her the two
midshipmen who had rescued her, and she at once went up to them, and,
slipping her hands into theirs, began to prattle freely; they were
unable to understand what she said, but they took her round the ship,
showing her the guns, and introduced her to Ponto, the captain's great
Newfoundland, who submitted gravely to be patted by her; to Jacko, the
monkey, who was by no means disposed to be friendly, but chattered and
showed his teeth; and to Julius Caesar, the negro cook, who grinned from
ear to ear, and presented her with some cakes from a batch which he had
just made for the captain's table.

The rest of the Malays had already left the ship; two native boats had
been hailed, and in these the two parties of Malays had taken their
places, and, with their boats towing behind, had been rowed away,
the captain giving strict instructions that they were to be landed on
opposite sides of the river. The little maid speedily became a general
pet on board the Serpent, and was soon the proud possessor of several
models of ships, two patchwork quilts, several carved tobacco boxes,
and other specimens of sailors' handiwork. Small as she was, she had
evidently a strong idea of her own importance, and received these
presents and attentions with a pretty air of dignity which at once
earned for her the title of the Princess.

On the second day after the accident, the chief's boat came off from the
shore, the damage having been speedily and neatly repaired. Little Bahi
stood on the top of the accommodation ladder as they approached, and
addressed them with great asperity, using much gesticulation with her
arms.

"What is she saying, Soh Hay?" Dick Balderson asked.

"She is telling them that they are bad men to let the boat be run down;
that she is very angry with them, and they will all be punished."

'The men looked very crestfallen under their little mistress'
reproaches, and held up their hands in a deprecating manner; while
the helmsman stood up and, after salaaming deeply, entered upon a long
explanation, which ended in his asking if he might come on board to
see his chief. Permission was at once granted by the captain, upon the
request being interpreted to him. When he mounted the steps, Bahi led
him to the side of her father's cot. The doctor, however, interposed.

"Tell him he must not talk," he said to the interpreter; "the chief
is ill and must not be allowed to excite himself. But he can say a few
words, if