X TRANSLATOR'S NOTE

words of appeal to the French colonial authorities, asking them to cease from sending out expeditions only to

abandon them to their fate, taking no notice of their

requests for instructions or for help.

Reading between the lines of this record of a brave

struggle against terrible odds, it is only too easy to realize

that the policy of prevarication of the French Government

in all matters colonial is a well-considered policy, as astute as it is unfair, alike to the gallant officers in command of

abortive exploring expeditions as to the ''rivals" so cordially disliked.

Nancy Bell.

Southbourne-07t-Sea^

October 1898.