CHAPTER III
Preparing for a Journey
Six days had passed, from the date when Tyler Richardson set out fromSouthampton and dropped down to the open sea, before he reached PlymouthHarbour, for the vessel upon which he had sailed had met with contrarywinds, and was much delayed. However, arrive he did at last at the busyport, to find the _Alice Mary_ on the point of departure. Indeed, asTyler ascended the gangway, followed closely by his chest, the bellwas ringing loudly to warn friends and relatives to leave, while theblue-peter at the fore showed that all was in readiness. Sailors wererunning about the decks in obedience to the orders of the captain, whilepassengers stood about in every position, hampering the movements ofthe men, as they looked towards the shore and waved their hands andhandkerchiefs. A few of the gentlemen were smoking placidly on the poop,as though departure from England on a long voyage was nothing out ofthe ordinary, while elsewhere some of the ladies were weeping bitterlyat the thought of leaving. Tyler threaded his way amongst them, andhaving seen the cabin which he was to occupy, and deposited his smallerbelongings there, he returned to the deck and looked on at the scenewith interest.
"A big muddle it all looks, does it not?" said a voice at his elbow,and, turning swiftly, he became aware of the fact that one of thepassengers, a tall, bearded gentleman, stood beside him with a pleasantsmile of greeting upon his face.
"But it will all settle down within a few hours," went on the stranger,without waiting for Tyler's answer, "and, bless you! we shall all feelperfectly at home before we are much older. In fact, within a week weshall be the best of friends, and, I doubt not, shall feel as though wehad known one another all our lives. By the end of the voyage some of uswill have made such excellent companions that we shall be loth to part,while a few, wearied by the monotony of the long passage, will havesquabbled. That is often the ending of a trip like this. But, pardon me,my name is Beverley, and I am for Singapore. May I ask your destination?"
Tyler at once told him, and then the two fell into conversation, whichlasted until the ship had warped out of the harbour and was steeringfor the sea. Then they separated to go to their cabins, only to findthat they were to share the same. And so it happened that throughout thevoyage, which lasted for three months, they were continually together,and became the fastest of friends.
"And so you, like myself, are bound for Singapore," said Mr. Beverleytwo months after the _Alice Mary_ had sailed from Plymouth; "and youtell me that you are likely to join the _Dido_ there. I think that youwill be fortunate if you do so, for I happen to be well informed as tothe movements of the ships, and I know that the vessel of which we speakis at present in the China Sea, engaged on a special mission, and isnot likely to return to Singapore until late next year. Consequentlyyou will either have to remain kicking your heels at the latter place,or you will have to tranship and go aboard the first merchantman boundfor Hong-Kong. Now let me tell you of my plans. I am engaged by theGovernment to go to the island of Borneo, with a view to obtaininginformation as to its products. At the same time I have other people'sinterests in hand, for I am travelling for a firm of rubber merchantswho are seeking a new field from which to obtain their supplies. Oncebefore I was in the Eastern Archipelago, and on that occasion I obtainedexperience which will be of great value to me and which will help me onmy journey. But you may wonder why I am troubling you so much with myown affairs, and for that reason I will explain. I told you that the_Dido_ was in the China seas, and was not likely to reach Singaporefor many months. But I did not say what was also in my knowledge,namely that Captain Keppel has been ordered to return by way of thearchipelago, where he is to do his best to exterminate the pirates, whoare very numerous and infest the islands. Now, supposing you sailed toHong-Kong and missed the _Dido!"_
"It would be very disappointing," exclaimed Tyler, "and in that case Ishould scarcely be able to report myself before a year had passed."
"Quite so! but if there was news at Singapore that the _Dido_ wasalready on her way, but would be delayed in the neighbourhood of Borneo,how would you care for a trip to the island yourself, with the hope thatyou might have the fortune to join her there?"
"Nothing I should like better!" burst in Tyler eagerly. "With you, doyou mean?"
"That is my proposition. I want a comrade to accompany me, and if heis an officer in the British navy, all the better, for the power ofEngland is known in Borneo, and your uniform would command respect onthe coast. In the interior it would be a different matter, for there theDyak tribes have probably never seen a white man. Indeed I hear thatthe country has never been explored, but rumours which have reached usthrough the Malays tell how the tribes within are for the most partfierce and warlike, and spend their time in attacking one another,often with the sole object in view of obtaining the heads of theirenemies. But to return to my proposition. I have known you now so longthat I feel sure that we should be capital friends. As I have said, Iwant a companion, while you desire to join your ship. Her destinationis the coast of Borneo, while I also am bound in that direction. If onarrival at Singapore you find it unwise to proceed to China, and canobtain permission from the authorities, will you join me, in the hope offalling in with the _Dido?_ There will be no expense, but I can promiseyou a trip which you may never have another opportunity of taking."
"It would be grand, and there is nothing that I should like more, Mr.Beverley," cried Tyler with eagerness. "Of course I know nothing aboutthis Eastern Archipelago, and indeed did not know that I was bound inthat direction until a very few days before leaving England. I am surethat the excursion would, as you say, be most fascinating, and I willjoin you with the greatest pleasure if the authorities will allow me todo so."
"Then I think that there will be no difficulty, though I am uncertain atthe present moment to whom your request should be made. I am aware thatthere is a resident governor at Singapore, but whether the Admiraltyhas a representative is another matter. In any case I should go withyou, and should show my orders, which would command some amount ofinfluence; then again, in six weeks' time, when we hope to arrive at ourdestination, those at Singapore will be able to tell us more about the_Dido_, and will be able to say whether she is then in the China seasor whether she is shortly due at the port. We must be guided by theirreport, though I think that you will find that your ship is on her wayto Borneo, and to the islands thereabout. That being the case, we shallpromptly get sanction for you to join me, and as soon as we have madethe necessary preparations shall set sail. As for the latter, I proposeto purchase a small sailing schooner, and fit her up with a quantityof muskets and a couple of six-pounder guns, for our journey will takeus into a part where the pirates from Sarebus abound, and they willthink nothing of pouncing upon us. However, if they see that we arefully prepared, they will be more inclined to leave us alone, while,should they be bold enough to attack us, we shall, I hope, beat themhandsomely, for we shall carry a crew of Malays, besides an interpreter.But how is it that you obtained your commission? You are decidedly overthe age when youngsters are admitted to the navy, and as you have neverbroached the subject yourself I have not ventured to open it for fearof seeming curious. However, should you care to tell me I should be mostinterested to hear."
Thus invited to give an account of his adventure at the docks, Tyler didnot hesitate to describe the latter in full, and to tell Mr. Beverleyhow Admiral Davies had come forward to help the family.
"It was done on the spur of the moment," he said, as if in excuse forhis action, when referring to the rescue. "You see, there were the twoofficers insensible, a shout from the mate told us clearly that gas wasthe cause of the mishap, and, of course, after that the only thing to dowas to get them out as rapidly as possible."
"That may be so, Tyler, my lad," responded Mr. Beverley warmly, "butI tell you that, though the need for rescue was apparent, there aremany who would have stood there on the deck wringing their hands andincapable of giving active help. That's just where you came to the fore,and it must have been solely du
e to your promptness that those officersare alive to-day to tell the tale. I am glad that you have won yourcommission in such a manner, and I prophesy that your promotion will berapid, for you are about to serve under a very distinguished officer,and will come to him with a character which will at once command hisrespect and approval. If he sees that you are level-headed and a hardworker he will no doubt give you many an opportunity of showing yourworth. But it's time for dinner, and we had better go below and dress.Later on we can discuss the question of this trip to Borneo morecompletely. At the present moment it is sufficient for me to know thatI have obtained the services of a young fellow who will be a companion,and who, moreover, will be of great assistance should it ever be ourfortune to get into a tight corner."
Five weeks later the _Alice Mary_ sighted the Island of Sumatra, and,having passed through the Malacca Strait, made for the harbour ofSingapore. Tyler and Mr. Beverley, having seen their baggage landed,at once went to an hotel, the latter promptly despatching a note to thegovernor to ask for an appointment. Then they walked about the town foran hour, to find on their return that an answer had arrived requestingthem to attend at the residency immediately.
"Glad to meet you," said the governor cordially, as they were usheredinto his room. "I am aware of your proposed expedition, Mr. Beverley,for I have had orders to help you as much as possible. Advices alsohave reached me with the information that Mr. Richardson would comehere with the object of joining H.M.S. _Dido;_ but I fear that there isdisappointment before him, for a brig which arrived last week came withthe news that the ship in question had left Hong-Kong recently in searchof the pirates in the neighbourhood of Borneo, and also to forward, ifpossible, the work of an ardent philanthropist, by name James Brooke.I fear that our young friend will have to remain in idleness for manyweeks, unless, of course, he receives orders to proceed to some otherport in the Archipelago."
"Which would exactly suit him, sir," exclaimed Mr. Beverley, who at onceproceeded to tell the governor of the proposal which he had made toTyler.
"It sounds an excellent plan to keep him out of mischief," was theanswer, given with a smile, "and I am sure that the voyage would bemost instructive for a young fellow such as he is. As to the necessarypermission, I can give you that on the spot, for there is not a singlerepresentative of the royal navy in port at this moment. I will writea letter, which he can carry with him, stating that as the _Dido_ isnot likely to put in an appearance for some little time, and is in allprobability cruising in the neighbourhood of Borneo, this officer is toproceed there with you on the distinct understanding that he is to jointhe _Dido_ as soon as he obtains news of her precise whereabouts. Thatwill smooth all possible difficulties, will it not?" he went on with apleasant smile, seating himself at the desk which stood in the room,and making ready to write. "If questions are asked as to why he didnot remain here, he has only to produce the letter; while again, shouldit turn out that by going with you the date of his joining is delayedlonger than it would have been had he remained at Singapore, why, mywritten orders will clear him from all reprimand."
Taking a piece of official paper, the governor hastily scrawled somelines on it and stamped it at the bottom. Then he enclosed the letter inan envelope and sealed it with wax.
"There," he said, handing it to Tyler, "may you have a very pleasanttrip! and when you fall in with the _Dido_ just be so good as to give mycompliments to her commander. For you, Mr. Beverley, I trust that yourjourney into the interior may lead to a favourable report, for I myselfam deeply interested in the island, and in Mr. James Brooke, whosename I have already mentioned to you. I met him here, where he stayedquite recently, refitting his vessel, the _Royalist_, and I had theopportunity of many a conversation with him. He has the interests of theDyaks and inhabitants of Borneo Proper at heart, and for that purpose hehas sailed a second time for Sarawak. I fear that he will encounter manydifficulties and dangers, and that it will be long before he meets withreal success. But excuse me, I am very busy to-day, and there are manyothers waiting to speak with me."
Extending his hand the governor bade them farewell, and ushered them outof his room, promising to help them in their preparations if they shouldbe in need of assistance. As for Tyler and his friend, they returned tothe hotel, and began to discuss the preparations to be made before theirdeparture.
"We shall require special clothes, of course," said the latter, "andI think that corduroy breeches and high boots, and a strong but thinlinen jacket, will be necessary. A light sun-hat, which will retain itsposition on the head when the wearer is moving actively, must form partof the outfit, and in addition a cloak of heavy material must be taken,for in Borneo scarcely a night passes without rain, often amounting toa heavy downpour, from which we must be protected. Indeed, my experienceof these regions has taught me that a white man rapidly falls a victimto ague if he is exposed to much damp and cold. We must try to keepfever at arm's-length, and as a precaution I shall take with me anabundance of quinine, besides other drugs and surgical necessaries. Aspare suit, with flannel shirts, and a supply of foot-gear, will meetour requirements, and will allow us to turn our attention to anotherportion of the outfit.
"Now about guns. I have already told you that I shall carry a supply onboard the schooner which I propose to purchase, but I shall also obtainthe best of weapons for ourselves, and in any case we shall carry withus a pair of heavy revolvers. Don't think that I am inclined to bepugnacious," he went on with a smile, "but there is nothing like beingfully prepared. We may, and I'm sure I hope that we shall, pass amongstthese tribes without molestation, but there is no saying for certain,and it will do no harm to let the Dyaks see that we are well armed. ButI hope to win them over by presents, and for that purpose I shall takewith me bales of beads and coloured cotton, besides looking-glasses, andcheap knick-knacks. A few instruments for the preservation of specimenswill be necessary; and last, but by no means least, it will be desirableif you bring a suit of uniform, to be worn on state occasions.
"And now for a vessel in which to sail. As we have little time to spare,I propose that we leave for the docks at once and go to a shippingagent. If there is anything in the port likely to prove serviceable heis certain to have knowledge of the craft, and will be able to give usparticulars."
Issuing from the hotel once more, Tyler and Mr. Beverley walked throughthe town, passing scores of natives of every hue and colour as theywent. Indeed, Singapore, like many another Eastern seaport, is noted forits cosmopolitan population; and as they threaded their way through thesunlit streets, Malays, Chinese, Hindoos from India, and many anothernative from adjacent parts, jostled one another. Europeans also wereto be seen in abundance, but for the most part these were driving inlight carriages, or were mounted upon ponies. To Tyler the scene wasparticularly fascinating, for he had never been in the East before, andas he walked along, his eye noted with admiration the lithe and gracefulfigures of the Malays, and the stolid, heavily-built appearance of theChinese.
"Yes, John Chinaman looks dull and uninteresting," remarked Mr.Beverley, "but note his prosperity. He has found that his own nativeland is filled to overflowing, and that competition is too severe, andin consequence has emigrated. I have met him in divers parts, for he isto be found in large numbers in the Straits Settlements, in Borneo, andother islands in this archipelago. He has also found his way to NorthAmerica and to Australia, and everywhere he is prosperous. A hard workerfrom his earliest days, and almost always contented with his lot, hecan feed himself upon the smallest wage, and still save sufficient fora rainy day. Then in the course of years he becomes his own master, theemployer of labour, and a wealthy citizen of whatever town he has madehis home. But we must hurry on, for there is much to settle before weset sail for Borneo."
Half an hour later they stood upon the dock-side looking with admirationat a tiny schooner which lay moored in the basin, floating daintily uponthe water.
"A derelict," explained the shipping agent, who had accompanied themto the quay. "She was found o
ff the northern coast of Sumatra, drivinghither and thither upon the sea. No one can say to whom she belonged,or how it happened that she was adrift and left all alone. Perhaps hercrew went ashore somewhere in the Archipelago and were set upon by thenatives. But it is idle to guess, and all that I can tell you is thatshe was salvaged by a vessel making for this port, and that the usualperiod allowed in these cases having passed without a claimant comingforward, she is now to be sold by auction, or to any private bidderwho will give the price. There, sir, you can see what handsome linesshe has, and I can assure you that she is sound and seaworthy. I havealready mentioned the figure asked for her, and you are at liberty totake her out for a day's cruise before coming to a definite decision.Shall I make the necessary arrangements and place a crew aboard?"
"I like her looks," said Mr. Beverley, "and we will try her. When canyou be ready?"
"To-morrow morning shall see all arrangements completed, and I myselfwill come with you," replied the agent. "And now as to the otherquestions which you put to me. I can find you ten men to form a crewwith the greatest ease, and I happen to know of a young fellow who wouldgladly go with you as boatswain. He was a sailor aboard a merchantman,but fell sick when the ship lay here discharging her cargo, and wasat once taken to the hospital, where he remained for long after theship had sailed. He is now well and strong, and eagerly looking forsome work. His name is John Marshall, and I can give him an excellentcharacter."
"Then if I like him I will engage him for the trip," said Mr. Beverley;"but what about an interpreter? It will be necessary to take someonewith us who can speak the Dyak language, and I think that amongst theMalay crew should be included natives who speak some English besidestheir own tongue."
"The last can be easily managed, but an interpreter would be adifficulty, for you want an intelligent man, and they are few amongstthese natives. But wait--it suddenly occurs to me that I know the veryperson to suit you. How would a Dutchman do?"
"Provided he was honest, and had no particular failing, there is noreason why he should not suit me," replied Mr. Beverley thoughtfully. "Iadmit that I am not charmed with the race of Dutchmen which I have metin the islands of the Archipelago, for they are indolent, and many ofthem, I fear, cruel in their treatment of the natives. But some wereexcellent fellows, and there is no reason why this man should not provethe same. Who is he, and how comes it that he is here in Singapore?"
"That is a question which I am unable to answer," was the agent's reply."I only know that he is here in search of employment, for I am the manwho is supposed to know everything in this town. His own tale is thathe comes from Java, and that he is here for his health. He is quiet andwell-behaved, and, I should judge, some thirty years of age, I rememberthat he told me that he had been in Borneo, and could understand theDyaks. But I will send him to call upon you, and you can form your ownopinion of the man."
Having settled the matter in this way, and promised to be at the quayby daylight on the following morning, Tyler and his friend returnedto their hotel, and having drawn out a list of articles which theyconsidered useful, they sallied into the town once more and set aboutmaking their purchases. A week later their preparations were complete,the schooner had been tried and approved of, and duly bought. Then,thanks to the agent, a crew was easily found, while provisions wereto be had in abundance. A Chinese gunsmith had supplied the necessaryweapons, and had himself mounted the two six-pounders upon the deck.
"We will sail to-morrow at noon," said Mr. Beverley as he and Tylerretired to their hotel that evening. "I think that all our preparationsare completed, and I feel that everything is most satisfactory. Ourcrew are sturdy, well-built fellows, while John Marshall promises tobe a treasure. Of Hanns Schlott, our Dutch interpreter, I can say verylittle, for it is difficult to understand him. He is quiet and reserved,and never speaks unless he is addressed. But I have hopes that he willprove a good companion."
Mr. Beverley said the last few words with hesitation, and then lapsedinto a thoughtful silence, which Tyler did not venture to interrupt.But a few minutes later he turned to our hero sharply and asked him aquestion.
"What is your own opinion?" he demanded somewhat curtly. "How do youlike the man?"
"I scarcely know," was Tyler's doubtful answer, "and I do not care tosay anything now which may prove wrong in the end. But, honestly, Ido not trust him. He has a hang-dog expression, and if you notice, henever looks one steadily in the face. Then again I do not admire hiscompanions."
"Companions! Why, he describes himself as being friendless," exclaimedMr. Beverley with some surprise. "Surely you are mistaken. Where haveyou seen him in company with other men?"
"On three separate occasions I have caught sight of him in closeconversation with a rascally-looking fellow who has the appearanceof being partly Dutch and partly Malay. I must say that I also wasastonished, and watched them for some little while until they boardeda native craft which lay out in the basin. She sailed yesterday, butI said nothing about the matter, as I did not wish to prejudice you.Still, I thought it strange, and determined to mention the matter afterwe had set sail."
For some considerable time there was silence between the two, both beingoccupied with their thoughts. As for Tyler, he was bound to confess tohimself that he had taken an instant dislike to the Dutchman, and feltuneasy at the prospect of his company. But then it was not his businessto interfere, for this was Mr. Beverley's expedition, and besides, eventhough Hanns Schlott failed to please him, he would be one amongst many,and could do no harm even though he might desire to be troublesome.
"Hum! It is strange that I too have had the same feeling about thisman," said Mr. Beverley. "But, for fear of doing him an injustice, Ifailed to mention it. But I was not altogether satisfied with him,and had it not been for the fact that it is absolutely necessary thatwe should carry an interpreter, and that a suitable man was hard toobtain, I should never have accepted his services. However, he isengaged, and must accompany us, though I shall be careful to keep my eyeupon him. Now let us turn out into the town for a walk. After to-morrowthere will be little opportunity of taking exercise."
Early on the following morning all was bustle above and below the deckof the tiny schooner. John Marshall, the young fellow who had beenengaged as boatswain, was busily handling his native crew in a mannerwhich showed that he was a thorough sailor. Obedient to his orders,which were given in quiet but resolute tones which commanded instantattention, the Malays were stowing water-barrels in the hold, whilea portion of the crew were laying out the sails in preparation forhoisting. Right aft, seated upon the six-pounder which was mountedthere, was a short, thick-set individual, dressed in slouching clothesand wearing a broad felt hat upon his head. His cheeks were sallow andflabby, and his whole face was destitute of colour, save for a few blackbristles upon his chin. Of moustache he had absolutely none, and hishead had been cropped so close that it seemed to be entirely bald. Withthe brim pulled down over a pair of narrow, slit-like eyes, he sat theregazing vacantly at nothing, while he puffed lazily at an enormous pipe,now and again lifting his head to watch the smoke as it circled abouthim. Not once did he make a movement to help those on board, and evenwhen Tyler and Mr. Beverley stood close beside him, tugging laboriouslyat an enormous case of ammunition, he did not venture to stir or lend ahand in the task. Instead, he lounged there as though he had quite madeup his mind that his work would begin later on, and that here, at anyrate, there was no call for the interpreter to the expedition to exerthimself.
"Hanns Schlott is a ne'er-do-well, I fear," whispered Mr. Beverley a fewminutes later, whilst he and Tyler were in the hold. "For the last hourhe has sat there idly, looking at nothing in particular, and lifting nota finger to help those who are to be his comrades. I fear that he willprove unsuitable, and if only I had a good excuse, and could be certainof replacing him instantly, I would pay him a portion of the wagesagreed upon and dismiss him. But then a substitute is not to be found,so that we must make the best of matters as they are and trust to th
ingsimproving in the future."
Consoling themselves with this reflection, they stowed the ammunitionsafely and then returned on deck. By now all was in readiness fordeparture, and the tiny hatch of which the schooner alone boasted havingbeen battened down, the order was given to hoist the sails. Then therope which secured her to the moorings was cast off, and the dinghy, bymeans of which the operation was performed, having been attached to aring-bolt at the stern, the little vessel swung round, and, careeningto the steady breeze which was blowing, headed from the harbour ofSingapore. An hour later her course was set direct for the north-westernpoint of Borneo, towards which she sped at a gentle pace.
"Once we make the land, I propose to veer to the north and cruise alongthe north-western coast," said Mr. Beverley, as he and Tyler stood sideby side on deck. "Then I shall look out for a river which seems wideenough for navigation, and after landing and obtaining information fromthe Malays who may happen to be in the neighbourhood, I shall push onup the river till the shallows or other difficulties prevent me. Afterthat we shall act as circumstances direct, though my aim and object isto wander from end to end of Borneo Proper, ending my journey in theneighbourhood of Sarawak."
"Land ho! Land in sight!"
John Marshall's shout brought all aboard the little schooner hurryingto the deck early one morning six days after the voyage had commenced."Away there a couple of points to starboard," he continued, directingTyler's gaze in a line which would show him the object in view. "Hillyland, with green trees, sir, and it's Borneo, I'm thinking."
"Borneo, sure enough, John," sang out Mr. Beverley in tones of pleasure,fixing his eyes on the distant land through a pair of glasses. "Takea look, Tyler, and tell me what you see. There is such a haze upon thewater that I am confused, though I am certain, from the direct coursethat we have made, that the island before us is the one for which we arebound."
"I can make out a long range of hills," said Tyler, after he had takena steady look at the distant object, "and--why, I declare that there isthe very craft that lay close alongside us at Singapore."
"Where? Which vessel do you mean?" demanded his companion quickly. "Notthat it matters much, or is of the least importance," he added, "forthere is quite a considerable trade done with Borneo, and ships pass toand fro."
"Not vessels like that one," said Tyler under his breath, turning toMr. Beverley swiftly and lifting a warning finger, for he had suddenlybecome aware of the fact that Hanns Schlott was beside them, eagerlylistening to their words. "Yes," he went on, as if agreeing to whathad been said, "she is no doubt just an ordinary trader, and we shallprobably meet with many more. Are you going below to work out ourposition?"
Conscious that Tyler must have some occasion for speaking as he did, andat once noticing his signal to be cautious, Mr. Beverley indulged in onemore glance through the glasses, so as to disarm suspicion, and then,taking the hint which had been thrown out, disappeared below, where hewas at once joined by our hero.
"Well," he demanded, as soon as they were in the cabin and had closedthe door, "why this mystery? Why is there need for caution? You puzzleme, my lad."
"Perhaps I have no right to be suspicious," answered Tyler, "but youwill recollect that I told you that I had seen Hanns Schlott speakingwith a stranger while at Singapore, and that he accompanied his friendon board. The vessel upon which they went is the one now in view, andits commander is the rascally-looking fellow I described to you."
"But surely--" commenced Mr. Beverley, and then suddenly became silent."What do you fear?" he asked in a quiet voice some moments later,turning a thoughtful face towards his young companion. "Come, do nothesitate to speak your mind, for I shall not laugh at you. You have seensomething which has aroused distrust in your mind, and you are anxious.I can see that plainly, and as I know well that you are a young fellowupon whom I can rely, and moreover, that you are not inclined to cry outwithout a cause, I feel sure that there is really something serious.Now, what is it exactly, and, first of all, are you positive that theship we have seen is the one upon which Hanns Schlott's friend wasquartered?"
"I am absolutely certain," was the emphatic answer. "The vessel in theoffing is a low-built native craft, and to anyone who had not observedher closely she would appear much the same as others to be seen in andabout Singapore. However, I happened to take good stock of her, for Itell you that from the very first I have distrusted our interpreter, andI noticed that she had a large slit in her sail, which had been roughlystitched. The craft lying under the land has a jagged hole in the verysame position, and I feel positive that it is the one which we arediscussing."
"But supposing she is the identical boat," burst in Mr. Beverley,"surely there is nothing in the fact of her being in this neighbourhood?"
"Perhaps not. It may turn out that I am giving an alarm for which thereis no need; but of this I am confident, the vessel owned by HannsSchlott's friend is no peaceful trader, or if she is at times, sheoccasionally indulges in warfare of some description."
"How could you know that, Tyler? You must be romancing."
"I think not," was the steady answer. "At the time, I recollect that Imerely noticed that her wood-work was riddled with bullet-holes in manyplaces, and that while some had been the work of months ago, others hadbeen recently made. I remember thinking it strange, but then we wereso busy fitting out for the expedition that I quickly forgot all aboutit. I ought to have mentioned it when we were discussing Hanns, but feltthat I might have turned you against him in an unjust way. Now that Isee the very same ship the whole thing recurs to me with added force,and makes me feel that all is not as it should be. You yourself havetold me that pirates abound in these seas. Then why should this vesselnot be one of that type, and how are you to know that Hanns Schlottis not in league with the commander and crew, and merely awaiting afavourable opportunity to take possession of this schooner?"
Tyler put the question quietly, and in as low tones as was possible,but for all that his heart beat fast, whilst his pulses throbbed withexcitement. For he was a thoughtful and an observant young fellow, andwas by no means dull or devoid of sense. What, then, was more likelythan that news of Mr. Beverley's expedition should have leaked outand become common property at Singapore? Indeed, the governor had hadtidings of it, and had Tyler and his chief only known, many in Singaporewere aware of their intentions. Then was it not possible that a whispershould have reached the ears of the pirates about Borneo? And supposingthat to have been the case, supposing, for an instant, that the veryvessel which the two were discussing in the cabin of the schoonerhad chanced to put into some port near at hand to obtain a supply ofprovisions, and had happened to gain the tidings from a crew recentlyfrom Singapore--providing the crew and their commander were given topiracy, was it not almost certain that they would at once make plansto swoop down upon the members of what could only be a weakly-mannedexpedition? Yes, as Mr. Beverley reviewed the facts, he could not helpbut realize the gravity of the case, and at once he turned a troubledface to his companion. As for the latter, he, too, was worried, andfilled with vague fears for the safety of all on board. Had he butbeen able to read Hanns Schlott's thoughts at that moment he would havebeen more alarmed, and would have seen that there was ample cause forhis concern. Indeed, a glance at the interpreter would have sufficed,for once his two leaders had retired the latter seized a glass which hecarried in an inner pocket and applied it to his eye. A moment later hegave vent to a guttural exclamation of satisfaction, and having lookedabout him to see that he was not observed, went into the bows, where,hidden by the bulging sail, he held a big red handkerchief well abovehis head, and let it flutter there.
"Ja!" he growled beneath his breath. "Meinheer shall see. He thinksthat Hanns Schlott is too fat and too tired to be anything but aninterpreter, but he shall find out for himself. And Christian vanSonerell is there as he promised. Ha, ha, ha! He is a bad man to havesuch a name, but he can keep to his word. 'When you sight the island youwill find me there', he said; and see, his vessel s
ails before us, aninnocent trader for the moment, but later--ah, we shall see!"
With one more glance in the direction of the distant native craft, and asecond furtive flutter of the handkerchief, he turned and went along thedeck, laughing softly, as though the prospect of some piece of villainywhich he were about to undertake were delighting him.
With the Dyaks of Borneo: A Tale of the Head Hunters Page 5
