[At the Point of the Bayonet by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link book
At the Point of the Bayonet

CHAPTER 10: A Mission By Sea
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I will give orders for it to be placed in your boat." He could see, by the Malay's face, that he was greatly gratified, and he added: "I have no doubt, Tumangong, that when I inform the Governor General that you were pleased with this drink, he will order some of it to be sent down, when there is an opportunity; so that the friendship between you and him can be maintained, until the time comes when he can arrange with you for the concession of a trading station on the island of Singapore." "The offer shall be always open to him; there is no occasion for haste." The conversation continued for some time longer, and then the Malay and his officers took their places in their canoe and rowed off, under a salute similar to that which had greeted their arrival.
"That is quite satisfactory," Harry said to the commander.
"Yes; there is no doubt that he thought more of your present of champagne, than of the gifts sent him by the Governor; and your promise to let him have a consignment, occasionally, will keep him in good temper.
"Now, what is your next move ?" "I think it would be best to finish with the Dutch, first.

If there were any delay in the other matter, they might get news, from Malacca or some of their trading stations in Sumatra, that the ship has been here and, in that case, they would guess that we are thinking of establishing a trading station, and might send and make their own terms with the tumangong.

There can be no doubt that, if we open a free port here, it will do great damage to them, and divert a large portion of the eastern trade here; being so much more handy for all the country craft trading with Siam and China, besides having the advantage of avoiding the heavy dues demanded by the Dutch." "No doubt that will be the best way," Fairclough said.

"We will get up anchor, tomorrow morning." In the course of the afternoon a large canoe came off, loaded with presents of fresh meat, fruit, and vegetable; sent by the tumangong, together with some handsomely-mounted krises for Harry and the officers of the ship.
They continued their voyage, without incident, to Batavia.

Arriving there, they dropped anchor and saluted the Dutch flag.


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