the resident sadly.

"Yes, it's a confounded nuisance, Linton," said Major Sandars, "but you
must diplomatise, and set all right somehow or another."

"That's a fine boy, that Roberts," said Captain Horton. "I'll try my
best, gentlemen," said the resident, "for all our sakes; but we have a
curious people to deal with, and I fear that this may turn out a very
serious affair."

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

HOW DIPLOMACY WORKED IN A MALAY STATE.

The Parang river looked like a belt of damasked silver studded with
diamonds the next morning, while the waving feathery palms were of the
brightest green. Mingled with these, on the shore farthest from the
town, were the dadap trees, whose ripe scarlet blossoms stood out in
rich relief as they gave colour to a landscape already dotted with the
blooms of the chumpaka, both yellow and white, shedding a sweet scent
that Doctor Bolter said was like Cape jasmin, but which Bob Roberts
declared to resemble tea made with lavender water.

The "Startler," with her deck as white as hands could make it, lay
looking smart and bright in her moorings below the island, her yards
perfectly square, her sides glistening with fresh paint, her brass
rails, bell, and guns flashing back the sun's rays, and the awnings
spread over the deck almost as white as snow.

Here and there the Jacks, in their duck frocks and straws, were paddling
about barefooted in the sunshine, giving the last touches to the rails
and glass of the skylights.

On the island the resident's house and the barrack fort looked more like
some ornamented set of buildings for summer pleasure, than a couple of
places designed as a stronghold and retreat in case of danger. For the
ditch and the earthwork were now carpetted with verdant growth, while
the abattis, having been made of green wood, was putting forth fresh
shoots.

Both the resident and Major Sandars had been desirous of retaining all
the shade possible, for the protection of the men; therefore, save where
they were likely to afford harbour to the enemy, trees and bushes had
been spared. The men too, having plenty of time at disposal, had been
encouraged to take to gardening, and with Doctor Bolter for head
instructor, the place had been made to present the appearance of a
nursery ground, where one bed rivalled another in the perfection of its
growing vegetables. Neat, well-kept walks led up to the fort and the
resident's house, which daily grew brighter and more