ld.

Under the vessel's prow the divided waters flowed to right and left like
liquid gold, while, where the propeller revolved beneath the stern, the
sea was one lambent blaze of fire ever flashing right away, covered with
starry spots that glistened, and rose, and fell, on the heaving wave.

As the evening crept on, the various lights of the ship shone out clear
and bright, notably that from the binnacle, which was like a halo round
the face of the sailor at the wheel. There was a faint glow from the
skylights too, and a lantern was hung here and there about the
quarter-deck, where soon after the officers assembled to chat and smoke,
while their men in turn enjoyed their ease.

The ship rushed swiftly on its way, having passed Penang the previous
day; and it was expected that on the next they would be at the mouth of
the river, a native city upon which was to be the home of all for many
months, perhaps for years.

The officers were discussing the character of the rajah, some being of
opinion that he was a bloodthirsty tyrant and upholder of slavery, whom
the British Government were making a great mistake in protecting, while
others declared that according to their experience the Malays were not
the cruel treacherous race they had been considered, but that they were
noble, proud, and thorough gentlemen by nature, and that if they were
properly treated the life of an Englishman amongst them was perfectly
safe.

"Well, gentlemen," said a little fat man, who seemed to do nothing but
perspire and mop his forehead, "they say the proof of the pudding is in
the eating. I know one thing, however, Parang is a glorious country for
botanical specimens."

"Just the thing for you, doctor," said Mr Linton, the resident.

"But it won't be just the thing for you, gentlemen," said the little
man, "for as sure as my name's Bolter, if you don't strictly follow out
my orders some of you will be losing the number of your mess."

"Come, that sounds well," said a quiet-looking man in white jacket and
trousers; "we are going to Parang to help to put down slavery, and we
are to be put into a state of slavery by the doctor here."

"He'll deal gently with you sometimes," said the grey-haired major in
command of the troops. "Never turn a deaf ear to his discourses on
plants, then you will be indulged."

"What a nice revenge I could have on you, major!" said the doctor,
laughing, and rubbing his hands. "Ha, ha, ha! and I could double