thus understood that our Dyaks had come
from a river to the north of the one we were in.

Captain Cloete, however, did not like to lose so favourable an
opportunity of visiting on amicable terms these singular people, and
therefore resolved to anchor off the village for the night, and to carry
out charges to their native place on the following day. The wind
continuing fair, though light, we slowly glided up the stream, the
flood-tide aiding us. The scenery, as we advanced, improved
considerably, the trees being of fine height, and mountains appearing in
the distance. We had as yet observed no signs of cultivation, nor did
the country appear to be inhabited. We saw, however, a great variety of
animals. As I was watching the shore, I observed something move on a
sand-ridge. I pointed it out to Kalong. He laughed, and opened his
mouth very wide, as if he would eat me. The action was significant; and
Fairburn, who had been turning his glass in that direction, exclaimed,
"Why, that is a crocodile; and a big fellow, too, in truth." The
monster seemed arousing himself from sleep, and slowly crawled out of
the slimy bed in which he had been reposing. Several shots were fired
at him, but the balls glanced off harmlessly from his scaly sides. I
afterwards saw some captured by a very simple method.

The breeze freshened, and we ran rapidly on, carefully, of course,
sounding all the time. Kalong, our pilot, was in great delight, till he
saw one of the officers going to fire at a crocodile, when he rushed up
to him, and entreated him not to do so. Willing to please him, the
officer desisted, and the monster escaped a slight tickling on the back.
The reason was soon apparent; for, rounding a high and thickly-wooded
point, we found ourselves in a little bay, on the shore of which was a
large village, while close to us, under the shade of the lofty
palm-trees which overhung the water, numerous groups of women and
children were disporting in the refreshing stream. When we first
intruded into this sylvan retreat, their consternation was so great that
they scarcely knew where to run to screen themselves from our view; then
setting up a loud and simultaneous shriek, they fled, dragging the young
ones with them, some towards the village, and others into the wood. At
the same moment we heard the tom-tom beat to arms, and observed the
warriors putting on their wooden and woollen armour, and seeking their
spears and sumpitans.