began to prattle freely; they were unable to understand what she
said, but they took her round the ship, showing her the guns, and
introduced her to Ponto, the captain's great Newfoundland, who
submitted gravely to be patted by her; to Jacko, the monkey, who
was by no means disposed to be friendly, but chattered and showed
his teeth; and to Julius Caesar, the negro cook, who grinned from
ear to ear, and presented her with some cakes from a batch which
he had just made for the captain's table.

The rest of the Malays had already left the ship; two native boats
had been hailed, and in these the two parties of Malays had taken
their places, and, with their boats towing behind, had been rowed
away, the captain giving strict instructions that they were to be
landed on opposite sides of the river. The little maid speedily
became a general pet on board the Serpent, and was soon the proud
possessor of several models of ships, two patchwork quilts, several
carved tobacco boxes, and other specimens of sailors' handiwork. Small
as she was, she had evidently a strong idea of her own importance,
and received these presents and attentions with a pretty air of
dignity which at once earned for her the title of the Princess.

On the second day after the accident, the chief's boat came off
from the shore, the damage having been speedily and neatly repaired.
Little Bahi stood on the top of the accommodation ladder as they
approached, and addressed them with great asperity, using much
gesticulation with her arms.

"What is she saying, Soh Hay?" Dick Balderson asked.

"She is telling them that they are bad men to let the boat be