o the poor girls, the muntri continued, and they had
been punished, which was quite right--was it not?

The resident perfectly agreed with the muntri, who smiled content, while
the tumongong looked hurt and sad.

He was so glad that Rajah Linton was satisfied at what the sultan had
done, and the sultan would be greatly happy at his acts meeting such
approval from the chief of the great queen. So that was settled. He
thanked the resident more than he could tell, and he would give him no
more trouble about the two poor girls, but take them back in the boat.

This was very cleverly done, but the sultan's officers had to deal with
an equally clever man, one who was well versed in oriental wiles and
diplomacy. Mr Linton was in no wise taken aback, since he had been
waiting for this, and therefore was quite prepared to reply firmly that
such a proceeding was impossible. The two girls had been brought
beneath the British flag, and hence were slaves no longer. He could not
therefore give them up.

Of course the resident meant that he could not send them back then, the
muntri observed, smiling. Perhaps the poor girls were ill with their
fright, and the rajah resident would send them back when they were
better.

The resident assured his visitors that such a course was impossible, for
according to the British laws the girls were now free, and could not be
forced to go back.

The two officers did not press the matter, but began to ask questions
about a breech-loading cannon, and were greatly surprised at the ease
with which it was charged.

They had by this time finished their cigars, and being near the
landing-stage, they took a most effusive leave of the three officers,
entered their boat, and were rowed away.

"Well, then," said Captain Horton, as soon as he heard the parts of the
conversation that he had not understood, "that game's over, and they are
beaten at diplomacy?"

"Yes," said Major Sandars. "I envy you your command of countenance, and
knowledge of the language, Linton."

"Game? over?" said Mr Linton, smiling sadly. "No, my dear sirs, that
is only the first move our adversaries have made--king's pawn two
squares forward; to which I have replied with queen's pawn one square
forward."

"And that's a bad move, isn't it, Horton?" exclaimed Major Sandars.

"So the chess books make one think," said the captain.

"It all depends upon your adversary and your game," said the resident,
smiling. "Gentlem