ght, to disguise the advance
of a party who were to seize and build a stockade within a shorter
distance of Balidah. When they reached the spot, however, the night
being dark, the troops sleepy, and the leaders of different opinions,
they returned without effecting anything."

CHAPTER VIII.

Appearance of the country.--Progress of the rebel war.--Character
of the Sow and Singe Dyaks.--Their belief in augury.--Ruinous
effects of protracted warfare.--Cowardice and boasting of
the Malays.--Council of war.--Refuse to attack the enemy's
forts.--Rebels propose to treat.--The Malays oppose.--Set out
to attack the rebels, but frustrated by our allies.--Assailed
by the rebels.--Put them to flight.--Treat with them.--They
surrender.--Intercede with the Rajah for their lives.--Renewed
treachery of the Malays.

"_26th._--I must here pause in my account of this extraordinary
and novel contest, briefly to describe the general appearance of
the country.

"It is one delightful to look upon, combining all the requisites of
the picturesque, viz. wood, water, mountain, cliff, and a foreground
gently undulating, partially cultivated, and of the richest soil. The
mountain of Sarambo, about 3000 feet in height, is the principal
feature in the scene, situated at a short distance from the left bank
of the river. The remainder of the ground slopes gradually; and the
town of Siniawan, likewise on the left bank, is close to the water,
and at the foot of the eminence called Gunga Kumiel.

"The advance of the party last night was, as I have said, disguised
by firing, drumming, and shouting from the fleet and forts; and,
in the deep stillness of the fine night, the booming of the guns,
the clamor of the gongs, and the outcries raised from time to time,
came on our ears like the spirit of discord breaking loose on a fair
and peaceful paradise. About one o'clock the noises died away, and I
enjoyed as quiet a slumber till daylight as though pillowed on a bed
of down in the heart of Old England. About six I visited the three
forts. The Chinese, Malays, and Dyaks were taking their morning meal,
consisting of half a cocoanut-shell full of boiled rice with salt. The
Dyaks were served in tribes; for as many of them are at war, it is
necessary to keep them separate; and though they will not fight the
enemy, they would have no objection to fall out with one another,
and the slightest cause might give rise t