words to the interpreter, which he
repeated to the rajah. The latter held up his hand, to show that he
had more to say.

"My white friend warns me that, for a day or two, we must not leave
the town. It may be that the enemy have halted near the edge of the
forest, in the hope of taking us unawares. This, however, can only
be for a day or two, at most; for I have no doubt that the
provisions they brought with them are, by now, exhausted and, if
they stop in the forest, they will perish from hunger; therefore
let no one go beyond the town, for two days. A watch shall be kept
on the roof of my house and, if any of the enemy make their
appearance in the forest, a horn will summon all to retire within
the walls."

There was feasting that night at the rajah's house. All his
officers and men of importance were present. Sacks of rice and
other grain were distributed among the soldiers and women; some
buffaloes that had been driven inside the wall to serve as food,
should the siege prove a long one, were also killed and cut up; and
very large jars, containing the fermented juice of the pineapple,
and other fruits, were served out.

During the day the breaches in the palisades had all been repaired
and, at night, the whole population were told to remain within its
shelter, while numerous guards were posted by the rajah. While the
meal at the rajah's was going on, a party of native musicians
played and sang, the Malays being very fond of music.

Harry sat at the rajah's right hand, and was the subject of
unbounded praise and admiration among the company. Speaker after
speaker rose and addressed him and, afterwards, the interpreter
said a few words to them in his name, thanking them for the
goodwill they had shown, and praising them highly, not only for
their bravery, but especially for the manner in which they had
carried out the orders given to them. The proceedings did not
terminate until a very late hour, and Harry was heartily glad when
at last he could retire to rest.

In the morning, the rajah said to him:

"Now, my friend, you have not told me why you have come here. We
have been so busy that we have not spoken on other subjects, save
the war. The message you sent up to me was that you came from the
great white lord of Calcutta, and desired to see me. You may be
sure that whatever you desire of me shall be granted for, were it
not for your coming, I should now be a hunted fugitive, and my
people slain."

"It is