"Captain Lindsay, I am about to employ you on a mission of a somewhat delicate character. There have been many complaints that ships trading among the islands have been attacked and, in some cases, captured and the crews massacred, by Malays. We recently received a communication from a native chief, or rajah, who owns the southern point of the Malay Peninsula. He says that the Dutch, in Java, greatly interfere2 with his trade; as all vessels3 trading in the East are bound to touch at Batavia, on their way to Europe, and consequently very few of them visit the Peninsula, as to do so would greatly lengthen5 their voyage to Batavia. He asks that we should make a settlement at the end of the Peninsula, so that our ships may trade with him; and would be willing to place us in possession of an island, two or three miles from the extreme southern portion of his dominions6.
"There can be no doubt that the position would be an extremely valuable one; lying, as it does, on our trade route to the East. But it is also certain that a settlement of that kind would be viewed with extreme jealousy7 by the Dutch; whose possessions, in Java and other islands, render them practically masters of the whole Malay Archipelago.
"Certainly, at present, our hands are much too full here to permit of our engaging in any enterprise of this kind but, at the same time, it is desirable that we should obtain some reliable information as to the situation there, the power of this rajah, and the advantages that the island offers in the way of ports, the salubrity of its climate, and other similar particulars. Its possession would certainly be desirable, not only as a centre for future trade with Bankok and the East, but as a port from which our vessels of war might suppress the piracy8 that prevails all along the Malay coast, and in the neighbouring island of Sumatra. Such information may be extremely useful in the future, and when our power in this country is consolidated9.
"But this is not the sole object of your mission. You will proceed, either before or after your visit to this rajah, as we will determine, to Batavia; bearing a despatch10 from me to the Dutch governor, narrating11 a number of acts of piracy that have taken place among the islands, and requesting that, as they are the paramount12 power in that district, they will take steps, both for their own sake and ours, to suppress piracy; and offering, on our part, that two or three of our ships of war shall, if they think it desirable, aid them in the punishment of the Malays. You will be accompanied by an interpreter.
"There are several Malay traders established here; and some of them, no doubt, speak Hindustani fluently. I will have enquiries made among them, and will also procure13 you a Dutch interpreter.
"I do not propose that you shall go in a trading vessel4 to Java. The appearance of such a vessel, off Batavia, would be resented by the Dutch. Of course, traders do go from here down to the islands, but only to those not under Dutch power. They used generally to trade, on their way down, with Burma and Siam; but the Burmese have shown such hostility14 to us that it is no longer safe to enter their rivers, and they have wrested15 the maritime16 provinces of Siam, on this side of the Peninsula, from that power; so that trade there is, for the present, at an end. I shall therefore send you down in one of our small sloops17. A larger vessel might irritate the Dutch, and a small one would be sufficient to furnish you with an escort to this Rajah of Johore--not only for protection, but because the native potentates18 have no respect for persons who do not arrive with some sort of appearance of state.
"You will, of course, go as high commissioner19, with full powers to represent me. I do not anticipate that you will be able to conclude any formal treaty with the Rajah of Johore. He will, of course, ask for an equivalent, either in money or in protection against some neighbouring rajah. We have no money to spare at present, and certainly no troops. Your commission therefore will be to acknowledge his communication, to assure him of our friendship, to ascertain20 the suitability of the island that he offers, and to tell him that, at present, being so fully21 occupied with wars here, we are scarcely in a position to extend our responsibility; but that, when matters are more settled, we shall be prepared to enter into a treaty with him, to open a trade with his dominions, to pay a fair sum for the possession of the island, if suitable, and to enter into a treaty of alliance with him.
"Of the value of such a settlement there can be no doubt, whatever; for we may take it that, before very long, some of the Chinese ports will be open to European traders."
A week later, Harry embarked22 on a brig mounting eight guns, and usually employed in police work along the coast. He was accompanied by a Dutch interpreter, a Malay trader, Abdool, and four troopers of the Governor General's bodyguard23, in the handsome uniform worn by that corps24. The lieutenant25 in command of the brig received Harry, with the usual ceremony, as a Government commissioner. He himself was at the gangway to meet him, and twelve of the sailors, with drawn26 cutlasses, saluted27 as Harry stepped on to the deck.
The lieutenant, a young man of about four or five and twenty, looked surprised when he found that the official, whom he was to carry down to Java, was apparently29 younger than himself.
"I suppose, Captain Fairclough," Harry said with a smile, when they entered the cabin, "that you expected to see a middle-aged30 man."
"Hardly that, Captain Lindsay. I heard that you were a young officer, who had rendered distinguished31 services on the Bombay side, and had just returned from an important mission in the Deccan; but I own that I had not at all expected to see an officer younger than myself."
"I can quite understand that. I have been exceptionally fortunate, owing to the fact that I speak Mahratti as well as English. Well, I hope that after your reception we have done with ceremony; and that you will forget that I am, at present, a civil official with the temporary rank of commissioner, and regard and treat me as you might any young officer who had been given a passage in your brig. I have led a pretty rough life, and hate anything like ceremony. We may be some weeks on board together, and should have a pleasant time of it, especially as the whole country is new to me."
"And to me also," the lieutenant said. "I generally cruise from the mouth of the Hooghly to Chittagong; and a dreary32 coast it is, with its low muddy shores and scores of creeks33 and streams. In the sunderbunds there is little to look after, the people are quiet and very scattered34; but farther east they are piratically inclined, and prey35 upon the native traders, and we occasionally catch them at it, and give them a lesson.
"Well, I shall be very glad to adopt your suggestion, and to drop all ceremony. I have not often had to carry civil officials in this craft, she is too small for any such dignified36 people; but when I was in the Tigris, we often carried civil and military officials from Madras, and some of them were unmitigated nuisances--not the military men, but the civilians38. The absurd airs they gave themselves, as if heaven and earth belonged to them, were sickening; and they seemed to regard us as dust under their feet. Whenever we heard that we were to take a member of the Council from Calcutta to Madras, or the other way, it was regarded as an infliction39 of a serious kind."
"Well, I propose to begin with that, when we are down here together, we drop titles; you call me Lindsay, and I will call you Fairclough."
"With all my heart," the other said.
"What officers have you?"
"A junior lieutenant, and two midshipmen. The lieutenant, when I am alone, always messes with me. We are not so strict, among our small craft in the Company's service, as they are in the royal navy; and I think, myself, that it would be ridiculous for me to dine here by myself; Mr. Hardy41, by himself; and the two midshipmen in a separate mess of their own. That of course they do, for they would not enjoy their meals with Hardy and myself."
"I quite agree with you."
"This is your stateroom."
"But it is your private cabin, Fairclough, is it not?"
"Well, yes; but I am accustomed to turn out, whenever there are passengers."
"Well, at any rate, I shall feel very much disgusted if you do so for me. I should be most uncomfortable, so I must insist on you having your things moved back here. When I tell you that, for sixteen years, I lived in the house of a small Mahratta cultivator, you may well imagine that I can make myself perfectly42 comfortable, anywhere."
"It will be quite contrary to the rules of our service," the other began, hesitatingly.
"I can't help that," Harry replied. "There are no rules without exceptions, and mine is an altogether peculiar43 case. You will really oblige me, very much, if you will have the change made.
"I see that you are surprised at what I told you about myself; it is too long a story to tell you now, but I will, after dinner today, repeat to you and Hardy some of my experiences; which you will see have been curious, and account for my having the rank of captain, and being employed in a responsible position, at my age.
"I suppose you will soon be getting up anchor?"
"Yes; the tide will be favourable44 now, and everything is ready for a start."
A few minutes later, the clank of the capstan was heard and, going on deck, Harry found Lieutenant Hardy preparing to sail. As soon as the vessel was under way he came aft, and was introduced to Harry.
The latter had enquired46, of the chief of the Governor's staff, what was customary on these occasions, and whether he was to take on board a stock of provisions.
"Not at all," was the reply; "Government makes an allowance for messing and wine. Sometimes an official will take a dozen or so of champagne47 with him, as the allowance, though liberal, would scarcely cover this; but it is quite sufficient to enable a captain to keep a good table, and provide port and sherry."
Harry, seeing that the voyage might be much longer than usual, had sent on board four dozen of champagne; some of which he thought might be useful at the table, if the Rajah of Johore came on board with a number of his chiefs, or if the ship was visited by Dutch officials.
The Dutch interpreter was to mess with the petty officers. The Malay preferred to prepare his victuals48 for himself.
The wind was light, and the brig drifted quietly down the river and, when evening came on, anchored as, on account of the sandbanks and the lightness of the wind, Fairclough had thought it unadvisable to continue his voyage at night. As soon as the sails had been taken in, the two officers went down to the cabin, where dinner was ready for them.
It was a pleasant one, for the two naval49 men were in high spirits over this change from their ordinary routine, and the prospect50 of sailing on a strange voyage. Abdool, as usual, had placed himself behind his master's chair, but Harry said:
After the meal was over, cheroots lighted, and a decanter of port placed on the table, Fairclough asked Harry for the story he had promised him; and the latter accordingly gave them a sketch52 of his life and adventures.
"I no longer wonder, Lindsay, at your having attained53 the rank of captain so young. That old nurse of yours must have been a trump54, indeed; but certainly it is wonderful that you should have lived, first as a peasant and then at the Peishwa's court, so long without anyone having had a suspicion that you were an Englishman. Fancy your meddling55 in politics, being regarded as a friend of the Peishwa and this minister of his, and being the means of getting the latter out of prison, and so perhaps averting56 a war between the Mahrattas and Bombay! That was a ticklish57 business, too, at Nagpore; and you were lucky in coming so well out of it.
"But after all, I think the most wonderful part is that a boy of sixteen should have been a shikaree, and killed no end of tigers, leopards58, and bears and, after that, have risen so soon to the rank of captain in the Company's service. Why, you have seen and done more than most men double your age!"
"Yes, I have had great luck, and it is all owing to my old nurse having taken such pains; first to enable me to pass as a Mahratta, and in the next place to teach me the English language and English ways.
"Well, the story has been an unconscionably long one. I think I will go on deck and smoke a last cheroot, and then turn in."
"If you were a new hand from England, I should say that you had better smoke it here," Fairclough said; "for the mists from the water and swamps are apt to give fresh hands a touch of fever."
The time passed pleasantly, as they made direct for the mouth of the straits between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. There was a light but steady breeze and, on the morning of the eighth day after sailing, Harry, on going on deck, saw land on the port side. As the lieutenant, on the evening before, said that they should next day sight the Great Andaman, he was not surprised.
On looking at the chart, he said to Fairclough:
"I should have thought that it would have been shorter to go on the other side of the islands."
"It would have been rather shorter; but there are four or five islands to the north of the Andaman, and another very small one halfway59 between it and Negrais, so I preferred going outside. When we get south of the Little Andaman Island, we shall pass between it and the Nicobar Islands. I fancy that they, and perhaps the Andamans, once formed a part of Sumatra. They are scattered almost in a line from its northern point. The land has probably sunk; and these islands were, no doubt, the summits of mountains forming part of the chain that runs through Sumatra.
"Once through the passage south of Little Andaman, we shall sail due east for a day or two; and then lay her course nearly southeast, which will take us right up the straits between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula."
"Are there any islands scattered about there?"
"There is one nasty little group, called the Arroa Islands, nearly in mid-channel. I shall take care to pass them in daylight. Farther down there are several largish islands near the Sumatra coast but, as the passage is some sixty miles wide, there is little fear of our running foul60 of them."
"Have the Dutch any settlements at Sumatra?"
"Two or three. Palembang is the principal. It is on a river that runs down into the Banca Straits. I believe that they have trading stations at Jambi and Siak."
A fortnight later the brig anchored off the coast of Singapore. During the voyage, Harry had had many conversations with the Malayan interpreter. The latter told him that the chief who had written might not be in a position to carry out his offer. Not only were the small Malay states frequently engaged in wars with each other, but there were constant internal insurrections and struggles, the various petty chiefs frequently endeavouring to set up as independent powers. At the present time the tumangong, or chief justice, had obtained possession of the island of Singapore, and the adjacent district of the mainland; while other chiefs had also thrown off their allegiance to the Rajah of Johore, who himself had usurped61 the power from the former reigning62 family.
"If," he said, "you want only to obtain a place for trade, the tumangong is no doubt the person from whom you must obtain it; but if you wanted the whole island, you would have to treat not only with him but with the rajah as, in case the latter should defeat and overthrow63 the tumangong, he certainly would not recognize the cession64 of the island to you."
"Is there a good port?"
"No; but it is not needed. They do not have hurricanes, here, as they do in the Bay of Bengal and in the China Seas, and indeed among the islands; so vessels can anchor off the coast, in safety, at all times of the year."
"What is the island like?"
"It is covered with forest and jungle," the Malay replied. "There are but few inhabitants, a hundred and fifty or so. Most of these are my people, but there are a few Chinese and Bugis. The Malays are not cultivators. They live by piracy, attacking small native vessels passing through the narrow passages between Singapore and the mainland. The Chinese cultivate patches of land."
"Is it fertile?"
"Very. Rain falls there more than half the days in the year. If the Chinese had it, they would make a garden of it. It is better, even, than the land on that part of Sumatra where they produce spices and grains of all sorts. The Malay Peninsula would be very wealthy, were it not split up into several kingdoms, that are always at war with each other.
"Singapore was a great place, once. Seven hundred years ago it was the capital of the whole Malay kingdom; but it was taken, a hundred years afterwards, by the King of Java, and Malacca then became the Malay capital."
"The affair does not seem very promising," Harry said, after repeating to Fairclough what he had heard from the Malay. "From my experience of the Indian princes, there is very little trust to be placed in any agreement made with them. They keep it just as long as it suits them, and then break it; without the slightest sense of having done anything dishonourable. It seems to me that the position here is very much like that in the Deccan. Scindia, Holkar, and the Rajahs of Berar and Kolapoore are practically independent of the Peishwa, who maintains only a semblance65 of authority. From what the interpreter tells me, there seems to be only a puppet rajah who, today, possesses no authority whatever; but who, tomorrow, may excite a quarrel among the other chiefs, and again become their master.
"I think that, in the first place, I shall have to see this semi-independent chief, whose possessions Singapore forms part of; and afterwards the Rajah of Johore, his nominal66 master.
"The latter may view the matter in one of two ways. In the first place, he may consider the island of no importance, whatever; seeing that, even were he again its master, no revenue could be obtained from the handful of people living there; and would therefore be glad to ratify67 the cession to us, for a small sum. On the other hand, he may consider that the elevation68 of the island, into the position of a great European trading port, would add greatly to the power and importance of the tumangong, and might enable him to make himself master of the whole of Johore."
"It seems a complicated business, certainly," the sailor replied. "You see, though this rebel chap, having written to Calcutta, may be trusted to receive you hospitably69; there is no saying what the rajah may think of it."
"Nor is it clear how I am to get at the rajah," Harry remarked. "The tumangong would, no doubt, object to my going beyond what he considers as his territory; as it might seem that, did he let me do so, he would be recognizing the power of the rajah to interfere in his business. However, it is certain that I must carry home a clear report on the situation; and to do that I must, at any rate, attempt to see the rajah.
"Of course we must endeavour to learn, from the Malays on the island, whether Johore still holds any territory running down to the sea, or whether the coast chiefs have also revolted against him. In the first case, I will send up a native, to say that I have a mission from the Governor General of India to visit his court; but if he is cut off from the sea, I must endeavour to make my way through, somehow. It would never do to return with only half a story. I do not suppose the Governor General is at all aware of the state of things here, or that the chief who communicated with him is not the acknowledged Rajah of Johore.
"There can be no doubt that the possession of this island would be of great value to us, as it would become a centre of trade, not only with the East, but with all the islands round; except, of course, those belonging to Holland. Therefore, the first essential point is to ascertain whether the old rajah is likely to regain70 his former authority; and whether, if so, he will recognize, and on what terms, the cession of the island to us."
"Well, I am glad, Lindsay, that it is your business and not mine; for it seems a very difficult affair, and a somewhat dangerous one."
Three weeks after leaving Calcutta the brig reached the island and, at Harry's request, sailed round it, taking soundings very frequently, in order to obtain knowledge of the depth of the water and the nature of the sea bottom. Finally they anchored in the straits between it and the mainland. This varied71, in width, from two miles to a quarter of a mile; and the depth of water, at the eastern extremity72 of the straits, was found to be insufficient73 for vessels of a large tonnage, though navigable for ordinary native craft.
The island itself was some twenty-five miles long and fifteen miles wide; being, as Fairclough calculated, about a third larger than the Isle74 of Wight. No high hills were seen; but the whole island was undulating, and everywhere covered with forest and jungle.
Several small Malay canoes had put off to them with fruit; and as, from what the interpreter had told them of the smallness of the population, there was clearly no chance of any attack being made on the brig, they were allowed to come alongside. The supply of fruit was very welcome, and the interpreter learned something from the natives as to the state of things on the mainland.
As to this, however, they appeared to take but little interest. They admitted that the tumangong was their lord but, as they were too poor for him to levy75 any contributions from them, his mastership was merely a nominal one, and they did not trouble themselves about him. If he should at any time send an officer and troops, to exact tribute money, they would simply retire into the interior, where they could defy pursuit. They had heard reports that there were wars on the mainland but, beyond the fact that the rajah possessed76 very little authority, they were unable to give any information. They had vaguely77 heard that some of the chiefs supported the family of the former rajah.
On the day after their anchoring, a large canoe put off from the mainland. In the stern sat two men, whose gay dresses showed them to be minor78 chiefs or officials. Harry, who had throughout the voyage worn only civilian37 costume of white drill, now put on his full uniform; as did the sowars of his escort. The ladder was lowered for the accommodation of the visitors; and these, on reaching the deck, were received by Fairclough, his officers, and a guard of honour. The Malay interpreter stood by the captain's side.
"Why do you come here?" was their first question.
"We bring a high officer of the Governor General at Calcutta, to confer with the lord of Singapore," Fairclough answered, through the interpreter.
"Our lord thought that it might be so," one of the officials said, "and therefore sent us off to enquire45."
Fairclough led the Malays to the quarterdeck, where Harry was standing79, with his four troopers as a bodyguard behind him.
"This is the official whom the Governor General has sent to you."
The Malays, struck with Harry's uniform, and still more with that of his guard--all of which were new to them, and impressed them deeply--salaamed profoundly to him.
"I have arrived," Harry said, "as the agent of our great governor; and in answer to a request of your lord, the tumangong, that he should send an officer of rank here, to treat with him."
"Seeing this vessel of war," the Malay said, when Harry's speech had been translated to him, "our lord hoped that it might be so; and directed us, should this prove correct, to inform you that he will himself come off to see you, in three days' time. He has heard of the might of your lord in India, that he has conquered great kingdoms, that the rule is a wise one, and that the people are well contented80. We love not the Dutch, who are hard masters, and make the people labour for them; and he desires to be on terms of friendship with the power which, as he understands, has taken their strong places in India, so that they have no longer any importance there."
"He has done wisely," Harry said, "and I shall be glad to see your lord, and to tell him what is in the mind of our governor."
The envoys81 were then invited to the cabin, where they were offered refreshments82. They ate sparingly, but greatly appreciated the champagne; and asked, through the interpreter, if they could be instructed how to make this liquor; and were much disappointed on learning it could only be made from the juice of the grape, that grew in a certain land in Europe, and could not be manufactured elsewhere, though other wines which were equally good could be made--that as the fruits grown in a hot country like theirs could not be grown in Europe, where the climate was much colder, so the grape could not flourish in their hot country.
Three days later the tumangong came off, in a canoe gaily83 decorated by flags, attended by several smaller craft. As he set foot on the deck, a salute28 was fired. He appeared much disturbed when the first gun went off; but the interpreter explained to him that it was a mark of honour, always granted to native princes of importance. Seeing that no harm was done by the fire, the Malay approached Harry, whose escort had been rendered more imposing84 by a line of blue jackets, with musket85 and cutlass, drawn up behind them.
Harry advanced to meet him, and friendly greetings were exchanged. He then invited him down into the cabin, where he was accompanied by one of his chief officers. Harry, the captain, and the interpreter went down with them. The Malay commenced the conversation.
"I hope that you bring a favourable answer to my letter?"
"The Governor bids me say that he willingly accepts your offer of friendship, and would readily establish a trading station on the island of Singapore; but that, being now engaged in a serious war in India, it is not in his power, at present, to engage in an alliance that might involve him in war here, since he might be unable to fulfil his obligations. With us, obligations under a treaty are regarded as sacred, and to be upheld at all sacrifices. Later on, when affairs are more settled in India, he will gladly form an alliance with you.
"Here is a despatch, in your language, stating his reasons more fully but, in order to show his friendship, he has sent me down in this ship of war to explain matters to you, and to assure you that he appreciates your offer, and will later on accept it; but that he cannot enter into such a treaty now as, being engaged in war, he might not be able to protect you from all enemies, should you call upon him to do so. I am the bearer of several presents from him, which he has sent as a proof of his friendship towards you."
He touched a bell and, at the signal, some sailors brought in the presents; consisting of a handsome double-barrelled gun, a brace86 of pistols, some embroidered87 robes, and some bales of English cloth and other manufactures; also a dinner service of pottery88, an ormulu clock, and other articles. The rajah, whose face had at first expressed disappointment, was evidently much pleased with these presents and, after perusing89 the letter, expressed himself as well contented with its terms.
"I value them all the more," he said, "because they are a proof that the English do not make treaties, unless able to fulfil the conditions. This is far better than accepting treaties, and then withdrawing from them. You can assure the great lord of Calcutta, although I regret much that he cannot at present form an alliance with me, that I shall be ready to renew the negotiations90 with him, whenever he notifies me that he can do so."
The champagne was then produced. The tumangong had evidently heard, from his officers, how delicious was the strange drink, which bubbled as if it was boiling and was yet quite cold. Two bottles were put upon the table; and the Malays, after tasting it cautiously at first, consumed the greater portion--the two officers only sipping91 theirs occasionally, and filling up their glasses, so as to keep the others in countenance92. Accustomed to more fiery93 beverages94, obtained from traders in the Dutch possessions, the Malays were in no way affected95 by their potations; although these evidently impressed them with the superiority of the English over their Dutch rivals, for the tumangong remarked:
"Truly the English must be a great people, to make such liquors. The Dutch sell us fiery drinks, but their flavour is not to be compared with these. I hope that your lord, when he again sends a ship down to me, will forward me some of this drink."
"I have, fortunately, a case of it with me," Harry said. "It contains two dozen bottles. I will give orders for it to be placed in your boat."
He could see, by the Malay's face, that he was greatly gratified, and he added:
"I have no doubt, Tumangong, that when I inform the Governor General that you were pleased with this drink, he will order some of it to be sent down, when there is an opportunity; so that the friendship between you and him can be maintained, until the time comes when he can arrange with you for the concession96 of a trading station on the island of Singapore."
"The offer shall be always open to him; there is no occasion for haste."
The conversation continued for some time longer, and then the Malay and his officers took their places in their canoe and rowed off, under a salute similar to that which had greeted their arrival.
"That is quite satisfactory," Harry said to the commander.
"Yes; there is no doubt that he thought more of your present of champagne, than of the gifts sent him by the Governor; and your promise to let him have a consignment97, occasionally, will keep him in good temper.
"Now, what is your next move?"
"I think it would be best to finish with the Dutch, first. If there were any delay in the other matter, they might get news, from Malacca or some of their trading stations in Sumatra, that the ship has been here and, in that case, they would guess that we are thinking of establishing a trading station, and might send and make their own terms with the tumangong. There can be no doubt that, if we open a free port here, it will do great damage to them, and divert a large portion of the eastern trade here; being so much more handy for all the country craft trading with Siam and China, besides having the advantage of avoiding the heavy dues demanded by the Dutch."
"No doubt that will be the best way," Fairclough said. "We will get up anchor, tomorrow morning."
In the course of the afternoon a large canoe came off, loaded with presents of fresh meat, fruit, and vegetable; sent by the tumangong, together with some handsomely-mounted krises for Harry and the officers of the ship.
They continued their voyage, without incident, to Batavia. Arriving there, they dropped anchor and saluted the Dutch flag. The salute was returned from the shore; and, shortly afterwards a large boat, flying the flag of Holland and carrying several persons, rowed out to them.
It was apparent, at once, when they ascended98 to the deck, that the visit of the British ship of war was not a welcome one. The jealousy of the Dutch of any attempt, on our part, to obtain a footing among the islands was intense; and the opinion on shore, on seeing the brig, would be that she had come to announce that possession had been taken of some unoccupied island. Their manner, therefore, was cold when Harry informed them, through his Dutch interpreter, that he was the bearer of a despatch to the Dutch Governor from the Governor General.
"I may say that it refers," he said, "to the numerous outrages99, committed by the Malays, upon vessels owned by British subjects trading among the islands; and that he suggests that the Dutch authorities should join in an attempt to punish these marauders, from whom they suffer equally with the British."
"The Governor will receive you, at three o'clock this afternoon. You will, of course, wish to deliver your despatch personally to him and, as we shall acquaint him with its import, he will no doubt be prepared to give you an answer, forthwith."
Without further words, the officials returned to their boats.
"They are a surly set of beggars," Fairclough said, as they rowed off. "I don't think there is much chance of cooperation in that quarter. Indeed, I am by no means sure that, at heart, they do not approve of these Malay attacks. At present, they monopolize100 the trade in spice. The native craft from all the islands bring their productions here; and there can be no doubt that the piracies101 of the Malays act as a great deterrent102, both to the native traders, and our own from Calcutta and Madras."
"I think that, very likely, that is so," Harry agreed. "I do not think that the Governor had any belief that they would cooperate in the matter, and really only invited them to do so because it would explain the presence of a ship of war in these waters; so I shall be in no way concerned, if this part of my business turns out a failure."
At the appointed time, the captain's gig was lowered, and Harry and Fairclough took their places in it. Another boat carried the Dutch interpreter and the four troopers. They were received, on landing, by an official and a guard of honour; and were conducted to the Governor's residence. Another guard of honour was drawn up at the entrance. They were shown into a large room, where the Governor was seated, surrounded by the members of his council.
He rose and advanced a few paces, shook hands with the two officers, and begged them to be seated, on two chairs next to him. Harry handed the despatch to him.
"It is very short, sir," he said, "and perhaps, as you are aware of its import, you will just glance through it."
The Governor did so and, afterwards, handed it to one of the members of the council, and it was passed from hand to hand.
"I am quite in accord," the Governor said, "with Lord Mornington, that the attacks of the Malays which we, as well as yourselves, suffer from are deplorable; and it is greatly to be wished that they could be suppressed. But I think that Lord Mornington could hardly have been informed as to the great number of islands inhabited by the Malays, and the great naval force that would be required to overawe and punish these freebooters; who are so bold that they do not hesitate to attack our traders, even when large ships, and carrying guns for their protection. Nothing short of a great fleet of cruisers would suffice.
"In the next place, did we undertake any operations on a large scale against the Malays throughout the islands, they would unite against us; and might, in revenge, assail103 many of our ports, and do us enormous damage. Even if your fleet performed half the work, it is we, only, who would be the sufferers. Certainly we have not sufficient vessels of war to attempt such an operation and, even were the Governor General of India to send down as many vessels as we have at our disposal, the force would be altogether inadequate104 for such extensive operations. These islands are counted by hundreds and, on the approach of ships of war, the people would desert their villages by the seashore and take to the interior--where it would, in most cases, be impossible to follow them--and all the damage we could inflict40 would be to burn their villages, which could be rebuilt after the ships had sailed away. To exterminate105 piracy would be the work, not of months, but of many years. However, I shall consult my council, and will draft a reply to the despatch, tomorrow.
"You have had a pleasant voyage down, I hope?"
"Very much so," Harry replied. "We have had fine weather, and light breezes."
The conversation was continued for a few minutes, and then the little party returned to their boats.
"There is not much doubt what the reply will be," Fairclough said.
"No; and on the whole, I don't see that the Governor is to be blamed; though of course, he has not given us the principal reason, which is his objection to our flag being seen flying beside the Dutch among the islands. Still, there is a good deal in what he says."
"I think so, too. You see, they are going to send their answer tomorrow, which may be taken as a proof that they are anxious to get rid of us, as soon as possible."
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1
harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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3
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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4
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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5
lengthen
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| vt.使伸长，延长 | |
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dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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piracy
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| n.海盗行为，剽窃，著作权侵害 | |
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9
consolidated
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| a.联合的 | |
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10
despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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11
narrating
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| v.故事( narrate的现在分词 ) | |
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12
paramount
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| a.最重要的，最高权力的 | |
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13
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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14
hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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15
wrested
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| （用力）拧( wrest的过去式和过去分词 )； 费力取得； （从…）攫取； （ 从… ） 强行取去… | |
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16
maritime
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| adj.海的，海事的，航海的，近海的，沿海的 | |
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17
sloops
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| n.单桅纵帆船( sloop的名词复数 ) | |
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18
potentates
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| n.君主，统治者( potentate的名词复数 )；有权势的人 | |
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19
commissioner
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| n.（政府厅、局、处等部门）专员，长官，委员 | |
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20
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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21
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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22
embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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23
bodyguard
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| n.护卫，保镖 | |
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24
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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25
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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26
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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27
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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28
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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29
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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30
middle-aged
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| adj.中年的 | |
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31
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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32
dreary
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| adj.令人沮丧的，沉闷的，单调乏味的 | |
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33
creeks
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| n.小湾( creek的名词复数 )；小港；小河；小溪 | |
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34
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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35
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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36
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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37
civilian
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| adj.平民的，民用的，民众的 | |
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38
civilians
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| 平民，百姓( civilian的名词复数 )； 老百姓 | |
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39
infliction
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| n.（强加于人身的）痛苦，刑罚 | |
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40
inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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41
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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42
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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43
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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44
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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45
enquire
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| v.打听，询问；调查，查问 | |
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46
enquired
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| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
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47
champagne
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| n.香槟酒；微黄色 | |
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48
victuals
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| n.食物；食品 | |
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49
naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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50
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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51
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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52
sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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53
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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54
trump
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| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
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55
meddling
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| v.干涉，干预（他人事务）( meddle的现在分词 ) | |
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56
averting
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| 防止，避免( avert的现在分词 )； 转移 | |
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57
ticklish
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| adj.怕痒的；问题棘手的；adv.怕痒地；n.怕痒，小心处理 | |
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58
leopards
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| n.豹( leopard的名词复数 )；本性难移 | |
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59
halfway
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| adj.中途的，不彻底的，部分的；adv.半路地，在中途，在半途 | |
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60
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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61
usurped
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| 篡夺，霸占( usurp的过去式和过去分词 )； 盗用； 篡夺，篡权 | |
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62
reigning
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| adj.统治的，起支配作用的 | |
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63
overthrow
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| v.推翻，打倒，颠覆；n.推翻，瓦解，颠覆 | |
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64
cession
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| n.割让，转让 | |
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65
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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66
nominal
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| adj.名义上的；(金额、租金)微不足道的 | |
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67
ratify
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| v.批准，认可，追认 | |
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68
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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69
hospitably
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| 亲切地，招待周到地，善于款待地 | |
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70
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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71
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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72
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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73
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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74
isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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75
levy
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| n.征收税或其他款项，征收额 | |
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76
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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77
vaguely
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| adv.含糊地，暖昧地 | |
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78
minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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79
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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80
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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81
envoys
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| 使节( envoy的名词复数 )； 公使； 谈判代表； 使节身份 | |
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82
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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83
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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84
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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85
musket
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| n.滑膛枪 | |
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86
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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87
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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88
pottery
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| n.陶器，陶器场 | |
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89
perusing
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的现在分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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90
negotiations
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| 协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过 | |
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91
sipping
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的现在分词 ) | |
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92
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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93
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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94
beverages
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| n.饮料( beverage的名词复数 ) | |
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95
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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96
concession
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| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
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97
consignment
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| n.寄售；发货；委托；交运货物 | |
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98
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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99
outrages
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| 引起…的义愤，激怒( outrage的第三人称单数 ) | |
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monopolize
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| v.垄断，独占，专营 | |
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101
piracies
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| n.海上抢劫( piracy的名词复数 )；盗版行为，非法复制 | |
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102
deterrent
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| n.阻碍物，制止物；adj.威慑的，遏制的 | |
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103
assail
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| v.猛烈攻击，抨击，痛斥 | |
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104
inadequate
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| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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105
exterminate
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| v.扑灭，消灭，根绝 | |
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