arrows that would be poured upon them.

"I should send the greater part of your men down to get off the
roofs of the huts. Those up here must place a man or two on watch,
at each side, and throw a fireball occasionally."

In a few moments the enemy ceased shooting their arrows, for the
light of the fireballs showed them that the garrison was in
shelter.

"There is no occasion for you to stay here, any longer, Rajah. I
will look after matters until morning, and will send to you, as
soon as there is any stir outside."

In half an hour, the huts were stripped of their most combustible
material. This was heaped up under the platforms, where it would be
safe from falling arrows. The women drew pots of water from the
well, and a hundred men were then left in the courtyard, with
orders to pull up or stamp out any flaming arrows that might fall.
But as the time went on, it was evident that the assailants had not
thought of providing themselves with the materials requisite, and
the greater part of the garrison lay down quietly and slept.

Harry had waited until he saw the work in the courtyard completed;
and then, with the interpreter, entered the rajah's house. The room
he generally used was empty. Some lamps were burning there, and he
laid himself down on a divan, while the Malay curled himself up on
the floor.

Harry had slept but a short time when he was awakened by a light
touch on his shoulder and, springing up, saw a woman, with a boy
some six years old, standing beside him. The woman placed her
finger on her lips, imploringly. Harry at once roused the
interpreter. Through him, the woman explained that she was the
widow of the late rajah, and that her son was the lawful heir to
the throne.

"I have come to you, brave white lord," she said, "to ask you if
your people will grant us protection."

"That would be impossible," Harry replied; "my people are busy with
their own wars in India and, even were they not so occupied, they
could not interfere in a domestic quarrel between the Malay
chiefs."

"Why are you fighting here, then?"

"I am fighting in my own quarrel. I was attacked, and my followers
killed, by the rajah now assailing this place. I, myself, should
have been murdered, had I not made my escape; and should certainly
be killed by him, if he were victorious.

"I think it likely that, before very long, there may be an English
trading station at Singapore and, if you and your son were to go
there, yo