ed power could redeem
them, as no civilised man might ever see them in their chains.

It was from knowing this terrible truth that Captain Redwood had
resolved upon crossing the great island overland at that part where he
supposed it to be narrowest,--the neck lying between its eastern coast
and the old Malayan town of Bruni on the west, adjacent to the islet of
Labuan, where he knew an English settlement was situated.

In pursuance of this determination, he struck camp, and moved forward
into a forest of unknown paths and mysterious perils.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

ACROSS COUNTRY.

In undertaking the journey across Borneo, Captain Redwood knew there
would be many difficulties to encounter, as well as dangers. There was
first the great distance, which could not be much less than two hundred
and fifty miles, even if they should succeed in making it in a straight
line--as the crow flies. But, no doubt, obstructions would present
themselves along the route to cause many a detour. Still this was an
obstacle which time would overcome. At the rate of ten miles a day, it
would be conquered in a month; and if two months should have to be
spent, it would not be a very formidable hardship, considering that it
was a journey overtaken to carry them through a savage wilderness, and
restore them to civilisation--nay, almost to life.

That it was to be made on foot did not dismay them, they had quite
recovered from the effects of their sea-suffering, as also from the
poisonous breath of the upas, and felt strong enough to undertake any
great feat of pedestrianism. And, as they were under no limits as to
time, they could adopt such a rate of speed as the nature of the paths
would permit. On this score there was neither apprehension nor
uneasiness; there might have been about provisions, as the cured hams of
the wild boar could not possibly last longer than a week; and what were
they to eat after these were consumed?

Saloo set their minds at rest on this matter, by telling them that the
interior forests of Borneo--which he did not know--if they at all
resembled those of Sumatra--which he did know--would be found full of
fruit-bearing trees; and, besides, numerous chances would arise for
killing or capturing birds and other small game, even if a deer or a
second wild boar did not present himself. In order to be prepared for
any such that might come in his way, as well as to save their
ammunition, of which they had but a