We have made out that men keep coming and going behind that row of six huts facing the river, and I should not be surprised if they are not hard at work establishing a battery there." Presently two Malays, whom they recognized as belonging to the rajah's council, advanced to the edge of the shore, which was but some fifty yards away.

One of them held a pole to which a white cloth was attached.
"I have a message from the rajah," he shouted out.

The captain sent for the interpreter, and went to the side of the quarterdeck.
"The rajah says that he does not want to have any more to say to you.
You want to take his country; he will not let you have it, and if you do not go away in an hour, he will sink your ship." "Tell him," the captain said, "that it will be the worse for him if he tries it.

I came up here at his invitation, and shall stay just as long as I please." The two Malays retired, walking in a quiet and dignified way.
The news soon ran through the ship of the defiance that had been given, and excited the liveliest satisfaction.

The men were shaking hands, cutting capers, and indulging in much joking and laughter.