After three hours' rowing they
entered the river, and continued their course up it until long into
the night, for the rowers were as anxious as was Hassan himself to
reach their village. They were numerous enough to furnish relays
at the oars, and the stroke never flagged until, an hour before
midnight, fires were seen burning ahead, as they turned a bend of
the river. The Malays raised a yell of triumph, which was answered
from the village, and in a few minutes the prahu was brought up to
the bank. A crowd, composed mostly of women and children, received
them with shouts of welcome and gladness. Hassan at once led
the midshipmen to a large hut that had evidently been prepared in
readiness for them. Piles of skins lay in two of the corners, and
the lads, who were utterly worn out, threw themselves down, and
were almost instantly asleep.
The sun was high when the mat at the entrance was drawn aside,
and Hassan entered, followed by four of his followers. One carried
a great water jar and two calabashes, with some cotton cloths and
towels; the other brought fruit of several varieties, eggs, and
sweetmeats, together with a large gourd full of steaming coffee.
"Hassan come again," the chief said, and left the hut with his
followers. The lads poured calabashes of water over each other, and
felt wonderfully refreshed by their wash, which was accomplished
without damage to the floor, which was of bamboos raised two feet
above the ground.
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