The men were dismissed, and gladly got rid of coatee, rifle, and belt,
to have a lounge in the cool of the evening; the dinner was ready in the
captain's cabin, where lights already appeared; and, soon after, the
tropic night came on, as if with a bound. The sky was of a purple
black, studded with its myriads of stars, which were reflected with
dazzling lustre from the smooth surface of the sea. But not only were
the bright star shapes there to give splendour to the wave, for as far
down as eye could reach through the clear water it was peopled with tiny
phosphorescent atoms, moving slowly here and there, and lighting up the
depths of the sea with a wonderful effulgence that was glorious to
behold.
Under the vessel's prow the divided waters flowed to right and left like
liquid gold, while, where the propeller revolved beneath the stern, the
sea was one lambent blaze of fire ever flashing right away, covered with
starry spots that glistened, and rose, and fell, on the heaving wave.
As the evening crept on, the various lights of the ship shone out clear
and bright, notably that from the binnacle, which was like a halo round
the face of the sailor at the wheel. There was a faint glow from the
skylights too, and a lantern was hung here and there about the
quarter-deck, where soon after the officers assembled to chat and smoke,
while their men in turn enjoyed their ease.
The ship rushed swiftly on its way, having passed Penang the previous
day; and it was expected that on the next they would be at the mouth of
the river, a native city upon which was to be the home of all for many
months, perhaps for years.
The officers were discussing the character of the rajah, some being of
opinion that he was a bloodthirsty tyrant and upholder of slavery, whom
the British Government were making a great mistake in protecting, while
others declared that according to their experience the Malays were not
the cruel treacherous race they had been considered, but that they were
noble, proud, and thorough gentlemen by nature, and that if they were
properly treated the life of an Englishman amongst them was perfectly
safe.
"Well, gentlemen," said a little fat man, who seemed to do nothing but
perspire and mop his forehead, "they say the proof of the pudding is in
the eating. I know one thing, however, Parang is a glorious country for
botanical specimens."
"Just the thing for you, doctor," said Mr Linton, the resident.
"But it won't be just the thing for you, gentlemen," said the little
man, "for as sure as my name's Bolter, if you don't strictly follow out
my orders some of you will be losing the number of your mess."
"Come, that sounds well," said a quiet-looking man in white jacket and
trousers; "we are going to Parang to help to put down slavery, and we
are to be put into a state of slavery by the doctor here."
"He'll deal gently with you sometimes," said the grey-haired major in
command of the troops. "Never turn a deaf ear to his discourses on
plants, then you will be indulged."
"What a nice revenge I could have on you, major!" said the doctor,
laughing, and rubbing his hands. "Ha, ha, ha! and I could double your
dose."
"Yes," laughed the major; "and after all it is the doctor who really
commands these expeditions."
"Ah, well," said the little gentleman, "I'll do the best I can for all
of you. But don't be rash, my dear boys. You must avoid night dews,
and too much fruit, and over-exertion."
"There, there, doctor," said the major, laughing; "you needn't trouble
yourself about the last. I'll undertake to say that none of my fellows
will over-exert themselves."
"Unless, sir, they are called upon to fight," said a rather important
voice.
"Oh, I beg your pardon, I'm sure, Mr Long," said the major seriously.
"Of course we shall not study trouble then."
The officers smiled, and looked from one to the other, greatly to Mr
Tom Long's annoyance. In fact he felt so much aggrieved at the way in
which his remark had been received, that he proceeded to light a very
large cigar before rising to seek another part of the deck.
"If you smoke that big strong cigar you'll be ill, Mr Long," said the
doctor quietly.
"I'd cut it in half, Long," said Captain Smithers, "and give the other
half to young Roberts."
"I know what I can smoke, sir," replied the youth haughtily. "Perhaps
you will take one."
"I! No, thanks. They are too strong for me." And with what was meant
for a very haughty, injured look, Ensign Long strode slowly away.
"Thank you, doctor," said Major Sandars. "It's just as well to snub
that young gentleman sometimes. He's a fine young fellow, and will make
a splendid officer; but really there are times when I get wondering
whether we have changed places, and he is in command."
"Oh, all boys go through that stage," said the resident quietly. "He
has just arrived at the hair-brushing, make-yourself-look-nice age, and
feels at least eight-and-twenty."
"When he is only eighteen," said Captain Smithers.
"He is only seventeen, I believe," said the major, "and the youngest
ensign in the service. By the way, Linton, I believe Long has formed a
desperate attachment for your daughter."
"Yes, I had noticed it," said the resident drily; "and as Ensign Long is
seventeen, and my daughter twenty-three, it will be a most suitable
match. But he has a rival, I see."