The next four days were spent in shooting expeditions, and although
they met with no wild beasts, they secured a large number of bird
skins for the doctor. On the fifth day a native ran in and said
that boats with white men were coming. The midshipmen ran down to
the bank, and saw the ship's two cutters and a gig approaching.
The captain himself was in the stern of the latter, and the doctor
was sitting beside him. A minute or two later they were shaking
hands with the officers, and saying a few words to the men, who
were evidently delighted to see them again. Just as the greetings
were over, Hassan, in a rich silk sarong and jacket, came down
towards them. He was leading his little daughter, and six Malays
followed them.
"Welcome, Captain," he said gravely. "Hassan very glad to see you.
All come right now."
"Thank you, chief. We have learned from your messenger how gallantly
you have rescued my two officers, and put an end to our troubles
by killing the Rajah Sehi, and capturing the last of the piratical
craft."
This was too much for Hassan, and had to be translated by Soh Hay.
Since the chief's return, a number of his men had been occupied
in constructing bamboo huts for the use of the captain, officers,
and men, also a large hall to be used for councils and meetings;
and to this he now led the captain and his officers.
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