y. "Come, my boy, the breakfast has all
been sent on by the rajah."

"I knew he would send," said their visitor. "You keep friends with him,
and you'll see how civil he can be."

Murray frowned a little; and, amused by his uncle being deceived as he
had himself been, Ned said quietly, "he has come to breakfast with us,
uncle."

"It is very kind of him," said Murray, coldly; "but he might have waited
till he was asked."

"And then you wouldn't have asked me. I say, you; he thinks like you
did, that I'm a nigger."

"Well," said Murray, quickly, "are you not a Malay, in spite of your
perfect English?"

"Of course not, sir; I'm Frank Braine."

"My dear sir, I beg your pardon," cried Murray. "You should have told
me, Ned. Come in, my lads, I'm getting sharp-set;" and directly after,
they were seated, eastern fashion, cross-legged on the mat, which was
spread with Malay luxuries, prominent among which was some excellent
coffee, and a hearty meal was made, with the Resident's son as much at
home as if he had been a very old friend; and hardly was it ended, when
Mr Braine appeared.

"Ah, Frank," he said, smiling; "not long making yourself at home, I see.
The boat's ready, Mr Murray," he continued, "and plenty of provisions
on board. I daresay you will get some new birds and insects on your
way, and the rajah hopes you will make some discovery up in the hills."

"He seems reasonable," said Murray, laughing. "What would he like
first--a gold-mine?"

"Oh, you must humour him, and then you will have plenty of opportunity
for your own work. Will you want an interpreter beside your own man?"

"No," said Frank, quietly. "I'm going with them, father."

"You, my boy? Oh, very well, only try not to be rash; though I don't
suppose you will have any adventures. You know, I suppose, that we have
tiger and elephant about here, so take a rifle in case you meet big
game."

The men were waiting below, and they were soon after despatched with
Hamet to carry guns, ammunition, and the other impedimenta of a
naturalist who is an enthusiastic collector. The gentlemen followed
soon after, Mr Braine seeing them down to the boat, which proved to be
a handsome naga, fully manned. The crew were well-armed, and as Ned
glanced at their faces he, little observant as he was in such matters,
could note that they were a strong, fierce-looking, determined party,
who would stand at nothing their leader set them to do.

There was a