nours to
our men. I need not say, however, that Oldershaw told us all to keep a
bright look-out, so that, in case of treachery being intended, we might
not be taken by surprise. The frigate stood on, and from the rapid
firing we heard, it was pretty evident that she was roughly handling the
other prows. The chief shrugged his shoulders. "It was the will of
Allah," he said: "if his people were killed, it was not his fault, nor
was it ours, so he hoped it would not interfere with our present
friendly relations." Such, at least, was something like the
interpretation which Smith gave us of his remarks. At length the
frigate was seen running back. As she approached, we fired a gun to
draw her attention, and in a short time she was up to us, shortening
sail as she approached. Another boat now came off from her, when Esse
and I went on board and reported ourselves to Captain Oliver. He was
walking the quarter-deck when we appeared at the gangway. "What!" he
exclaimed, "you my midshipmen! I thought when I saw you that you were a
couple of young Malays. Come into the cabin, and let me hear your
account. I am, indeed, heartily glad to hear that you have escaped."
Mr Schank expressed equal satisfaction at again seeing us, as, indeed,
did all our shipmates. When he heard how well we had been treated by
the old Rajah, he sent to request his presence on board, that he might
thank him personally for his kindness to us. After some little delay,
notice was given that the Rajah was coming on board in one of our boats.
The sides were manned to do him honour, and in a short time he appeared
at the gangway, no longer habited in the dingy costume in which we had
seen him, but superbly dressed with a turban glittering with gems, and
richly jewelled sword by his side, attended by four other persons also
finely habited. Without the slightest embarrassment, he followed the
captain, after a due amount of salaams had passed between them, into the
cabin. He there took his seat with perfect composure, and Smith was
summoned to act as interpreter. Captain Oliver again thanked him for
his kindness to us, and then took occasion to express his regret that he
should ever be engaged in deeds of which the English could not approve,
such as robbing vessels and knocking their crews on the head, or sending
them overboard. The old chief did not for a moment deny that such were
his usual occupations, but observed quietly that his fathers had do