major's absence I wish to be
especially strict."

"Yes, sir."

"You understand me? I trust entirely to your good sense and
discrimination. You will do what you have to do in a quiet way, and
report everything--even to the least suspicious proceeding--to me."

"Yes, sir."

"You shall be furnished with a permit, to pass you anywhere, and at all
times."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'd go in undress uniform, and apparently without arms, but have a
bayonet and a revolver under your jacket."

"Do you think there is danger, sir?" exclaimed the private hastily,
forgetting himself for the moment.

"Private Gray, you have your orders."

Gray drew himself up stiffly and saluted.

"Begin at once, sir?"

"At once," said Captain Smithers. "I trust to your silence. No one but
Mr Long knows of your mission."

Gray saluted again and went off, while the two officers continued their
walk towards Dullah's hut.

The Malay came out as they approached, and with a deprecating gesture
invited them to take a seat beneath his verandah, and partake of fruit.

This, however, they declined to do, contenting themselves with returning
his salute, and passing on.

There were two sampans moored close to Dullah's hut, each holding four
Malays, but the boats themselves were filled with produce piled high,
and the owners were evidently waiting to have dealings with their
superior, the man who had been appointed to supply the English garrison
of the island and the ship.

There was nothing suspicious to be seen here, neither did anything
attract their attention as they continued their walk right round the
island, everything being as calm and still as the sleepy shore which lay
baking beneath the ardent rays of the sun, while the various houses
looked comparatively cool beneath the shade of the palms and durian
trees, with here and there a great ragged-leaved banana showing a huge
bunch of its strange fruit.

Tired and hot, they were glad to return to their quarters, where
Sergeant Lund was writing out a report, and occasionally frowning at
Private Sim, who was lying under a tree fast asleep.

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.

A HOT NIGHT ON BOARD THE "STARTLER."

The young officers were pretty busy over their duties throughout the
day, Bob Roberts to his great delight being left in sole charge of the
steamer, while Lieutenant Johnson went to have a short consultation with
Captain Smithers; and two hours later, when Captain Smithers accompani