There was the Danish Captain, an Italian officer and
the engineer was from Finland. The Italian spoke French and the two
others English, and I acted as interpreter!! Can you imagine it? I am
now really a daring French linguist. People who understand me, get
quick promotion. If I only could have been able to tell you all was
well and not to be worried. At Kwarmouth I have just received a wire
from Cecil saying she expects to leave by the slow boat but will stay
if I wish it. So, now we can both go by the slow boat if I can catch
it. I hope so. must have found Boma as bad as it looked. God bless
you all.

DICK.

On April 13, Richard was back in London and in his diary of that date
he writes, "Never so glad to get anywhere. Went to sleep to the music
of motorcars. Nothing ever made me feel so content and comfortable and
secure as their 'honk, honk.'"

From diary of April 22nd, 1907.

A blackmailer named H---- called, with photos of atrocities and letters
and films. He wanted 30 Pounds for the lot. I gave him 3 Pounds for
three photos. One letter he showed me signed Bullinger, an Englishman,
said he had put the fear of God in their hearts by sticking up the
chief's head on a pole, and saying, "Now, make rubber, or you will look
like that." Went to lunch with Pearson but it was the wrong day, and so
missed getting a free feed. Thinking he would turn up, I ordered a
most expensive lunch. I paid for it. Evening went Patience, which
liked immensely and then Duchess of Sutherland's party to Premiers.
Saw Churchill and each explained his share of the Real Soldiers row.

From diary of April 28th, 1907.

We went down by train to Cliveden going by Taplow to Maidenhead where
Astor had sent his car to meet us. It is a wonderful place and the
view of the Thames is a beautiful one. Th