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Updated: June 16, 2025
As we approached we observed near the beach a number of houses similar to those of our friends, and fully expected to encounter fresh difficulties with the natives, but on getting nearer we saw no one moving about. We told Kalong to ask whether the people were likely to prove friendly or not.
Kalong declared that they were carrying him away to worship him. This I could scarcely believe; but I have heard that they look upon the crocodile as the sultan, or rajah, of animals. Fortunately, the people in the canoes were so much occupied that they did not observe us.
It was necessary to be cautious; for, had we been discovered, we should certainly have lost our heads." "When you speak of we, Kalong, do you mean yourself and Ungka?" I asked. "Oh no, Massa; I mean Hassan also. He is near, but watching the canoe; and when I have eaten, I must take some food to him. You and the other massa must then follow for, we have no time to lose."
Our new friend, Kalong, returned on board to act as pilot; and in spite of his knowing no other than the Dyak tongue, we were able to trust perfectly to his guidance. Fortunately the wind had shifted, and now blew so as to favour us in our descent; and in a short time we reached the mouth of the river.
The chief, on hearing this, invited us on shore, observing that we could talk more easily there, and that he would hear what we had to say. The Malay and our native guide talked together. "Kalong says we had better not trust them," observed Ned; "if we land they may shoot us for the sake of getting our goods. They don't know how far our firearms can reach. Better give them a volley to show them."
"If you like, sir, Kalong and I will pull up in the canoe and try and find out where they come from," whispered Ned; "it may be that the natives are only holding one of their harvest feasts near the bank of the river, or it is just as likely that a fleet of pirates has come up through some other branch of the river, and has been plundering the villages they have fallen in with, as I have known them often to do in these parts.
Several minutes thus passed, during which time our ears were assailed by the dreadful sounds of the conflict. They grew louder and louder, as if the pursued and the pursuing were approaching us. I began at length to fear that Kalong, in his anxiety to serve me, had ventured too far, and had been cut off by the enemy. Every moment was increasing our risk of discovery.
Kalong may be a very honest fellow, but it is as well not to rely too much on him. If you hear of any Englishmen being in the village or neighbourhood, get Kalong to open up a communication with them, and send a written note to ask who they are." "Aye, aye, sir!" answered Uncle Jack; "you may depend upon my discretion."
They set to work by first clearing away the grass and examining the neighbouring bushes to be satisfied that neither snakes nor savage animals lurked within. They then told Kalong to cut a quantity of bamboos which grew on the banks of a stream a short distance off. With these they quickly formed a hut, to which they fixed a floor at some distance from the ground to serve as a sleeping-place.
The first mate, who had been standing up on the after thwart that he might the better be able to see any object ahead, at length observed, "The canoe ought to have been back by this time. Can she have been taken by the savages?" "If so, Kalong and Ned may for the sake of saving their lives have told them about the brig," observed the boatswain.
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