PC_256_Poe_1910_1911_Typescript_052

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December 31st.
The sea is like a millpond and the temperature delightful.
Dr. Peters, a rubber planter, has been telling me interest-
ing stories of his jungle experiences. Had a good game of
"Hearts" last night, the first time I have played cards for
weeks. Hildebrand is a fine, good-natured fellow and I have
been playing more pranks on him and with him that the law al-
lows. "You will live long," he laughed this afternoon. "Why
do you say so?" I asked. "Because," he said, "if you are such
a kid at thurty, you ought never to get old."

January 1st.
Hildebrand and I got up just before midnight and saw the old
year out and the new in. Finding no other prank to play, we
found a man's cot on deck and elevated it perpindicularly
against the rail. Landed in Calcutta at 1 p. m. All hotels
full, went to Mrs. Monk's Boarding House with Hildebrand and
his niece. In afternoon went to Zoological Gardens, where
the chief feature was the most savage tiger I have ever seen,
recently caught in the jungle, after having killed several
people. Later visisted the famous "Black Hole."

January 2nd.
Started immediately after breakfast to Cook's to get mail.
En route saw procession, dazzling in its gorgeous coloring,
escorting the Viceroy to his Palace. The red coats with
their plumes and the beautiful grounds, white arches, and gree
foliage made a memorable view. Yhence to Botanical Gardens,
after getting mail. The Hindoos are blacker than I thought
but with Caucasian features. Ash-smeared fanatics, naked babies