I don't think I should be justified in risking such an enterprise." "There is no doubt, sir, the loss would be very heavy indeed; by all accounts, these Malays fight like demons on the decks of their own boats, and, for aught we know, they may, after nightfall, trice up rattans to prevent boarders getting on board.

I have heard that it is their custom when they expect an attack, and that these are far more formidable obstacles than our boarding nets.

Of course I should be quite ready to lead an attack should you decide upon making one, but I cannot conceal from myself that it would be a well nigh desperate undertaking." "I am glad that you are of that opinion," the captain said.

"There seems to me but one course, and that a difficult one--namely, to carry a couple of heavy guns through the forest to the edge of the pool.

It would be a serious undertaking, and we should have to send a strong force to defend them, but if we could succeed in planting them in position, we should soon drive the Malays out of the pool." "That would be a capital plan, Captain, if it could be managed.