u would certainly be well received. I shall, of course,
relate your story, which I have already heard, on my return to
Calcutta; and on my explaining that your son is entitled to the
throne of Johore, it may be that some sum would be granted for your
maintenance; for it may well be that, in time, the throne may again
become vacant, and that the people, tired of these constant wars,
will unite to accept your son as rajah. I may tell you that I am
sure the tumangong will grant us a trading station, and possibly
the whole island; but as he is not the Rajah of Johore, although at
present independent of him, we should like to have his assent to
the cession. It is for this purpose I have come here although, up
to the present time, I have not said anything about it to the
rajah, as we have both been much too busy to talk of such matters.

"It may be years before the English come to Singapore; but my
report will certainly be noted and, assuredly, an asylum would be
granted you, and you would be kindly received. I can say no more
than that."

"Thanks, my lord, I could have hoped for no more. Forgive me for
having thus disturbed you but, as all in the house save ourselves
are asleep, I thought that it was an opportunity that would not
occur again. I will teach my son that the English are his friends
and, should aught happen to me, and should he ever become rajah
here, he will act as their friend, also."

When this had been interpreted to Harry, she and the boy left the
room, as noiselessly as they had entered. Harry was well pleased
with the interview. Probably the present man would, when the result
of this struggle became known, regain much of the power he had
lost. Assuredly, as long as he remained rajah, he would now be
ready to grant anything asked for and, as Singapore was virtually
lost to him, his assent would be given without hesitation. If, on
the other hand, he were dethroned, or died, it was likely that this
boy would in time become rajah and, in view of this possibility,
doubtless the Governor would order that if, at any time, he and his
mother arrived at Singapore, they should be well received.

Chapter 13: The Break Up Of The Monsoon.

The night and early morning passed quietly. The chatter of many
voices showed that a portion, at any rate, of the assailants were
beyond the stockade; but it was not until nine o'clock that
numerous parties were seen coming from the forest.

"I suppose they have been mak