Uncle Jack, however, directed us to keep our weapons
concealed, while we had, besides the English ensign, a white flag flying
in the bows of our boat.

Blyth, on hearing of the plan, wished to land, and my uncle, after a
little hesitation, gave me leave to accompany him, provided we kept
behind Kalong and Ned until they had ascertained the character of the
people. We accordingly at once pulled in for the bank. Kalong and Ned
sprang on shore, Blyth and I fallowing. We had pistols in our belts,
and each wore a sword; but, as the Malays all go armed, such weapons
were not likely to make them suppose that we were otherwise than
peaceably disposed.

We had not proceeded far, when several Dyaks, who had apparently been
watching us from their elevated dwellings, came down the ladders which
led from them to the ground, and made friendly gestures, inviting us to
advance. The men wore waist cloths of blue cotton which hung down
behind, and were bordered with blue, white, and red. Their heads were
bound with handkerchiefs of the same colours. They wore earrings of
brass, and heavy necklaces of black and white beads. On their arms were
a number of rings of white shells or brass, their long shining black
hair hanging over their shoulders, and to their waists, secured by a
belt, was a pouch with materials for "betel" chewing. In the belt was
stuck a long slender knife, and most of the men held in their hands a
knife-headed spear.

The women, who were better clothed than the men, wore coils of rattan to
which their petticoats were fastened round their waists, besides which
their arms and legs were ornamented with rings of brass wire, and their
heads by hats of curious shape, adorned with beads. They had generally
a pleasant expression of countenance, and appeared ready to afford us a
friendly welcome.

Kalong and Ned at once entered into conversation with them, as they
seemed perfectly to understand each other. No information, however,
could be obtained about the white men of whom we had heard. Without
hesitation they came down to the boats, bringing some mats and other
articles which we purchased at a very moderate rate. They had also with
them some curious monkeys with enormous noses, faces of a brick-dust
colour, and about as ugly specimens of the monkey tribe as I ever saw.

Their bodies were about three feet in length covered with thick fur, of
a bright chestnut-red. I am almost afraid to say how long their no