IN A PIRATE'S STRONGHOLD
On reaching the barque the Malay promptly sprang up the rope ladder
which Mr. Sennit had ordered to be lowered, but on reaching the
gangway he drew back quickly, as if fearing treachery.
'What's the matter?' the captain inquired.
'You men no shoot?' the other nervously exclaimed.
'Shoot? certainly not. Go ahead, man; there is nothing to fear.'
The Malay thus assured stepped on deck, and peered inquiringly at the
mate.
On reaching them Captain Thorne immediately perceived the cause of
alarm, and with difficulty repressed his satisfaction of Mr. Sennit's
measures to prevent attack, and impress his dusky-hued visitor.
The whole crew, with the Germans working their passage to Singapore,
were ranged across the deck. All the men were armed with muskets,
old cutlasses, and several long spears, captured on the island in
Torres Strait. In close order they stood at the 'ready,' each man
awaiting the order to fire on the canoes approaching, and keenly
watching their movements.
Such a spectacle visibly affected the Malay, especially as he also
perceived that a formidable-looking brass-mounted eight-pounder gun
stood at each side of the cabin, which could sweep the deck of every
opponent. They were, however, only put there for show, since being
very old they dared not be discharged. 'Ho, ho!' the visitor
exclaimed, and grinned till his red-stained teeth appeared. 'You
plenty men an' gun, cappee. Me likee go Singapore 'long of you.'
'All right,' the skipper laughingly returned; but he had no idea that
his guest meant what was said.
The sharp eyes of the Malay seemed to take in everything at a glance.
He made no attempt to break through the 'guard of honour' ranged
across the deck, and followed the captain to the saloon. He remained
to tea, and became greatly interested in his host.
The latter laughed and chatted in the most friendly manner, as though
nothing unusual was passing, and of the scores of natives already on
the deck he took not the slightest notice.
'S'pose you come 'shore to-mollow morning,' the visitor said at
parting; 'me show big chief. Him likee Engleeshman.'
The captain agreed to do so, and with all his men the Malay returned
home.
'We must be obliging, Sennit,' the skipper observed. 'Should a
breeze come, we'll clear out. If not, I'll show we are not afraid.'
'Better remain on board,' the mate advised. 'You may go just a step
too far in trusting them, and the result might be fatal.'
'That fellow seemed friendly enough,' the old man replied. 'At
anyrate, while this calm lasts we're more or less at their mercy, and
that is what I do not wish them to know.'
A double watch was set, and the night passed quietly, save for the
unceasing noise of bull-frogs and countless insects ashore.
Bright and early next morning the captain came on deck, and as the
calm still hung over the island he made preparations for visiting it.
'Clewlin,' he exclaimed, 'after breakfast, put on all your best gear,
and come ashore with me. Never before did I see the use of a
brass-bound suit, but I now believe that with you in one, the rascals
will think the barque a man-o'-war.'
The boat was soon ready, but cleared of everything likely to be
stolen, and even the brass rowlocks were replaced by 'grummits,' or
rings of rope spliced through the holes on the gunwales.
Before starting, the skipper put a loaded revolver in an inner
pocket, gave another to Mr. Statten, and borrowing the mate's put it
in the hands of Readyman, the coxswain.
'Take particular care that they are only used in self-defence, and
not even shown as a threat to anyone,' he advised. 'Our last night
visitor came here entirely unarmed, and I shall not be outdone by any
nigger in that way. Be firm, but friendly, my lads,' he added, 'and
mind that all show a bold front to any hostile demonstration. In
that way we shall probably overawe them. Should any of you prefer to
remain on the barque, now's your chance.'
'We ain't agoing to desert you, sir,' Readyman replied.
'No fear,' the others added.
So the boat pushed off, and soon reached the screening trees that hid
the larger stretch of water beyond. The place was as deserted as
though no one lived within miles of it. Immediately after passing
through, a flagstaff with British ensign was set up in the bow, and
with the grand old red emblem flying gaily overhead the boat was
steered toward the village.
On seeing it, scores of almost nude men rushed into the water, and
seizing the gunwales, despite the strong dissent of the captain,
would have dragged them all up the beach, had not the headman
fortunately appeared, and by the liberal use of a short-handled whip
speedily restored order.
'You no likee boat pull up?' he inquired.
'She would be better afloat,' the captain said, since, of course, he
saw that with her in their possession all hope of retreat would be
cut off, should anything unpleasant arise.
With Readyman in charge she was anchored about six fathoms from the
beach, the flag still waving over her, while the gallant captain,
with Jack Clewlin stationed between him and Mr. Statten, set out with
the Malay to visit the chief of the island.
'My name all same Kalli Lal,' the guide explained.
He and the skipper exchanged cigars, while in Indian file the little
party soon entered a narrow and tortuous path cut through the
adjacent bush, till quite unexpectedly they came to a large clearance
and immediately opposite a dwelling of considerable size, erected on
upright posts six feet above the ground.
A flight of somewhat rickety-looking steps led to the front door. At
their head a swarthy-hued, fierce-eyed, yet intelligent man of about
thirty years, was seated in an arm-chair of undoubted European
manufacture, and he smoked a long native cheroot. Of medium height
and active figure, the stranger watched the approach of the visitors,
but, unlike Kalli Lal, he was attired in ordinary English style and
wore a small black moustache.
'Him all same big chief,' the guide whispered.
Captain Thorne stepped forward and raised his hat. The compliment
was immediately returned, while removing his cigar, and in very fair
English the head of the island welcomed the visitors. Never for one
moment, however, did his penetrating, hawk-like glance wander from
those who had so boldly entered the ever-dangerous presence of the
piratical chief. Yet, in spite of all his apparent desire to strike
terror into the hearts of the white men, the haughty glance was as
fiercely returned, since well they knew that the slightest sign of
nervousness might cost all their lives.
On reaching the foot of the stairs two objects of interest
immediately attracted attention, and went far to prove, if, indeed,
proof were needed, the manner of life followed by these people. On
the right hand stood the full length figure of a woman carved in
wood, the loosely flowing garments seeming to be stirred by the wind,
while one arm was outstretched, the whole still showing faint traces
of white paint; and beneath the bared right foot was plainly
discernible the words 'Olive Branch,' also in carved letters.
The figure on the left hand represented a male-clad warrior of olden
times; a sunken cross, two inches wide, being cut on the breast, and
below the word 'Crusader' appeared. Where were the vessels from
which those mute figure-heads had been removed, or what fate had
overtaken their crews?
Perhaps in the dead of night, and while helplessly becalmed near this
very island, the unsuspecting and ill-fated men had been surprised
and slaughtered, and the ships and their cargoes might be hidden away
in some creek adjacent to the chief's 'palace.'
Captain Thorne failed to recall any missing vessels of recent times
named as those here represented had been, while from the
weather-beaten, and in some places rotting, appearance of the figures
he concluded that they must have been placed in position many years
previously, and that this fierce-eyed and somewhat
treacherous-looking chief had had no hand in the murders.
Accompanied by Kalli Lal the visitors ascended the stairs, and on
entering the 'palace' suddenly faced a double line of immovable
figures, apparently acting as a 'guard of honour,' the smooth
velvet-like brown bodies being nude to the waist. Each wore in a
bright-coloured sash several dangerous-looking long knives, and also
gripped between his teeth a similar weapon with twisted blade.
Such a formidable array was calculated to impress and probably test
the nerves of the spectators; yet, so far as Captain Thorne was
concerned, the design signally failed. Without hesitation he
followed the chief down the lines, and in passing saluted them in the
most correct and dignified manner.
For one moment Jack Clewlin caught the searching glance of Kalli Lal
fixed on his protectors, and he thought that an approving smile
crossed the Malay's lips; but the next moment a bamboo screen of
native make was drawn aside, and the party entered a chamber of
considerable dimensions, and almost wholly furnished after the
European manner.
Several oil paintings, chiefly seascapes, hung on the walls, a couple
of Oriental couches appeared in the centre of the room, but the
remainder of the settees, chairs, and even a handsome round walnut
table, were of undoubted British manufacture.
With considerable grace the chief waved his guests to their
respective seats, and, motioning toward a dusky-hued servant,
quantities of bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and other kinds of fruit
were immediately placed on the table.
All hands partook of the fruit, excellent coffee was served in cups
and saucers of English design and work, after which a quantity of
cheroots were distributed all round, and Captain Thorne excused his
young 'midshipman' from participation in the soothing weed.
'You see,' he explained to the chief, 'we do not wish our young
gentlemen to indulge in tobacco before they are fully grown, and my
boy has never smoked a cigar.'
The chief nodded assent, and seemed satisfied.
'By the way,' the old man added, 'do not let me forget to thank you
for the honour accorded just now. It was quite unexpected, but
meant, I suppose, as a return for the compliment offered by my first
lieutenant.'
'We are always pleased to see Englishmen and their vessels here,' the
chief replied.
'I am certain of that,' the other significantly returned. 'You speak
excellent English.'
'Well,' the Malay replied, 'I have always endeavoured to do so. When
only eight years old I was sent to Singapore to be educated, and
there received what knowledge I possess. I like the English, but
hate all Dutchmen, since they not alone shoot down our men, but the
women and children too. You seem to have been somewhat interested in
those figure-heads outside. Well, of the ships to which they
belonged I know nothing, and my father, who was but twenty-four years
old when killed while tiger-hunting on the main coast, knew little of
their history. I think it was my grandfather who seized them, in
mistake for Dutch vessels, and the figures have been there ever since
I can remember anything.'
Captain Thorne made no further inquiries on that point, but for some
minutes conversation seemed to flag. To avert such an awkward
contingency, and at the same time display entire ease amidst the
peculiar surroundings, he promptly related some highly amusing
incidents experienced during his seafaring career, and aroused such
hilarity amongst both white and coloured companions that all reserve
was abandoned, and a most pleasant time ensued.
Indeed, it was not long before his rapidly moving mind devised
another means of diversion, since suddenly wheeling on his chair he
faced the youngest member of the party.
'Clewlin,' he exclaimed, 'Sennit told me that he heard you singing
very nicely that night you turned him out twenty minutes before his
time. Now then, stand up and give us a good song, and a still better
chorus.'
Jack's face flushed crimson, and he looked somewhat abashed.
'Steady, my lad,' the old man thoughtfully observed. 'You remember
what I told you this morning. Be not afraid. These gentlemen say
they like Englishmen, and will also like a good British song. Is not
that so, chief?'
'Yes,' came the prompt reply; 'I would wish to hear him sing.'
Whereupon Jack pulled himself together for the strange effort, and
there, in the very midst of a piratical stronghold, gave in clear,
rising tones the immortal 'Death of Nelson.'
At first the natives expressed no particular emotion, but when the
words--
'Along the lines the signal ran,
England expects that every man
This day will do his duty,'
were taken up handsomely in the deep bass of the skipper and the
really fine baritone of Mr. Statten, it seemed as though the roof of
the apartment would be carried away, while the astounded Malays sat
open-mouthed from sheer surprise and pleasure.
Thus gallantly supported Jack rose to the occasion, never before had
he put such strength and desire to please into any vocal rendering,
and line after line was given with such accuracy and fire that the
chorus attracted hundreds of silent listeners to the spot. When the
song at length died away Captain Thorne sprang from his chair, seized
Jack's hand, and gave utterance to the most vociferous, 'Hip, hip,
hurrah!' ever heard on that densely-timbered island.
It was indeed a sufficiently memorable incident, and certainly
greatly impressed the audience, since, surely, visitors such as these
must be strongly backed up by much powder and guns thus to act in
face of contemplated attack!
After more coffee was served the entire party proceeded to inspect
the 'fields,' where women and girls were busily employed attending to
different crops, and all hailed the chief with respect.
About five o'clock that afternoon the captain expressed a desire to
return to his vessel; and, accompanied by the chief, the three
visitors found the boat quite unmolested. The entire community had
assembled on shore to discuss the meaning of the wonderful outburst
of singing lately enjoyed.
As the old man took his seat in the stern-sheets, Kalli Lal reminded
him of the offer made to give him a passage to Singapore.
'S'pose you want good pilot, cappee,' he said. 'Me takee you quick
Singapore.'
'Are you ready?' the skipper inquired; for, although he did not want
to be burdened with more hands, he knew that by passing through a
certain narrow channel the voyage might be materially shortened.
Kalli Lal hastened to complete his arrangements, and it was decided
that while the boat returned to the barque the chief should follow in
his own vessel.
The 'Alert' was soon reached, and some twenty minutes later a
beautiful spectacle was witnessed.
'Well,' Readyman exclaimed, in unfeigned delight, 'I never saw her
equal. Ain't she a beauty, Master Jack?'
'Indeed she is,' Jack replied.
'Look at the handsome lines and the sheer,' the quarter-master added.
'There isn't a yacht afloat could come near her in the matter of
sailing.'
'We saw nothing of her while ashore,' Jack replied.
The cause of their outspoken admiration was a long, low freeboard
vessel of about thirty tons measurement, the polished sides gleaming
in the level rays of the setting sun, while curling foam spread wide
from the sharp cut-water.
Along each side about twenty brown-skinned men propelled her rapidly
toward the barque; their diamond-shaped paddles glittered like silver
as they rose and fell to the beat of tom-tom and a monotonous drone
of voices.
In the centre the chief and Kalli Lal sat beneath a silken canopy,
and were duly received by the 'guard of honour' drawn up for their
reception across the quarter-deck of the 'Alert.'
As the chief stepped on board he turned towards his host.
'Are your men good shots?' he inquired.
'Walker,' the old man exclaimed, 'face for'a'd, and hit the shark's
fin nailed on the jib-boom end.'
The man thus addressed, the best marksman on board, immediately
obeyed, and sent the fin flying from its place.
'They're all mostly like that,' Captain Thorne observed to his
companion. 'I'd back them to beat five times their number.'
While the guests were being entertained in the cabin, quantities of
fruit, yams, sweet potatoes, a small bag of coffee, and a few other
gifts were passed from the 'State-Barge' to the 'Alert.' In return,
two bags of ship biscuit, several pots of jam, some tins of preserved
vegetables and milk were given by the skipper, three old muskets and
some powder were also presented to the chief.
As by that time the sun had set, and a nice evening breeze set in,
Kalli Lal took leave of his master, and with all his retainers the
latter returned ashore.
All plain sail was promptly set on the barque. The hands mustered at
the windlass, and to the chanty chorus:
'Blow, boys, blow, for California row,
There's plenty of gold in the land, I'm told,
On the banks of Sacramento,'
the anchor was cat-headed and 'fished.'
To a good five-knot wind the barque presently swung away from the
densely-wooded island whereon Captain Thorne and his companions had
experienced such stirring and strange adventures. The 'Alert' soon
cleared its western end, and in the swiftly-deepening night gloom
presently lost all trace of it.
Kalli Lal made himself perfectly comfortable on board, and also
proved an excellent pilot, since with accurate knowledge of every
adjacent island he took the vessel safely through a channel in which
no other British ship had, perhaps, ever floated, and after a
splendid run brought her to anchor near Singapore.