Now, get ready your war galley, as soon as possible." Each village on the river was compelled, by law, to furnish a war galley for the king's service whenever it might be required.

These carried from fifty to a hundred men, and some three hundred of these boats were always available for service, and constituted one of the strongest divisions of the fighting force of the Burman empire.

The village was a large one, and in half an hour the crew of the galley were on board and, rowing forty oars, started up the river.
"What think you of this news ?" the officer said, beckoning to Stanley to take his place in front of him.

"These men must be mad, to tempt the anger of the Lord of the Golden Stool, the mighty Emperor.

Had you heard aught of this ?" "I heard but a vague rumour that a fleet had been collected, but I heard nothing for certain as to its destination." "It is madness," the officer repeated.