All business being now arranged as far possible, we were preparing to settle down for another term of patient watchfulness for the slant which would justify us in attempting the run homewards through the inter-island tide races, and our most sanguine hopes did not extend to speedier relief than that which might be afforded by the Thales on Wednesday, 26th. On the day after our return to Makung, however. i.e. on Monday, the 24th, we were agreeably surprised to see a Douglas. sir. making for the light under the height, where she anchored. After a time she came into triple expansion engines "of 1,200i.h.-p. Makung harbour, and turned out-to be the! Formosa sent in search of us by the generous kindness of the Douglas Ca. It seems that getting anxious as to our whereabouts and having heard nothing of us since we left Anping, Messrs. Bain & Ca. wired the facta to Amoy, begging that the Thales might be directed to search for us. Messrs Lapraik and Cass with characteristic goodness at once determined to order the Formosa to deviate from her Yamaui run and make the enquiry. The Commissioner and indeed the whole Customs staff zealously and kindly aided in the despatch of the Formosa, and although it was a Sunday and she bad cargo to dis. charge this was all quickly arranged, letting the steamer leave Amoy on her errand by 11.30 p.m. Such spontaneous and kindly acts as these serve greatly to relieve the gloom that inevitably attends the misfortunes which call for their display, and we, in common, with all others interested in' the Sin Tuiwan and her belongings must, and do indeed feel sincerely grateful for, and proud of the generosity and goodness shown them by owners, Customs, and all others who so unselfishly sprang forward to render help when they had reason to believe it was required. True, the Sin Taiwan was snugly ensconced in Makung Harbour, but we were none the less glad of a chance of jetting back now that all we went for had en accomplished in sv far as we were capable of carrying it out, and therefore, we gladly availed ourselves of Capt. Hall's offer to land us at Anping, and left the Pescadures at about 10.. on the 24th arriving at Anping in the afternoon of the same day, and thus ended a not uneventful cruise, which, if not devoid of risk, discomfort and even some privation, has many less disagreeable reminiscences and associa. tions.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.