d.

Late in the evening, when the song and joke passed from boat to boat,
and the lights from the different fires were reflected in the water,
the scenery was equally pleasing; but later still, when the lights
were out, there being no moon, and the banks overhung with trees,
it was so dark that no one could see beyond his own boat.

A little after midnight, a small boat was heard passing up the river,
and was regularly hailed by us in succession; to which they replied,
"We belong to your party." And it was not until the yell of triumph,
given by six or eight voices, after they had (with a strong flood-tide
in their favor) shot past the last of our boats, that we found how
we had been imposed on.

CHAPTER XVII.

Ascent of the river to Paddi.--Town taken and burnt.--Narrow
escape of a reinforcement of friendly Dyaks.--Night-attack by the
pirates.--Conference: they submit.--Proceed against Pakoo.--Dyak
treatment of dead enemies.--Destruction of Pakoo, and submission
of the pirates.--Advance upon Rembas.--The town destroyed: the
inhabitants yield.--Satisfactory effects of the expedition.--Death
of Dr. Simpson.--Triumphant return to Sarawak.

_June 11th._--We moved on immediately after the passing up of the bore,
the dangers of which appeared to have been greatly exaggerated. The
beating of gongs and discharge of cannon had been going on the whole
of the previous night.

The scenery improved in beauty every yard that we advanced; but our
attention was drawn from it by the increase of yelling as we approached
the scene of action. Although as yet we had only heard our enemies,
our rapid advance with a strong tide must have been seen by them from
the jungle on the various hills which now rose to our view.

Being in my gig, somewhat ahead of the boats, I had the advantage of
observing all that occurred. The scene was the most exciting I ever
experienced. We had no time for delay or consideration: the tide was
sweeping us rapidly up; and had we been inclined to retreat then, we
should have found it difficult. A sudden turn in the river brought us
(Mr. Brooke was by my side) in front of a steep hill which rose from
the bank. It had been cleared of jungle, and long grass grew in its
place. As we hove in sight, several hundred savages rose up, and gave
one of their war-yells: it was the first I had heard. No report from
musketry or ordnance could ever make a man's heart feel so _small_