THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
We had already made acquaintance with
the "Montoro" when she was unlading
in Sydney Harbour, her final port of call, and we
now spent on board three of the pleasantest
weeks of our journey. There is a great sense of
peace and cleanliness on a ship after long dusty
travels. The "Montoro" was a small boat, less
than 6000 tons, but remarkably well-appointed and
arranged, our airy bedstead cabin was positively
spacious, with the luxury of a large wardrobe and a
full length looking-glass in its door. The staff were
Chinese, efficient, ubiquitous, noiseless, and their
gentle soft-voiced ways were particularly restful
after the rough and ready Australian servant. On
board we found awaiting us letters from home,
the last we were to get for two long months, for
our Java mail, delayed by the war, followed us to
England. Presently we were slipping down to the
sea between the low banks of the green river, with
a light breeze. Venus was rising and the moon,
and the shore lights began to glimmer.
