ed to overawe and punish these freebooters; who are so bold
that they do not hesitate to attack our traders, even when large
ships, and carrying guns for their protection. Nothing short of a
great fleet of cruisers would suffice.

"In the next place, did we undertake any operations on a large
scale against the Malays throughout the islands, they would unite
against us; and might, in revenge, assail many of our ports, and do
us enormous damage. Even if your fleet performed half the work, it
is we, only, who would be the sufferers. Certainly we have not
sufficient vessels of war to attempt such an operation and, even
were the Governor General of India to send down as many vessels as
we have at our disposal, the force would be altogether inadequate
for such extensive operations. These islands are counted by hundreds
and, on the approach of ships of war, the people would desert their
villages by the seashore and take to the interior--where it would,
in most cases, be impossible to follow them--and all the damage we
could inflict would be to burn their villages, which could be rebuilt
after the ships had sailed away. To exterminate piracy would be the
work, not of months, but of many years. However, I shall consult my
council, and will draft a reply to the despatch, tomorrow.

"You have had a pleasant voyage down, I hope?"

"Very much so," Harry replied. "We have had fine weather, and light
breezes."

The conversation was continued for a few minutes, and then the
little party returned to their boats.

"There is not much doubt what the reply will be," Fairclough said.

"No; and on the whole, I don't see that the Governor is to be
blamed; though of course, he has not given us the principal reason,
which is his objection to our flag being seen flying beside the
Dutch among the islands. Still, there is a good deal in what he
says."

"I think so, too. You see, they are going to send their answer
tomorrow, which may be taken as a proof that they are anxious to
get rid of us, as soon as possible."

Chapter 11: A Prisoner.

The next day the Governor himself came off to the brig, and was
received with the usual honours.

"The council are quite of my opinion," he said to Harry, "as to the
extreme difficulty and cost that an effort to put down piracy among
the islands would involve. Our ships on the station would not be at
all sufficient for such work and, at any rate, it is a step that we
should not venture to eng