I think that it will be much better to rely on this defence, alone." Having now great confidence in Harry's judgment, the rajah at once ordered a horn to be sounded and, in a short time, the whole of the men were assembled in their stronghold; and the entrance closed by bamboos, for which holes had been already dug, close together.

Then short lengths were lashed across them, and they were further strengthened by a bank of earth piled against them.
Before this was quite finished, yells of triumph were heard as the enemy, finding the palisade unguarded, poured in; expecting to find that the inhabitants had fled at the news of their approach.

They paused, however, in surprise, at seeing another line of defence outside the palace.

Quickly the numbers increased, until a thick line of dark figures was gathered at the edge of the cleared space.
Inside the defence, all was quiet.

Not a man showed himself.
Doubtful whether the town had not been entirely evacuated, the Malays paused for some little time, while some of the chiefs gathered together in consultation.