How strange it is to me to feel so far away from business on a Saturday night. Your time is now 5 to 9, & last Saturday night the same thoughts occurred to me. Well, the discharging & noise, especially with men shouting & hurrying the labourers, continued well into midnight, after which I heard nothing but slept soundly till near 6, & found we were still in Malta harbour. I arose, had a cold bath, & before getting on deck I heard the engines start, 7 exactly, & off we went. Outside, the same breezy weather we had the previous day prevailed. In fact somewhat colder, & now we are in the Adriatic & hope to be in Brindisi about 11 tomorrow morning. The letter box is fixed, & intimates [1:49] clearance at 11 tonight, so I intend to get this away.
Music tonight in the music saloon, & the comic element is developing. Many fine young fellows are passengers & all full of life. There are many ladies who entertain also, & as we are to have 65 passengers extra at Brindisi, we may expect additional entertainers between there & Ismalia. [1]
I’ve written to Russia tonight as promised[2]. I am looking forward to getting letters & papers tomorrow, as are many more passengers.
I had a rat in my cabin this morning & lively he was. As I was taking my overcoat off the hook, out he sprang & over the baggage onto the floor, & sheltered. I expect they are plentiful about the Kitchens
Now goodnight to you all [1:50] & I shall, all being well, be with you in spirit tomorrow, especially & at 11 a.m., your time; our time at Brindisi will be 72 minutes before yours.
The next post, I expect, will be from Port Said.[3]
Posted at sea, Saturday night, Jan’y 22/98, onboard the P&O SS “Victoria”
All well.
[1:51]
[1] Egyptian Port of Call on Lake Timsah, halfway along the Suez Canal.
[2] To Mary Plotnicoff?
[3] Port at northern end of Suez Canal