The Burmese were much pleased and surprised at these, and joined merrily in the chorus.
Half a dozen of them then set to work with their knives, cut down some saplings and boughs, and constructed for Stanley an arbour similar to the others; and he lay down well satisfied with the results of his adventure, and feeling that he could remain with these merry fellows, criminals though they might be, until it would be safe to make his way down the river.
In the morning the men started early, leaving him in charge of the fire.

They went off in parties of four or five, to watch the various roads leading to the capital; two or three of them, dressed as peasants, going to towns where travellers would halt, so as to gain information as to any party coming down.

When they gathered again, at dusk, one party only had had any success.

They had met six merchants coming down with horses laden with spices, indigo, and cotton.

These had offered no resistance, and they had taken as much as they could carry, and then allowed them to go on with the rest of their goods.