es his slaves to leave
him, or ravages his plantations, what are we to do?"

"That I have thought of," the captain said. "I have spoken with the
chief Hassan, and he has agreed to remove with his people to the spot
where Sehi's town stood. There, doubtless, he will be joined by Sehi's
former subjects, who cannot but be well pleased at being rid of a tyrant
who had forcibly taken them under his rule. He will retain the prahu
that he has taken, and will use it to keep the two rivers free of
robbers, but in no other respect will he interfere with his neighbors.
His desire is to cultivate the land, clear away the forest, and
encourage his people to raise products that he can send down the river
to trade with us. He will occupy the territory only as far as the creek
that runs between the two rivers. I propose that all of you shall come
to an agreement to submit any disputes that may arise between you to his
decision, swearing to accept his judgment, whichever way it may go. This
is the way in which the disputes are settled in our country. Both sides
go before a judge, and he hears their statements and those of their
witnesses, and then decides the case; and even the government of the
country is bound by his decision. I don't wish you to give me any reply
as to this. I make the suggestion solely for your own good, and it is
for you to talk it over among yourselves, and see if you cannot all come
to an agreement that will put a stop to the senseless wars, and enable
your people to cultivate the land in peace, and to obtain all the
comforts that arise from trade."

A boat had been sent down to the ship, and this returned with a number
of the articles that had been put on board her as presents for Sehi and
other chiefs. These were now distributed. A feast was then held, and the
next morning the chiefs started for their homes, highly gratified with
the result of the meeting. On the following day, the British boats
also took their way down the river, followed by the prahu, with a
considerable number of Hassan's men, who were to clear away the ruins
of Sehi's campong, to bury the dead still lying among them, and to erect
huts for the whole community. The Serpent remained for a week opposite
the town; a considerable quantity of flour, sugar, and other useful
stores being landed for the use of Hassan's people. Dr. Horsley was
gladdened by Hassan's promise that his people should be instructed to
search for specimens of birds, butterf