ching until things looked brighter, hoping
that when the rebels heard there was an armed British ship lying at
the capital they would be intimidated, and surrender. This
arrangement, however, Brooke could not agree to, and, notwithstanding
the Raja's entreaties, was obliged to leave for Singapore on the 31st
of September of the same year, not, however, without a promise to the
Raja to return at some future time.

After an absence of nearly two years, during which he visited Celebes,
and other parts of the Archipelago, Brooke returned to Sarawak on
August 29th, 1840, only to find the country in a worse state than
ever, for, encouraged by their repeated successes, the enemy had
advanced to within thirty miles of Kuching. The poor Raja received him
with open arms, and implored his assistance, offering to make over the
country to him if he would only give him his help. Brooke, conceiving
quite a friendship for the poor man, who, with all his faults was
kind-hearted and sincere, now determined to do so, and organised an
expedition against the enemy, headed by himself in person.

After months of hardship and privation, during which time he was
several times deserted by his faint-hearted followers, Brooke
succeeded in his efforts, and peace was restored on December 20th,
1840.

Although hostilities were now over, and danger past, Muda Hasim did
not forget the promise he had made Brooke concerning the country in
his adversity, and a form was drawn up by him for the signature of the
Sultan of Brunei. The terms of this document were not, however, quite
in accordance with what the Raja had undertaken to do, but this being
pointed out to him by Brooke, he replied that the paper was merely a
preliminary, and it would come to the same thing in the end. With this
explanation Brooke had to be content, and await the return of the deed
from Brunei.

Like all Easterns, Malays are most dilatory, and time hung very
heavily on Brooke's hands at Kuching. Although the Raja was then (and
ever after) a firm friend to Brooke, the native chiefs who surrounded
him were not best pleased at the turn affairs were taking, and did
their utmost, secretly, to undermine his influence with the people.

These intrigues were carried to such a dangerous extent by a certain
Pangeran Makota (who had formerly been Governor of Sarawak, and the
chief cause of the troubles in the interior, by his acts of cruelty
and oppression), that Brooke determined to act f