loth
and other manufactures; also a dinner service of pottery, an ormulu
clock, and other articles. The rajah, whose face had at first
expressed disappointment, was evidently much pleased with these
presents and, after perusing the letter, expressed himself as well
contented with its terms.

"I value them all the more," he said, "because they are a proof
that the English do not make treaties, unless able to fulfil the
conditions. This is far better than accepting treaties, and then
withdrawing from them. You can assure the great lord of Calcutta,
although I regret much that he cannot at present form an alliance
with me, that I shall be ready to renew the negotiations with him,
whenever he notifies me that he can do so."

The champagne was then produced. The tumangong had evidently heard,
from his officers, how delicious was the strange drink, which
bubbled as if it was boiling and was yet quite cold. Two bottles
were put upon the table; and the Malays, after tasting it
cautiously at first, consumed the greater portion--the two officers
only sipping theirs occasionally, and filling up their glasses, so
as to keep the others in countenance. Accustomed to more fiery
beverages, obtained from traders in the Dutch possessions, the
Malays were in no way affected by their potations; although these
evidently impressed them with the superiority of the English over
their Dutch rivals, for the tumangong remarked:

"Truly the English must be a great people, to make such liquors.
The Dutch sell us fiery drinks, but their flavour is not to be
compared with these. I hope that your lord, when he again sends a
ship down to me, will forward me some of this drink."

"I have, fortunately, a case of it with me," Harry said. "It
contains two dozen bottles. I will give orders for it to be placed
in your boat."

He could see, by the Malay's face, that he was greatly gratified,
and he added:

"I have no doubt, Tumangong, that when I inform the Governor
General that you were pleased with this drink, he will order some
of it to be sent down, when there is an opportunity; so that the
friendship between you and him can be maintained, until the time
comes when he can arrange with you for the concession of a trading
station on the island of Singapore."

"The offer shall be always open to him; there is no occasion for
haste."

The conversation continued for some time longer, and then the Malay
and his officers took their places in their ca