presence altogether, or it may be because they believe that we are
going to the assistance of this Rajah Sehi. It certainly does not
look well for the future."

"Not at all, sir. However, we shall be at the rajah's place tomorrow
morning, and shall then have a better opportunity of seeing how
things are likely to go. At any rate, he is sure to be civil for
a time, and we shall be likely to procure fruit and vegetables,
which, as the doctor says, are absolute necessities if the men are
to be kept in good health."

The next morning they anchored about ten o'clock opposite the
campong of the rajah. It was a good deal larger than any that they
had passed on the way up, but the houses were mere huts, with the
exception of a large wooden structure, which they at once concluded
was the residence of the rajah. As soon as the Serpent turned the
last bend of the river before reaching the place, the sound of drums
and gongs was heard, and a large boat, manned by eighteen rowers,
shot out from the bank as the anchor was dropped. The two officials
on board at once mounted the accommodation ladder, and on reaching
the deck were received by the first lieutenant, behind whom stood
a guard of honor of the marines.

Upon stating that they came to express, on behalf of the rajah,
the pleasure he felt at their arrival, they were conducted to the
captain's cabin. Compliments were exchanged through the medium
of the interpreter, and a bottle of champagne was opened, and its
contents appeared to gratify the visitors. They announced that the
rajah would receive the captain that afternoon at his palace.