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Coast are said to be very cruel and when wrecks take place there, and it said this happens once a year, they murder people to get their valuables. Some even say they are cannibals. The next evening at 5.30 we arrived at Aden and [insertion: as] usual[?] out from shore and were soon surrounded by small boats. We decided not to go ashore as it would be dark so soon. The officers would not allow the number one merchants to come on deck until late in the evening and so there was a lively bargaining over the rail. The Blackies sending up their goods on a rope trolly for inspection. They had Swahili baskets pretty but rather coarse, wild ostrich feathers cigarettes etc. What else they had we couldn't know. Aden is picturesquely situated or at least Steamer Point is at the foot of a log jagged big rock now owned by Briton and well protected by [illegible - guards?] Across the narrow channel is another jagged row of rocks or mountains. There was a glorious yellow sunset behind them. These narrows are one of the most picturesque spots I ever saw and certainly a strategic point which Gt Briton aid will [to gobble?]. It was a fairly comfortable night, but the next day was [underlined] hot. There was land on both sides and we passed the town of [Mocha?]. In the afternoon we massed many steamers and we were out of sight of land. The night was fearfully hot. My door on hook, my window open with curtains pulled back and electric fans going and [illegible] not even a sheet for cover, enabled me to sleep. Today is hotter, the hottest day we have yet had. Everyone