enterprise indeed, and its success would be very doubtful, while
the loss would certainly be very heavy, especially as, if any of
the boats were sunk, the crews would have but little chance in a
place swarming with alligators. I don't think I should be justified
in risking such an enterprise."

"There is no doubt, sir, the loss would be very heavy indeed; by
all accounts, these Malays fight like demons on the decks of their
own boats, and, for aught we know, they may, after nightfall, trice
up rattans to prevent boarders getting on board. I have heard that
it is their custom when they expect an attack, and that these are
far more formidable obstacles than our boarding nets. Of course
I should be quite ready to lead an attack should you decide upon
making one, but I cannot conceal from myself that it would be a
well nigh desperate undertaking."

"I am glad that you are of that opinion," the captain said. "There
seems to me but one course, and that a difficult one--namely,
to carry a couple of heavy guns through the forest to the edge of
the pool. It would be a serious undertaking, and we should have
to send a strong force to defend them, but if we could succeed in
planting them in position, we should soon drive the Malays out of
the pool."

"That would be a capital plan, Captain, if it could be managed.
I suppose before we attempt it, you will take possession of this
place, and capture the rajah?"

"That of course. I don't suppose we shall capture him. I have no
doubt that we are closely watched night and day, and that the instant