If Hassan's account of this man's doings is
correct, he is the main cause of the falling off in the trade, and,
moreover, the author of the piracies of which we have had so many
complaints; indeed, it is possible that when the Governor learns
the true state of things, I may get an order to present an ultimatum
to this fellow and to sink his piratical craft. At any rate, we
may make up our minds to be here for some time."
On the following day a message was received from the rajah, saying
that if any of the officers wished to go on excursions for sport,
guides would be placed at their disposal, and that all who wished
to do so could at any time travel through the country without the
slightest fear of molestation. For some time affairs remained in
the same condition. The doctor went daily on shore with butterfly
and beetle nets, tin boxes, and other paraphernalia. He was generally
accompanied by a couple of bluejackets, and always took a native
guide to prevent the risk of being lost in the jungle, and also
because the man was able to take him to places where villages had
stood, and it was in these clearings that insect life, especially
among the lepidoptera, was most abundant. The Malay he first engaged
was a young fellow who proved so intelligent and willing that he
was permanently retained for the service as long as the Serpent
remained on the station.
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