ill lies one of those rascally Malays," he said in Dutch. "I
will put an end to his misery."

Without a moment's thought I sprang towards him, and threw up his
weapon. I thought I recognised the features. I was right. It was the
faithful Hassan. He was almost exhausted, and looked as if he could not
reach the side of the vessel. Instantly Fairburn threw off his jacket,
and plunged overboard, while I cast a rope towards him. He swam out
with powerful strokes towards the poor fellow, and grasped him just as
he was on the point of sinking. As the brig had only been drifting to
leeward, they were at no great distance. I again hove the rope towards
them. Fairburn seized it, and, lifting the light form of the Malay lad
under his left arm, he hauled himself on board.

In a short time Hassan recovered. He told us, that knowing the prahu
must sink, he had struck out away from her; and, though he was drawn a
short distance down in the vortex she made, he soon again reached the
surface, and then swam towards the brig, trusting that we should see
him, and would endeavour to save him. He was the only survivor of the
Malays. Two of the Dutchmen belonging to the skiff and the Malay
interpreter were missing. Twelve of the Dyaks also escaped, though
several of them were wounded, who were immediately placed in the
surgeon's hands. The poor fellows looked very grateful, and, although
they certainly never before had heard of the healing art, they seemed
fully to comprehend that what he was doing was for their benefit.

When we got aft, we had an account to hear, which naturally very much
shocked us; however, I will narrate it as things occurred. We found
that the vessel we were on board was the Dutch colonial brig _Swalen_
commanded by Lieutenant Cloete. The commander was on the quarter-deck
with several of his officers, and, as we were led up to him by a
midshipman, he received me and Fairburn with the greatest kindness,
shaking us by the hand, and congratulating us on our providential
escape. He at once saw that we were weak from the want of food, and the
danger and excitement we had undergone.

"I would at once ask you into my cabin to refresh and rest yourselves,
gentlemen," he said; "but it is at present occupied by some of your late
companions in misfortune."

"What! have any escaped? Indeed we rejoice to hear it," we both
exclaimed.

"Some few have; but many have been lost," answered the commander
gravely.