We are moving nearer and nearer to Vladivostok. We have altogether come 28,500 versts. There are 4,200 still left. Nearly seven-eighths of our voyage is successfully accomplished.
All the ships have anchored. The Suvaroff is coaling from a German steamer. In the latter some of the crew are Chinamen, and perhaps there are Japanese.
I forget if I told you that two Japanese were noticed among the crew of the steamer Dagmar, which brought provisions to Kamranh. How well their intelligence service is organised! Wherever you look there are Japanese spies. There is authentic news that the ice at Vladivostok has dispersed. Consequently, the Japanese might undertake naval operations against it, if we do not interfere in time. It will be a fine impediment if they cut off Vladivostok by land, thus making it a second Port Arthur.
Easter will soon be here, but it is not noticed in the ship.
They live and eat as usual. There are no preparations—everywhere is dirt and coal.
April 14th.—In the torpedo-boats they were assured that when we left Kamranh we were going to Vladivostok. They never expected we should anchor in some bay.
A sailor deserted at Kamranh. What will he do there, on that savage shore? Another threw himself into the sea from the Rion, having cautiously put on a life-belt. He was successfully taken out of the water and put on board the Rion. On what do these people count?
The shore here is hilly, and rather pretty. There is a small settlement. Chinese came near us in boats. They sold chickens, ducks, bananas, etc. The prices are heavy. They ask more than a rouble for a fowl. They will not let a small pumpkin go for less than fifty copecks.
I watched how the Chinese eat in the collier. They eat very cleverly, with sticks. It is curious to see so many people with pigtails. Sometimes they fasten them up on their necks, and sometimes hang them down their backs.
Admiral Folkersham is still unwell. He is in bed. The stroke was not so slight as the doctors said.