ugh an opening in the
dense clumps of palms with their feathery tops, the blue line of a
distant range of hills could be seen.

Then came, as they rounded a point, the first trace of human habitation,
in the shape of a Malay village, which in the distance bore a marvellous
resemblance, in its steep gabled roofs thatched with palm-leaves, to
some collection of cottages in far-distant England. But soon it was
seen that every cottage was raised upon posts, that the walls were of
woven reed or split bamboo, and that the trees that shaded them were
cocoa-nut and areca palms.

Onward still, but more slowly and cautiously, lest the steamer should
take the ground. Now and then scattered patches of cultivation were
seen, in the shape of paddy fields; clusters of fruit-trees stood here
and there; native boats were drawn right up on the mud, or secured to
posts; and now and then buffaloes could be seen, standing knee-deep in
the water, with dark-skinned children running to and fro, terribly
excited at the sight of the strange ship.

Onward still, hour after hour, past village after village, wonderfully
same in appearance, and the river still kept broad and deep enough for
the navigation of the steamer, till night came on, and she was anchored
in mid-stream, with the wild jungle coming close down to the water's
edge on either side.

At early morn the journey was continued till a broad reach of the river
was ascended, at the far end of which was a good-sized island, in which
was a palm-thatched building of some consequence, while, only separated
from it by a narrow arm of the river, stood the largest collection of
houses they had seen, with what was evidently a mosque by the river
side. There was an abundance of boats too, and what strongly resembled
a stockade; but what most took up the attention of all on board were a
couple of long, low, well-made vessels, each displaying a curious
figure-head bearing a faint resemblance to some fabulous monster; and in
these armed boats both the soldiers and sailors of the little expedition
were quite right in believing that they saw nothing more nor less than
the much-talked-of vessels of the kris-bearing pirates of Malaya, the
well-known, much-dreaded prahus.

CHAPTER SIX.

HOW TOM LONG TRIED THE DURIAN.

A little bustle on deck, the rattling of chains, the splash of an
anchor, and Her Majesty's ship "Startler"--well manned, and armed with
guns that could send shot and shell cr