"
A boat had been sent down to the ship, and this returned with a
number of the articles that had been put on board her as presents
for Sehi and other chiefs. These were now distributed. A feast was
then held, and the next morning the chiefs started for their homes,
highly gratified with the result of the meeting. On the following
day, the British boats also took their way down the river, followed
by the prahu, with a considerable number of Hassan's men, who were
to clear away the ruins of Sehi's campong, to bury the dead still
lying among them, and to erect huts for the whole community.
The Serpent remained for a week opposite the town; a considerable
quantity of flour, sugar, and other useful stores being landed for
the use of Hassan's people. Dr. Horsley was gladdened by Hassan's
promise that his people should be instructed to search for specimens
of birds, butterflies, and other insects, and that these should
be treated according to his instructions, and should be from time
to time, as occasion offered, sent down to him in large cases to
Singapore. To the two midshipmen the chief gave krises of the finest
temper.
"I have no presents to give you worthy of your acceptance," he
said; "but you know that I shall never forget you, and always regard
you as brothers.
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