their shadows were reflected
with peculiar distinctness in it. Behind arose ranges of lofty
mountains, whose summits were lost in the gloom of that early hour. The
trees were alive with monkeys and squirrels; and birds of gaudy plumage
flitted about in every direction on the wing, apparently to take a look
at the strangers. Alligators were enjoying their morning swim, and,
disturbed by our approach, they plunged under the water to escape from
our keels. Here and there in the forest were open patches, where ruined
huts showed that villages had been once destroyed by some incursion like
the present, or by the attacks of hostile tribes of the Dyaks, eager to
fill their head-houses with the heads of the conquered.

At last, rounding a point, we came suddenly on a large Dyak village.
Treachery had been at work. The boom, which should have been across the
river to prevent surprise, was not secured, and was easily driven aside
and passed. Just at that moment the rays of the rising sun first struck
the topmost peaks of the surrounding mountains, casting on them a pink
hue, and making the scene below appear of a yet darker tinge. The town
consisted of some thirty or more large houses raised on piles, and each
capable of holding several families, perhaps altogether amounting to two
hundred people. On either side of the town, on slight eminences, were
two forts surrounded by a strong stockade--the upper part surmounted by
a sort of _chevaux de frise_ of split bamboos. The whole town was also
surrounded by a stockade. On the walls of the fort were several lelahs,
or brass swivel guns, of native manufacture. Outside the stockade were
groves of cocoa-nut trees, and patches of open ground for the
cultivation of rice, yams, and sago. The inhabitants were still
apparently buried in profound repose, unsuspicious of coming evil. No
one was stirring--not a sound was heard.

We dashed on at a rapid rate; and I had scarce time to observe the scene
I have described. The Malays ran the sharp bows of their shallow prahus
on to the shore--the triangle masts were instantly lowered, and formed
bridges on to the banks, and, in some places, to the very walls of the
forts. Before the alarm was given they were swarming with savage
warriors, who, kriss and assegai in hand, rushed into the town, and
clambered into the forts and houses. Those who resisted were
slaughtered without mercy--the young people and children were bound with
cords