enclosure, now a blaze of
light from the number of lanterns and dammar torches stuck about. The
place, too, was filled with armed men, and as they were halted just at
the foot of the steps, a Malay officer in scarlet and yellow came down,
looked eagerly at the English party, and then signed to them to follow.

Frank tried to get to his father, but he was not allowed to advance till
the ladies had all ascended to the broad veranda; then both lads were
ordered to go up, and they followed their seniors into the rajah's chief
room, now brilliantly lit, and dotted with his chief men, while he sat
on a bamboo stool at the far end in his gorgeous uniform as upon their
first meeting, the Tumongong sitting upon a second stool upon his right.

"Ugh! the old guy!" whispered Frank. "I wish--I say, look--it isn't
him. Why, Ned, what's happened?"

The reason for this exclamation was the rising of the Tumongong, to
tower above the double rank of sword and regalia bearers on either side.
And to the astonishment of all present, he stretched out his hands,
and, in very fair English, as he took Amy's and kissed them, said:

"My dear child, Allah be praised that you and yours are safe! Mrs
Braine, Mrs Barnes, welcome home."

He kissed their hands in turn, and then greeted the gentlemen warmly
before turning to the boys. "Frank--Edward Murray," he said, "safe; no
one hurt? I am very, very glad."

"But," cried Mr Braine, eagerly, "the rajah?"

"I am the Rajah of Dah now," said the Malay chief with a touch of
hauteur in his tones. "Are you surprised?"

"No," said Mr Braine, warmly. "Thank God! I knew that some day it
must come."

"When the fruit was dead ripe, it would fall," said the new rajah,
solemnly.

"And Sadi?"

"The tyrant, the robber and oppressor of all who ascended and descended
this river, is dead, sir, and with your help, I hope that a new period
of peace will open on the land. The time was ripe at last, and I sent
to my ally here, Rajah Alleen."

This chief rose and was presented to all in turn, bowing with Eastern
dignity, and the scene would have been impressive but for the Malay's
vanity. The gorgeous military uniform of his enemy had excited his
cupidity ever since reports had reached him of its splendour, and the
minute he had made an almost bloodless seizure of the campong, he had
claimed it as his spoil, received it readily from his friend the
ex-Tumongong, and arrayed himself in it ready for the