CHAPTER X

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.