the 15th day of
August, one hour after noon
Then he longed for the open sea , and so urged his desire , that he received an immediate exchange to the ship Hydra , going out to Borneo with assistance for Rajah Brooke , who was waging an exterminating war against the pirates of the Chinese and Indian seas . The new ship was a very fine one , and Jan was proud of his command . Snorro also had been assigned to duty on her , having special charge of a fine Lancaster gun which she carried , and no words could express his pride and joy in his position . She was to sail on the 15th day of August , one hour after noon , and early in the morning of that day , Jan went off the ship alone . He went direct to the Post Office , and with trembling hands , for he was still very weak , he dropped into it the following letter : MY DEAR WIFE -- MY FAIR DEAR MARGARET : I have never ceased to love thee . Ask Dr. Balloch to tell thee all . To-day I leave for the Chinese sea .