[Note: this transcription was produced by an automatic OCR engine]

24 WITH NATIVES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC

up for any disappointment human inefficiency had
occasioned.

The French Resident, Mr. C., received me most
kindly, and did me the honour of inviting me to be
his guest. I had planned to stay in Vila a few weeks,
so as to get acquainted with the country and hire
boys; but the Resident seemed to think that I only
intended a short visit to the islands, and he proposed
to take me with him on a cruise through the archi-
pelago and to deposit me at the Segond Channel, an
invitation I could not well refuse. My objection of
having no servants was overruled by the Resident’s
assurance that I could easily find some in Santo. I
therefore made my preparations and got my luggage
ready.

In the afternoon, Mr. C. lent me his boat to go
and pay my respects to Mr; Morton King, the British
Resident. The difference between the two residences
was striking, but it would be out of place to dwell
on it here. It may be caused by the fact that the
French Resident is, as a rule, recalled every six
months, while the British Resident had been at Vila
for more than three years. Mr. King received me
most cordially and also offered his hospitality, which,
however, I was unable to accept. Later on Mr. King
assisted and sheltered me in the most generous
manner, so that I shall always remember his help and
friendship with sincere gratitude.

I also had the honour of making the acquaint-

ance of the British judge and of most of the Con-
dominium officials.