The loss of so much territory has not improved him and, in his fits of passion, he spares none." "What has become of the family of the former rajah ?" Harry asked.
"His wife and child are prisoners in the palace," he said.

"Their friends are surprised that their lives should have been spared; but the rajah is crafty, and it is thought that he holds them so that he could, if his position became desperate, place the young prince on the throne and declare for him; in which case some, who are now his enemies, might come over to his side.

I am told that, except that they are kept prisoners, the late rajah's wife and boy are well treated." The account was not satisfactory, but it did not shake Harry's determination.

Questioning the Malays further, he found that they had heard, at Johore, rumours that one of the chiefs on the border of Pahang was collecting a large force, with the intention of attacking the rajah; that the people of Johore were erecting strong palisades round the town; and that the fighting men of the villages round had all been called in for its defence.
"When is this escort to come down ?" he asked.
"They started at the same time as we did, my lord, and will be here by this evening." "Very well.

In that case I will land, tomorrow morning at daybreak, and start at once; so that we shall reach Johore tomorrow.