and the
numerous serpents which I knew were crawling about in all directions.
My uncle, however, seemed utterly indifferent to them. We had got to
the end of our torrent road, and were working our way through the
jungle, when the sound of human voices reached our ears. On this,
instead of going straight forward, my uncle turned to the right towards
the sea. I followed him, literally crawling on hands and feet,
something in the fashion of the monkeys, from bough to bough amid the
thick entanglement of the forest; sometimes close down to the ground,
though not often more than a few feet above it. I could not help having
a fear that in those places there often lurked the fearful python; while
some dark pools over which we crawled might, I thought it more than
possible, harbour a hermit alligator or some other monster.

We had gone some distance, moving as noiselessly as possible, when my
uncle stopped and looked eagerly forward, keeping his body concealed
behind a bough. I imitated his example. Our worst anticipations were
realised. In the distance I could see the brig burning furiously, while
alongside the rocks lay several long prows with swivel guns in their
bows, and their general appearance betokening them to be, what we
supposed, pirates of Sooloo. A number of their crew were on the beach,
while others, in a compact body, were making their way up the road in
the direction of the house. They were fierce-looking fellows, armed
with krisses and swords as well as spears and long bows. They were
shouting to each other, and evidently expected, from the appearance of
the road, that they were approaching some village which they hoped to
sack. We watched them for some time. Fortunately they were making so
much noise that they were not likely to hear us, even should they pass
quite near. My uncle, therefore, turning round, led by the way we had
come. I found that he was approaching as near the house as the thick
brushwood would allow. I shall not easily forget the shout of savage
delight the pirates set up when they came in sight of our peaceful
abode. They instantly rushed forward, sending a shower of arrows before
them, and shrieking at the top of their voices. It was somewhat trying
to my companion's temper to see them rushing up the steps of the house
and along the verandah into the rooms. I was glad we had left Merlin
behind us, for he would probably not have restrained himself, but would
have rushed for