Another guard of honour was drawn up at the entrance.

They were shown into a large room, where the Governor was seated, surrounded by the members of his council.
He rose and advanced a few paces, shook hands with the two officers, and begged them to be seated, on two chairs next to him.
Harry handed the despatch to him.
"It is very short, sir," he said, "and perhaps, as you are aware of its import, you will just glance through it." The Governor did so and, afterwards, handed it to one of the members of the council, and it was passed from hand to hand.
"I am quite in accord," the Governor said, "with Lord Mornington, that the attacks of the Malays which we, as well as yourselves, suffer from are deplorable; and it is greatly to be wished that they could be suppressed.

But I think that Lord Mornington could hardly have been informed as to the great number of islands inhabited by the Malays, and the great naval force that would be required to overawe and punish these freebooters; who are so bold that they do not hesitate to attack our traders, even when large ships, and carrying guns for their protection.

Nothing short of a great fleet of cruisers would suffice.
"In the next place, did we undertake any operations on a large scale against the Malays throughout the islands, they would unite against us; and might, in revenge, assail many of our ports, and do us enormous damage.

Even if your fleet performed half the work, it is we, only, who would be the sufferers.