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Updated: May 25, 2025
This changed the state of affairs, and the idea that there might be treachery afoot was completely dismissed from the minds of all, save when, now and then, the gleam of a spear head was seen amidst the trees in the jungle; and Major Sandars pointed out how easily they might be led into an ambush.
Despatches were sent home, in which Major Sandars and Captain Horton dwelt most strongly upon the bravery of the young officers serving respectively beneath them.
They were, therefore, under the necessity of calling to their aid some other engineer. Mr. Sandars had by this time visited George Stephenson at Killingworth, and, like all who came within reach of his personal influence, was charmed with him at first sight.
The ladies were too much interested to think of leaving, so Mary Sinclair ran to fetch Mrs Major Sandars, and returned with her to see that a rough-looking Malay had been brought up to the group she had left.
Rachel Linton uttered a low wail, but on Mrs Major Sandars passing an arm round her, she made an effort and mastered her emotion, fixing her eyes on Adam Gray as, in a low, deep voice he continued the narrative after, at Captain Smithers' wish, again questioning the Malay.
"Yes, it's a confounded nuisance, Linton," said Major Sandars, "but you must diplomatise, and set all right somehow or another." "That's a fine boy, that Roberts," said Captain Horton. "I'll try my best, gentlemen," said the resident, "for all our sakes; but we have a curious people to deal with, and I fear that this may turn out a very serious affair."
He at once called upon Mr. Sandars, and offered his services as surveyor of the proposed line, and his offer was accepted. A trial survey was then begun, but it was conducted with great difficulty, the inhabitants of the district entertaining the most violent prejudices against the scheme. In some places Mr. James and his surveying party even encountered personal violence.
Then another, and another, went down, the officers falling one after another, till Major Sandars was left alone with the doctor, who had to divide his time between attending to his many patients and handling a rifle to help in their defence.
"Well," said Captain Horton, "for my part I would rather encounter a fierce Malay than one of these writhing creatures. Take care of yourself, doctor, or you'll be constricted." "Yes," said Major Sandars, entering into the joke, "I'll give orders that every swollen serpent is to be bayonetted and opened if the doctor is missing." "Laugh away," said the doctor; "I don't mind."
"I'd cut it in half, Long," said Captain Smithers, "and give the other half to young Roberts." "I know what I can smoke, sir," replied the youth haughtily. "Perhaps you will take one." "I! No, thanks. They are too strong for me." And with what was meant for a very haughty, injured look, Ensign Long strode slowly away. "Thank you, doctor," said Major Sandars.
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