The salute was returned from the shore; and, shortly afterwards a large boat, flying the flag of Holland and carrying several persons, rowed out to them.
It was apparent, at once, when they ascended to the deck, that the visit of the British ship of war was not a welcome one.

The jealousy of the Dutch of any attempt, on our part, to obtain a footing among the islands was intense; and the opinion on shore, on seeing the brig, would be that she had come to announce that possession had been taken of some unoccupied island.

Their manner, therefore, was cold when Harry informed them, through his Dutch interpreter, that he was the bearer of a despatch to the Dutch Governor from the Governor General.
"I may say that it refers," he said, "to the numerous outrages, committed by the Malays, upon vessels owned by British subjects trading among the islands; and that he suggests that the Dutch authorities should join in an attempt to punish these marauders, from whom they suffer equally with the British." "The Governor will receive you, at three o'clock this afternoon.
You will, of course, wish to deliver your despatch personally to him and, as we shall acquaint him with its import, he will no doubt be prepared to give you an answer, forthwith." Without further words, the officials returned to their boats.
"They are a surly set of beggars," Fairclough said, as they rowed off.

"I don't think there is much chance of cooperation in that quarter.

Indeed, I am by no means sure that, at heart, they do not approve of these Malay attacks.