The RED SEA had long since been crossed, and the ship
was now on its way over the Indian Ocean; but as always
the sun mercilessly rose early and set late, encroaching
upon the better part of the night. The night, like paper
soaked in oil, had become translucent. Locked in the
embrace of the sun, the night』s own form was indiscernible.
Perhaps it had become intoxicated by the sun, which would
explain why the night sky remained flushed long after the
gradual fading of the rosy sunset. By the time the ruddiness
dissipated and the night itself awoke from its stupor, the
passengers in their cabins had awakened, glistening with
sweat; after bathing, they hurried out on deck to catch the
ocean breeze. Another day had begun.
It was toward the end of July, equivalent to the
「san-fu」 period of the lunar calendar-the hottest days of the
year. In China the heat was even more oppressive than
usual. Later everyone agreed the unusual heat was a
portent of troops and arms, for it was the twenty-sixth year
of the Republic (1937).
The French liner, the