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CHAP. XV. THE LAST NIGHT AT THE CAPITAL. 421 after knowledge in reference to so simple a thing as a thermo meter, I said I felt persuaded, existed in reference to far more important things. I have adverted to these conversations as indicating the views and feelings of those with whom I had most frequent intercourse. I felt that all I could do was to endeavour to lodge some germs of useful thought in their open and inquir ing minds. At length the prince, observing that it was nearly ten o’clock, apologised for having stayed so late. He said the cannon would soon fire, when all doors would be closed ; and adding that they ought not to set an example of violating the regulations of the capital, he gave orders for preparing to depart. He then proposed my health, directing the band at the same time to play the English “ God save the Queen.” The prince and princess, with their niece, then took their leave, and entering their palanquins, departed amidst a profusion of lanterns and a crowd of attendants. After they had left, many of my friends came, successive parties arriving until nearly midnight. We commended each other to God as we separated; and I gave them all my stock of medicine. Two of their number, one of whom understands English, had acquired some knowledge of the use of English medicine from Dr. Powell of Mauritius, who, when formerly resident in Madagascar, had given medical instruction to several of the Malagasy youth. I also gave to them a number of useful articles, and left others to he sold, and the proceeds to be distributed amongst the afflicted and the destitute. By daylight on Friday, the 26th of September, I was stirring, and finished my packing. Several of my patients came, some bringing presents, memorials, as they said, of their sense of my kindness, and many of my friends came to say farewell. Before breakfast the prince, with two of his attendants, came to say that he and several of his friends intended to accompany