282 LIFE IN JAVA.
ing he had not enjoyed such a hearty meal for many months. Breakfast over, he Kt his cigar and took leave of his friends, thanking them for the delicious repast. After he was gone the gentleman began to feel uncomfortable as to the results of his sick friend's indulgence in his appetite; but his surprise knew no bounds, when, in a few days, the latter paid them a second visit, declar- ing he had had no return of the disease since the morning he had breakfasted so heartily with them, that now all he required was change of air to re- cruit his strength, and that he had come to say good-bye before setting off for Sindanglaya.
" Had I known the efficacy of haricots and salt meat bef oi"e," he added, with a laugh, " it would have saved me many a doctor's bill."
The next morning we started for Buitenzorg, on our return to Batavia. For eight miles the road was one continued gradual ascent, up the side of the !Megamundong mountain, which is richly
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