The supply of fruit was very welcome, and the interpreter learned something from the natives as to the state of things on the mainland.
As to this, however, they appeared to take but little interest.
They admitted that the tumangong was their lord but, as they were too poor for him to levy any contributions from them, his mastership was merely a nominal one, and they did not trouble themselves about him.

If he should at any time send an officer and troops, to exact tribute money, they would simply retire into the interior, where they could defy pursuit.

They had heard reports that there were wars on the mainland but, beyond the fact that the rajah possessed very little authority, they were unable to give any information.

They had vaguely heard that some of the chiefs supported the family of the former rajah.
On the day after their anchoring, a large canoe put off from the mainland.

In the stern sat two men, whose gay dresses showed them to be minor chiefs or officials.