The captain today, at my suggestion, said that, in order to keep the men in good health, it would be desirable that they should have every opportunity of going ashore, and that the officers should make expeditions in search of game into the interior.

He promised at once to afford us every facility, and to provide us with guides and beaters." The next day permission was granted to several of the officers and to twenty sailors and a dozen marines to go on shore.

Before starting, the whole ship's company were drawn up, and the captain addressed them upon the absolute necessity for good behavior.
"The Malays," he said, "are a fierce race, very proud and independent, and quick to resent the smallest insult.

Each man carries a kris, and is ready to use it on the slightest provocation.

Every man who goes ashore must remember that not only his own life, but those of many others, and the success of the mission on which we have come hither, may be forfeited by any careless act of aggression.