Rajah of Johore.

"There can be no doubt that the possession of this island would be
of great value to us, as it would become a centre of trade, not
only with the East, but with all the islands round; except, of
course, those belonging to Holland. Therefore, the first essential
point is to ascertain whether the old rajah is likely to regain his
former authority; and whether, if so, he will recognize, and on
what terms, the cession of the island to us."

"Well, I am glad, Lindsay, that it is your business and not mine;
for it seems a very difficult affair, and a somewhat dangerous
one."

Three weeks after leaving Calcutta the brig reached the island and,
at Harry's request, sailed round it, taking soundings very
frequently, in order to obtain knowledge of the depth of the water
and the nature of the sea bottom. Finally they anchored in the
straits between it and the mainland. This varied, in width, from
two miles to a quarter of a mile; and the depth of water, at the
eastern extremity of the straits, was found to be insufficient for
vessels of a large tonnage, though navigable for ordinary native
craft.

The island itself was some twenty-five miles long and fifteen miles
wide; being, as Fairclough calculated, about a third larger than
the Isle of Wight. No high hills were seen; but the whole island
was undulating, and everywhere covered with forest and jungle.

Several small Malay canoes had put off to them with fruit; and as,
from what the interpreter had told them of the smallness of the
population, there was clearly no chance of any attack being made on
the brig, they were allowed to come alongside. The supply of fruit
was very welcome, and the interpreter learned something from the
natives as to the state of things on the mainland.

As to this, however, they appeared to take but little interest.
They admitted that the tumangong was their lord but, as they were
too poor for him to levy any contributions from them, his
mastership was merely a nominal one, and they did not trouble
themselves about him. If he should at any time send an officer and
troops, to exact tribute money, they would simply retire into the
interior, where they could defy pursuit. They had heard reports
that there were wars on the mainland but, beyond the fact that the
rajah possessed very little authority, they were unable to give any
information. They had vaguely heard that some of the chiefs
supported the family of the former rajah.