s necessary to the miasma."

The next day progress was more rapid, for the captain found that the
assurance of the pilot that there was amply sufficient water for the
Serpent had been verified, and he therefore steamed forward at half
speed, without sending the launch on ahead to take soundings. Several
villages were passed by the way, but though the inhabitants assembled on
the banks and watched the steamer, no boats were put out, nor were any
attempts made to barter their products with the strangers.

"It does not look as if we were popular, Mr. Ferguson," the captain said
to the first lieutenant. "It may be that they object to our presence
altogether, or it may be because they believe that we are going to the
assistance of this Rajah Sehi. It certainly does not look well for the
future."

"Not at all, sir. However, we shall be at the rajah's place tomorrow
morning, and shall then have a better opportunity of seeing how things
are likely to go. At any rate, he is sure to be civil for a time, and
we shall be likely to procure fruit and vegetables, which, as the
doctor says, are absolute necessities if the men are to be kept in good
health."

The next morning they anchored about ten o'clock opposite the campong
of the rajah. It was a good deal larger than any that they had passed on
the way up, but the houses were mere huts, with the exception of a large
wooden structure, which they at once concluded was the residence of the
rajah. As soon as the Serpent turned the last bend of the river before
reaching the place, the sound of drums and gongs was heard, and a large
boat, manned by eighteen rowers, shot out from the bank as the
anchor was dropped. The two officials on board at once mounted the
accommodation ladder, and on reaching the deck were received by the
first lieutenant, behind whom stood a guard of honor of the marines.

Upon stating that they came to express, on behalf of the rajah, the
pleasure he felt at their arrival, they were conducted to the captain's
cabin. Compliments were exchanged through the medium of the interpreter,
and a bottle of champagne was opened, and its contents appeared to
gratify the visitors. They announced that the rajah would receive the
captain that afternoon at his palace.

CHAPTER IV.

Neither of the midshipmen was present at the interview between the
captain and the rajah. The second lieutenant, the captain of the
marines, and the doctor alone accompanied him, with an