scending its western slope.

For a time they lost sight of the sun's orb, that, rising behind their
backs, was hidden by the mountain mass, and casting a purple shadow over
the forest-clad country before them. Soon, however, the bright orb,
soaring into the sky, sent its beams before them, and they continued
their journey under the cheering light.

Had it not been for fear of their fellow-beings, they would have
advanced on without much further apprehension; for one and all were now
rejoicing in a plentitude of restored health, and their spirits were
consequently fresh and cheerful.

But they still had some dread of danger from man--from those terrible
enemies, the Dyaks, of whom Bornean travellers have told such ghastly
tales.

It seemed, however, as if our adventurers were not destined to discover
whether these tales were true or false, or in any way to realise them.
The evil star that had hung over their heads while on the eastern side
of the island, must have stayed there; and now on the west nothing of
ill appeared likely to befall them.

For all this they did not trust to destiny, but took every precaution to
shun an encounter with the savages, travelling only at such times as
they were certain the "coast was clear;" and lying in concealment
whenever they saw a sign of danger. Saloo, who could glide through the
trees with the stealth and silence of a snake, always led the advance;
and thus they progressed from hill to hill, and across the intervening
valleys, still taking care that their faces should be turned westward.

At length, after many days of this cautious progress, they ascended a
steep ridge, which, rising directly across their route, made it
necessary for them to climb it.

It caused them several hours of toil; but they were well rewarded for
the effort. On reaching its summit, and casting their glances beyond,
they saw below, and at a little to the left, the strange old
wooden-walled town of Bruni; while to the right, across a narrow arm of
the sea, lay the island of Labuan, and on its conspicuous buildings
waved the glorious old banner of Britannia.

Captain Redwood hailed it with almost as much joy as if it had been the
flag of his native land.

He was not then in the mood to dwell on any distinction between them;
but, flinging himself on his knees, with Henry on one side, and Helen
upon the other--Murtagh and the Malay a few paces in the rear--he
offered up a prayer of devout and earne