w, deep voice he continued the narrative
after, at Captain Smithers' wish, again questioning the Malay.

"He says that after giving him the message to bear, the young chief,
Ali, left him, saying that he was about to try and join the party in the
old stockade, and fight with them to the end!"

There was a mournful silence at this, and for a few moments no one
spoke. Then Captain Smithers leaned towards Lieutenant Johnson.

"Have you any questions to put?" he said.

"Yes," replied the lieutenant, and he turned round to their interpreter.

"Tell me, Gray, what is your opinion of the messenger?"

"At first, sir, I thought him genuine; but since then, there is
something in his manner that makes me doubt the truth of his tale."

"And yet it seems feasible?"

"Yes, sir, it does; and I confess I have little cause for doubting him;
but still I do."

Lieutenant Johnson turned to Captain Smithers, and they went aside for a
few minutes talking earnestly together, while all present watched
eagerly for the next scene in the drama they were passing through.

"Gray," said Captain Smithers then, sharply, "ask the messenger if he
knows where the old stockade is."

"He says _yes_, sir, perfectly well."

"Ask him if he will guide the steamer there."

"Yes!" was the reply, "if the English officers would protect him from
his people, and not let him be seen."

"Tell him," said Captain Smithers, "that if he is faithful he will be
handsomely paid; if he is treacherous, he will be hung to the yard-arm
of the steamer, and his body thrown to the crocodiles."

Gray interpreted this to the Malay, who smiled, uncovered the hilt of
his kris, drew it, took it by the blade, and knelt down before the
officers, placing the point upright on the left shoulder close to his
neck, then reaching out with his right hand, he motioned to Captain
Smithers to strike the weapon down into his breast.

"He says his life is yours, sir, and bids you kill him if he does not
lead you to the stockade."

"One more question," said Lieutenant Johnson. "Ask him if there is
water enough up the right river?"

Gray questioned the Malay, who nodded eagerly and then shook his head.

"He says there is plenty of water, for the river is narrow and very
deep, all but in one place, about a mile from the stockade, and of that
he is not sure, he will not pledge himself to its being sufficiently
deep; but all Rajah Gantang's prahus have gone up and down in safety."