se of
the _Richmond_ at Tonga Tabu, make back by Tahiti, and so to S. F., and
home: perhaps in June 1890. For the latter part of the cruise will
likely be the same in either case. You can see for yourself how much
variety and adventure this promises, and that it is not devoid of danger
at the best; but if we can pull it off in safety, gives me a fine book
of travel, and Lloyd a fine lecture and diorama, which should vastly
better our finances.

I feel as if I were untrue to friendship; believe me, Colvin, when I
look forward to this absence of another year, my conscience sinks at
thought of the Monument; but I think you will pardon me if you consider
how much this tropical weather mends my health. Remember me as I was at
home, and think of me sea-bathing and walking about, as jolly as a
sandboy: you will own the temptation is strong; and as the scheme, bar
fatal accidents, is bound to pay into the bargain, sooner or later, it
seems it would be madness to come home now, with an imperfect book, no
illustrations to speak of, no diorama, and perhaps fall sick again by
autumn. I do not think I delude myself when I say the tendency to
catarrh has visibly diminished.

It is a singular thing that as I was packing up old papers ere I left
Skerryvore, I came on the prophecies of a drunken Highland sibyl, when I
was seventeen. She said I was to be very happy, to visit America, and
_to be much upon the sea_. It seems as if it were coming true with a
vengeance. Also, do you remember my strong, old, rooted belief that I
shall die by drowning? I don't want that to come true, though it is an
easy death; but it occurs to me oddly, with these long chances in front.
I cannot say why I like the sea; no man is more cynically and
constantly alive to its perils; I regard it as the highest form of
gambling; and yet I love the sea as much as I hate gambling. Fine, clean
emotions; a world all and always beautiful; air better than wine;
interest unflagging; there is upon the whole no better life.--Yours
ever,

R. L. S.

TO E. L. BURLINGAME

[_Honolulu, April 1889._]

MY DEAR BURLINGAME,--This is to announce the most prodigious change of
programme. I have seen so much of the South Seas that I desire to see
more, and I get so much health here that I dread a return to our vile
climates. I have applied accordingly to the missionary folk to let me go
round in the _Morning Star_; and if the Boston Board should refuse, I
shall