With the Dyaks of Borneo: A Tale of the Head Hunters

by F. S. Brereton

  CHAPTER VIII

  Meeting the Dyaks

  "Mias! Mias!"

  Suddenly the words, shouted at the top of a deep bass voice, brokethe silence of the forest, and bursting from the trees near at handcame reverberating across the clearing, bringing Tyler and his comradepanting to their feet.

  "Who is that? Can the Malays have already come up with us and be aboutto attack us?" demanded the former breathlessly. "Surely they cannothave discovered our whereabouts so soon, and those shouts must beproduced by natives of these parts."

  "It ain't the pirates, that I'll swear," responded John Marshall instartled tones. "Mias! That's how it sounded, and it seems to me, fromwhat I know of the lingo of folks hereabout, that it was different tothe Malay tongue. There, listen to that, sir; they're getting nearer."

  "And will burst into this clearing before us," exclaimed Tyler in alarm."Back into the trees and let us hide! Quick! for by the sound they arealready almost upon us."

  Unslinging their rifles as they ran, the two hastened across theclearing and dived with frantic eagerness in amongst the trees. Thenonce more they threw themselves full length upon the ground, and,peering from amongst the bushes and trailers which grew in luxurianceabout them, stared out into the open. And all the while each wonderedwho it was who could have given vent to those shouts, and what wasthe meaning of them. To runaways attempting to escape as they were,the shouts came with startling suddenness, and even now their heartsbeat rapidly against their ribs, so great was the consternation thatthey had caused. However, a moment's reflection had been sufficient toassure Tyler that the Malays, with Hans Schlott at their head, could nothave arrived upon the scene so quickly, and instantly he set to workimagining who it could be who had given vent to the words. Nor was helong kept waiting, for as he thrust his head still farther from behindthe bushes in his eagerness to catch sight of any who might come, theshout again echoed amongst the trees, to be followed instantly by asight which filled his mind with amazement.

  "Mias! Mias!" The call came to his ears in the shrillest of tones,and was followed instantly by the crash of breaking branches. Then ofa sudden something short and stout, and in the shape of a man, swungfrom a tree at the edge of the clearing, and went running across theopen space in a half-crouching attitude, with the knuckles of its handsdragging upon the ground.

  "An ape," exclaimed John Marshall in a whisper, "and a mighty big onetoo!"

  "An orang-outang," corrected Tyler, staring at the animal. "I believethat they are very common in the island, and often grow to very largeproportions. That one, for instance, is almost as big as a man. But whatis happening? If he is being chased, like ourselves, why does he notrush to the other side of the clearing and get away in that direction?"

  "Because he can't. Because there's natives over there, natives all roundhim. He's brought to bay, and he's got to fight for his life, poorbeggar!"

  "And will give some trouble before he is defeated. Look! he has seizeda branch and means to use it as a cudgel, just as if he were a humanbeing. But listen. There is the shout again."

  Scarcely had the words left Tyler's lips than the curious call againawoke the echoes of the forest, and had barely died down when somedozen dusky figures suddenly emerged into the clearing from oppositedirections and advanced upon the threatening figure, which now occupieda central point. Crash! The animal raised his cudgel at the sight of hisenemies, and brought it to the ground furiously and with such force thatit was a wonder that it was not broken into a hundred pieces. Then, asif the sight of the natives aroused his anger beyond everything, the apecame running to meet those who were nearest to him, his body now heldfully erect. With glaring eyes and wide-open mouth, which exposed a rowof terrible fangs, he ran with silent feet towards his enemies, snarlingin his rage. Then, singling out one in particular, he leapt at him withunexpected suddenness, and, throwing his cudgel to the ground, grippedthe unfortunate fellow in his arms.

  "Look! He will kill him! The brute has caught the poor fellow'sarm between his teeth, and I heard the bone crack!" cried Tyler,unconsciously raising his voice in his excitement at the scene. "Ah! theothers are afraid. They are hanging back, and will desert their comrade.We must help, for we cannot lie here and see a human being killed beforeour eyes by such a hideous brute. Your rifle, John! Quick! out into theopen!"

  Almost before the boatswain had grasped his meaning, Tyler was on hisfeet and running between the trees at his fastest pace, and ere JohnMarshall could rise to follow him his leader was within a few yardsof the ape. As for the natives, one more courageous than his comradeshad thrust at the savage animal with a spear, and had left the weaponsticking in his back. But he might just as well have used a thorn froma neighbouring tree for all the effect it produced, for the mias didnot seem to notice it, and, turning as the man dodged round him, wentrunning towards him, still holding the unfortunate native between histeeth. And now the air was full of shouts of consternation as thenatives dodged about their comrade. A few attempted to follow theexample set by one of their brothers, but the gleaming fangs, the fiercesnarl to which the animal gave vent as each approached, caused theircourage to vanish, and instead of throwing themselves upon the apein a body, with the firm determination to rescue their unhappy friend,they darted farther away, and stood there brandishing their weapons andcalling in frightened voices to one another. Imagine their amazementwhen a white man suddenly burst from the trees and rushed upon the scene!

  "HE SPRANG AT TYLER"]

  "Out of the way!" shouted Tyler, as if the natives could understand him."Now, be ready to help me should I fail in shooting the brute. John,come up on the opposite side and let him have a bullet from your gunalso."

  Stepping carefully towards the ape, Tyler advanced with outstretchedweapon, prepared to raise it to his shoulder the instant that anopportunity presented of firing without injuring the man; but the apeseemed to guess at his intention, for, seeing another of his enemiesapproaching, he suddenly opened his mouth, and, relinquishing his gripof the arm, tossed the native to one side. Then, with another of thoseformidable and unexpected leaps he sprang at Tyler, alighting withina few feet of him. A terrible sight he was too, with enormous fangsexposed and his lip and nose wrinkled and contracted as he snarled. Hissmall, ferrety eyes seemed to flash fire at the intruder, while eachmuscle of his enormous body stood out like a cord as he prepared for theattack. Indeed, so formidable was his appearance that our hero almostfaltered and gave back. But the imminence of his peril, the fact that ifhe but turned his back for a moment the beast would be upon him, kepthim with his face to the foe. And then his spirit, the fine couragewhich he undoubtedly possessed, and which had already stood him in suchgood stead, came to his help, and at once, levelling his weapon, hefired at the ape.

  "Jump!" shouted John Marshall, seeing that the brute had failed to drop."Out of the way, sir, or he will get you in his grip!"

  Quickly though the warning was given, it came too late to save Tylerfrom the fury of this strange enemy, for, stung to madness by the painof his wound, the mias gave vent to a snarl of rage and leapt full uponour hero's shoulders. The brawny arms encircled the figure of the whiteman, and once more the capacious jaws opened in readiness to bite. Amoment and the gleaming teeth would have closed upon the back of Tyler'sneck, when John Marshall sprang to his aid, and, holding his fire forfear of killing his leader, thrust the muzzle of his weapon between thejaws. Then all three fell upon the ground and struggled there together,while the natives who had so unexpectedly arrived in the clearing lookedon in utter amazement, incapable of giving help to those who had come sogallantly to the rescue.

  "Hold it there! Keep your gun between his teeth for a little longer,"shouted Tyler, with difficulty keeping his presence of mind. "My righthand is almost free, and very soon I shall be able to draw my revolver."

  Putting out all his strength, he slowly drew the arm from the powerfulgrip which held it to his side, and then rapidly felt for a weapon. Hisfingers lit upon the butt of a revolve
r, and in a trice the muzzle wasthrust against the hairy chest of his opponent. Bang! As the report rangout the lanky arms suddenly fell away, the jaws opened wide as if inanother effort to tear the limbs of his white-faced enemy, and then witha sigh the terrible mias collapsed upon the ground, where he lay witharms and legs spread out in all directions. As for Tyler, he sprang tohis feet with a cry of triumph, and, forgetful of the natives around,who as yet might prove to be enemies, he turned with extended hand tothank his companion.

  "You saved my life, old friend," he said, in tones which showed hisgratitude. "Had it not been for the fact that your weapon was thrustbetween his teeth he would have killed me; he would have gripped me inthat awful mouth, and would have choked the life out of my body. I thankyou from the bottom of my heart!"

  "You're welcome, sir. I'd do the same every day of my life if you was tocall for my help, for I tell yer, in this world one good turn deservesanother. Where would I ha' been if it hadn't been for you, I'd like toknow. Jest washing about in the sea outside, I reckon, and food for thefishes. It was you, begging yer pardon, sir, who beat off them pirates,and if it hadn't been for yer quickness we should ha' been taken byHans Schlott and his villains. So, yer see, we're even, and there ain'tnothing more to be said about the matter. But what about these chapshere?"

  He turned and pointed to the natives, who stood about them stillin open-mouthed amazement, looking at the white men in speechlessastonishment.

  "We must make friends with them," was Tyler's instant answer. "We havesuddenly come to their help, and they will surely be grateful. But firstof all let us look at the poor fellow who was seized by the ape. I amafraid that he has been very seriously injured."

  "He's dead, sir," responded John, stepping across to the body. "Thatbite would have been enough for most anyone, but I see the mias give hima squeeze just before he threw him to the ground, and I reckon it jestbroke every rib in his body. He's dead, sure enough, and there's no useworrying longer about him. But about these chaps. There's another comingthis way, and what's more, he's a Chinaman."

  "Then he may understand our language," burst in Tyler, for he had learntfrom Mr. Beverley that the island of Borneo contained many of the race,who frequently sailed there after residence at Singapore. "Call himhere, John, and let us attempt to talk with him."

  Leaving the dead native lying upon the ground, and the enormous apehuddled in the centre of the clearing beside him, they walked towardsthe figure of a Chinaman who had emerged from the forest a few minutesbefore. As for the latter, he advanced towards them with a cry ofdelight and without the slightest sign of fear, and arriving within ayard of them, halted suddenly, and salaamed to them as if he realized atonce that they were his masters.

  "Li Sung him velly glad you comee," he said, with another of his curiousbobs, which set his pigtail swaying. "Li Sung him comee along withnatives and chase de mias. He reachee de edge of de forest in time towatchee de battle. Li Sung givee kow-tow. Him see velly great brave menbefore him."

  "And you speak English," exclaimed Tyler with delight, "and will be ableto show these friends of yours that we are not here to injure them. Whoare they? And what do they do?"

  "And where do they live?" added the boatswain suddenly. "Look here,Johnnie, my lad, we're in want of friends, and, what's more, our objectis to get as far away from here as possible, for, like the mias, we arechased. A Dutchman and his cruel pirates are after us, and their prahulies in the river beyond the trees."

  "Den dey are our enemies as well," was the Chinaman's quick answer. "Welivee a few miles on through de forest, and de tribe wid whom I workeeam peaceful Dyaks. Dey sow de rice and work in de paddy-fields. Butsometimes dese pirates comee deir way and den dey fight, for if not deyam killed and deir heads taken. Yes, de pirates am velly nasty men, andwe hatee dem."

  "Then the Dyak people with whom you live will befriend us," said Tyler."Talk to them and tell them who we are, and why it is that we are here.Say that we will do them no harm, but in return for the help which wehave given them just now we will ask them to shelter us for a time untilwe can proceed on our journey to Sarawak."

  "You go dere?" cried Li Sung eagerly, pricking up his ears at themention of Sarawak. "Den me comee too, for Li Sung havee wifee inSarawak. But me talkee to de natives."

  He went off at once to do Tyler's bidding, while the latter conversed inlow tones with his companion.

  "We are in luck," said Tyler, sitting upon the ground, for, now thatthe excitement was over, he was feeling fatigued and somewhat shakenafter his struggle with the ape. "It seems that Li Sung, this Chinaman,also wishes to make for Sarawak, and we will most gladly take him withus, for it is clear that he has some acquaintance with the country, andin addition can speak the language of these Dyaks, a fact which will beof the utmost value to us. It is evident that he is pointing out to thenatives what we have done for them, and I could see when he was talkingto us that his bobs and kow-towing impressed them with an idea of ourimportance. Nothing could be better for us, for the more they respectus the safer we shall be. But here he comes again, and I see that he isbringing the natives with him."

  "Li Sung him say allee dat you tellee him," began the Chinaman, "and denatives ask you to stop wid dem. Dat was deir chief," and the Chinamanpointed to the unfortunate Dyak who had fallen a victim to the ferocityof the ape, "and dey ask dat you takee his place. Dey also say dat disDutchman has fought dem before, and coming upon dem suddenly has killedmany of deir comrades. Den he has sailed away, taking de wives andchildren with him as slaves. He will follow you, dat is for sure, anddese people will have to fight. Dey ask, den, dat you place yourself atdeir head and lead dem, for in attacking de mias allee alone you haveshown dat you am brave and strong."

  Once more the pigtail swung from side to side while the Chinamankow-towed to Tyler. Then he stood erect again, and with outstretchedhands repeated his message.

  "Helpee dem," he pleaded, "and dey will drive dis Dutchman back. Refuse,and all whom you see here will die, while deir homes will be broken up.Dose dey care for will become slaves, and will be taken miles and milesaway among strange people, while dose who are left with deir lives willfind deir crops ruined and deir fruit-trees, upon which dey feed farmore dan upon de rice, cut to the ground."

  "Their chief!" exclaimed Tyler in astonishment. "You may tell them, LiSung, that I will take the place for a time, but they must understandthat at the first opportunity I shall leave for Sarawak. But we cannotdiscuss the matter here, and therefore I suggest that we march at oncefor their village. Lead the way and we will follow."

  With a sharp bob and a shake of his pigtail the Chinaman showed thathe understood the order and fully agreed with it Then he turned about,and, shouting some words to the Dyaks, led the way into the forest Asfor the latter, they ran to the centre of the clearing, and while a fewlifted the body of their comrade and commenced to carry him away, theremainder hastily searched for a suitable bough and made preparationsto remove the mias. A couple of lengths of creeper at once filled theplace of ropes with which to bind the wrists and ankles of the animaltogether. Then a long stout bough was thrust between them, and three menattached themselves to either end. At a given signal they lifted theirburden, and, resting the pole upon their shoulders, went staggering offtowards the forest. As for Tyler and John Marshall, they fell in behindand trudged along, their minds so full of the turn which events hadtaken, and of the strange and unexpected manner in which they had fallenamongst friends, that conversation was impossible.

  Very soon the procession came to a path which had evidently been troddenby many feet, and turning along this they pushed their way through abelt of forest which would have been impracticable had it not been forthe fact that the hand of man had been at work clearing the undergrowth.On every hand enormous giants reared their leafy heads into the air,for the most part ascending some fifty feet or more before giving outa branch, while, crowded in between them, trailing this way and thatin fantastic festoons, and embracing their more powerful broth
ers asif to protect them or to obtain support from their strength, were longcreepers, with leaves of the most delicate and vivid green.

  "And look at the flowers," said Tyler, who now for the first time wasable to take note of his surroundings, and observe the beauties of theisland of Borneo. "Whenever we happen to come upon a spot where thetrees stand back and permit the rays of the sun to penetrate, orchidsand other tropical blooms can be seen in profusion, dangling often fromthe tree tops."

  "Yes, and there are palms, sir, and won't we jest enjoy them," was thesailor's reply as he pointed to several of that variety. "Nothing likecocoa-nuts to quench the thirst on a boiling hot day."

  "And evidently the natives believe in them, John, for you can see thatthey have erected bamboo ladders against some of the trees, and havesettled their abode in the midst of a plantation. Now how will theyreceive us, I wonder?"

  By now they had come to a break in the forest path, and the treessuddenly ceased to spring up on either side. A glance at once showedthat the woodman's axe had been busy here, and had kept the jungleat bay. Large areas of flat and open ground were to be seen, and allunder cultivation; while farther on, a plantation of palms and abundantfruit-trees overhung an enormous house, around which swarmed numerousnatives.

  "The village!" exclaimed Tyler. "Seeing that long hut reminds methat Mr. Beverley told me that these Dyaks seldom have separateestablishments for their families, but prefer to live under the sameroof. In fact, some of their residences harbour five hundred people, andare some hundreds of feet in length. But here we are, and now I supposethat there will be a talk."

  Reassured by the friendly glances of the natives, and by the words ofthe Chinaman, who had now rejoined them, the two young fellows marchedup to the village hut with heads in the air and a smile upon their lips.But all the while their senses were fully alert, for they had heardbefore now of treachery, and it was well to be prepared. However, therewas no need for alarm, for scarcely had they reached the steep ladderwhich led to the living floor than a number of women appeared bearingfood for them.

  "If de Englishmen will be seated deir wants will be looked to," saidLi Sung, again kow-towing, a sign of respect which the Dyaks at onceimitated. "Li Sung can assure dem dat dere is noding to fear, for desemen am velly friendly. Dey have seen de brave act which was meant tosave de life of a comrade, and they are for ever in the debt of deirvisitors. But dey bid you hasten, for if dere am evil men who hunt foryou, it will not do to sitee long at food. After you have eaten we willtalkee, and my master shall say what course it will be wise to follow."

  "Then we shall be ready very soon, Li Sung, for we have no wish to fallinto the clutches of the Dutchman. In five minutes we shall be ready,and you can bring the chief men along. Now bring the food."

  With a wave of his hand the Chinaman bade the Dyak women come forwardwith their trays, and soon the two fugitives were indulging in anexcellent meal.

  "It beats everything," exclaimed John Marshall with enthusiasm as hesettled himself to do justice to the repast. "An hour ago we were flyingwho knows where, and wondering whether we should escape with our lives.And now we suddenly find ourselves in proper trim, with victuals anddrink to spare!"

  "But with a great deal before us," interrupted Tyler thoughtfully,staring hard at the ground as though that would help him to decide whattheir next step was to be. "We have an enemy to think of, John, andsitting here will not save us from him. I am wondering what chance theseDyaks would have against Hanns Schlott, for, as you see, they are butrudely armed, and have not a single firearm amongst them. It seems to methat it will be better for them, perhaps better for us also, if we agreeto part company at once, for otherwise we shall be the cause of theirgetting into trouble."

  "And if we leave they will still have to meet the Dutchman," said theboatswain swiftly. "I say that this Hans Schlott will come this way oncehis trackers have got on our line, and, remembering that there are Dyaksin the neighbourhood, will make a raid upon them. The rascal makes hisliving by piracy, and when that fails he takes slaves and gets money bythem. So he'll attack 'em, and it'll not make so much as a farthing'sdifference if we remain or not."

  "De words am true," broke in the voice of Li Sung at this moment. "Mymassa, Li havee already said dat dis captain of de prahu am known tous. A year has passed since he sailed into de river, but we havee notforgotten. See dere. De trees are but sprouting from de ground, and ifwe had not had others to draw from elsewhere we should have starved."

  He pointed to a portion of the plantation where numerous stumpsprotruded from amongst the vegetation.

  "Yes, dere are de remains of de fruit-trees," continued Li Sung, "anddeir loss was almost as bitter as de theft of de wives and children.Massa, de men here am in terror. Were dey to knowee all dat you haveetold me dey would fly velly quick, for dis Dutchman am a monster in deireyes. But here am de chiefs, and we will talkee wid dem."

  He beckoned to a number of natives who had squatted near at hand, andat the signal they ascended the ladder and sat down before Tyler withan air of gravity which showed that if they were not fully aware of theclose proximity of the pirates they were for all that fearful of someimpending danger.

  "Tell the white man that we are his children," said their spokesman,addressing his words to Li Sung, who at once interpreted them. "Fromthe moment when he dashed into the clearing and faced the mias in thehope of rescuing our young chief we were his friends for life. And nowthat we are without a leader we ask him to fill the place, at least fora time. Say also that we have heard enough to show us that, the piratesare near, and that if he and his friend leave us we shall certainlyfall victims. Would that we could change our home, for the soil is nowpast the work we demand of it, and more of the jungle must be cleared.Then, again, our lives are never safe while we remain near the river,while the mias, tribes of which inhabit the forests near at hand, robour trees of their fruit, and make their cultivation hopeless. We aredispirited, and now a new misfortune is upon us."

  "Change their home! The soil is worked out, and misfortunes constantlycoming!" murmured Tyler as if to himself, while his eyes roamed roundthe circle of Dyaks, "Why not change their abode? Why not come toSarawak with us and there have peace and safety under the Englishman?"

  Unconsciously he said the words aloud, so that John Marshall overheardthem, and instantly the latter's features brightened with a smile, whilehe turned with unusual eagerness to his young leader.

  "I know somethin' about these here Dyaks and the China boys," he said,"for away in Singapore one met plenty of the last who had been toBorneo, and who told the tale that the tribes often wander in searchof new fields for cultivation. Yer see, a couple of seasons work thenourishment out of the soil, so that it jest refuses to give good valuefor the labour expended on it. Then the Dyaks pack up their goods andjest march right away till they come to a likely neighbourhood. Havingsettled upon their new home they set to work to cut down the jungle, andthen to lay out their crops. As for a house, it is nothing to build, andtakes little more than a week, for you can see for yourself that thematerials are close at hand, and everything jest done to last a shorttime only. Then, too, they've got to think of enemies, and I've heard itsaid that everyone is against these poor helpless people. They ain't gotno firearms as a general rule, and I reckon they're at anyone's mercy.Now if we was to lead them, and, after beating back this Hanns Schlottand his fellows, to march with the whole lot to Sarawak, we should bedoing them a good turn, while their company would make our journey allthe more secure."

  "And at the end we should bring them under the protection of JamesBrooke of Sarawak," added Tyler. "Mr. Beverley, who was an admirer ofthat pioneer, told me that the latter's chief aim and object in comingto Borneo, and in settling at Sarawak, was to look after the interestsof the unfortunate Dyaks, who are fleeced, and murdered, and taken intoslavery by powerful gangs of pirates composed of Malays and sea-coastDyaks as well. Their lot, indeed, is a very hard one, and by persuadingthese people here to join us in our j
ourney we should be doing them noharm. Indeed we should be conferring a benefit upon them. I admit thatthe journey is a long one, but then a brighter prospect will be beforethem at the end. But let us put the suggestion to them, when they canconsider it for themselves. Listen," he went on, addressing himselfto the Chinaman, "my friend and I will do what we can to lead you andprotect you, and it has occurred to us that if these people here areconsidering a move, and above all, if by remaining here they are to runthe danger of constant attack at the hands of the pirates, it would bebetter for them to go far away and leave this neighbourhood altogether.We are bound for Sarawak, where James Brooke has made his home, and isfighting to bring peace to the natives. Ask them whether they would careto make the journey with us, and find their new home in the place that Ihave spoken of."

  Leaning back against the wall of the native hut, Tyler watched the facesof the Dyak tribesmen as the proposition was put before them, and notedthe eagerness with which they listened to Li Sung's words. That theywere impressed by the proposal became quickly evident, for at once theybegan to discuss the matter with every sign of interest, and, consciousthat upon their decision the fate of their comrades would depend, theypromptly called to those who stood about them to join in their council.

  "But we must not forget the pirates," said their leader, arresting theconversation for a moment. "I have already placed a few men in theforest to keep watch, but now I will send others to the bank of theriver there to spy upon their movements. Then if this Dutchman comesin this direction we shall have warning of the fact, and shall be ableto stand or retire as seems most advisable. And now to settle thisimportant question."

  For almost an hour did the tribesmen devote themselves to Tyler'sproposition, and having made up their minds as to how they would act,turned to the Chinaman to interpret their meaning.

  "Say that we are well satisfied with the wisdom of this journey," begantheir spokesman, "and are prepared to make the venture. Even to thisremote part the fame of this Englishman has reached, and every reporttells how he cares for our poor brothers, and slaves so that they shalllead peaceful lives. He knows that the Dyaks of the land are a contentedpeople, and that they are willing for the most part to till the soiland live the simple life of peasants. We wish for nothing more, andas journeying to the country about Sarawak promises a change in ourexistence, we will take the risk and accompany the young Englishman whohas become our chief."

  "Then we will at once make arrangements to set out," exclaimed Tyler,rising briskly to his feet, "for I am perfectly certain that we have notime for delay. Tell them, Li Sung, that they are to collect the womenand children together immediately, and pack up any valuables that theymay have. Nothing beyond that which is absolutely necessary must betaken, for we shall have arms to carry with us, and, besides, a supplyof food will be of the greatest importance, for then we shall haveprovisions for the first day's march, a time when our attentions arelikely to be engaged with the enemy. And that brings me to the questionof the pirates. Shall we make a stand here and endeavour to beat themback, or shall we march on at once, leaving them to follow if they care?"

  "Neither the one nor the other, that's how I reckon it," answeredJohn Marshall promptly. "Yer see, sir, these here natives ain't got asingle gun amongst them, and ain't a match for the Dutchman and hiscrew. Mind yer, I don't think much of our enemies after the blows wegive them, but they've got guns in plenty, and what's more, they'vealready come this way and scared these poor fellows. We've a forestbetween us and the river, and I votes that we fill it up with our men,giving them orders to retire gradually, but not before they have pickedoff as many of the pirates as possible. They've plenty of sumpitansamongst them, as they call their blow-pipes, and for silent forest workno weapon could be better. If the Dutchman pushes on, our men willretire and finally disappear altogether."

  THE CONFERENCE WITH THE TRIBESMEN]

  "An excellent plan," exclaimed Tyler, who had listened attentively allthe while, "for while a few of our men engage the enemy in the forest,the women and children with the bulk of the tribe can be pushing ontowards Sarawak. Every half-hour gained in such a way will be of theutmost importance, while the process of checking the pirates can berepeated on a second occasion. Now let us learn the strength of ourforces. Tell me," he went on, addressing the Chinaman, "how many men arethere in this tribe, and what is the number of women and children towhose safety we shall have to look."

  "Three hundred allee told," replied Li Sung, elevating three fingers thebetter to show his meaning, "and half can helpee you wid deir weapons,while de others am too old or too young to joinee in de fighting."

  "Then we will keep fifty in reserve, while you, John, will at once pushon with the greater force. Send a few men in advance, and throw outa rear-guard, with whom we will endeavour to keep in touch. I shallcommand the party in the forest, and shall join you when all dangerof pursuit has ended. And now let us see to preparations, for we havealready delayed too long."

  Springing to their feet, they hurriedly gave their orders to Li Sung,who interpreted them to the Dyaks. Then, leaving the boatswain tomarshal the larger proportion of the tribe and hurry them on their way,Tyler shouldered his rifle, and, waving an adieu to his companion, wentoff into the forest accompanied by Li Sung and fifty of the Dyaks.

  "We will call a halt here and listen to what our scouts have to tellus," he said when they had penetrated some little distance. "Then ifHanns Schlott and his men have not yet put in an appearance we willmarch on and lie in wait beside the river. That will give us a good fivemiles of jungle through which to retire and harass the foe. Send two ofthe men forward, Li Sung, so that they may recall a couple of the scoutsand take their places while the latter return to give us their tidings."

  Seating himself upon the root of a tree, for the day had been afatiguing one and he felt in need of rest, Tyler chatted in low toneswith the Chinaman while he waited with what patience he could commandfor the coming of the men who had been sent forward to spy upon thepirates. Nor was he put severely to the test, for the men whom Li Sunghad despatched to recall them had taken to their heels at once, and hadgone running through the jungle at a pace which would have taxed thepowers of anyone less agile. Trained to the forest and to woodcraft fromtheir very earliest days, they seemed to find their way through thethickest undergrowth as if they had been there hundreds of times before.Indeed, nothing seemed to stop them, for if a dense bush or the root ofa tree were too low to be easily passed under they leapt the obstaclewithout a moment's hesitation, and went on their way without falteringand without a halt. Half an hour later two figures came bounding fromamongst the trees and drew up at Tyler's feet.

  "The news?" he demanded eagerly. "Where is this Dutchman and his crew ofdesperadoes?"

  "De men say dat de pirates allee lightee so far," said Li Sung, rapidlygathering their information and interpreting it to his young leader."Dey say dat dey have watched beside de river, where, too, they cameacross de spot where you and de other massa dropped from de tree. DeDutchman am troubled. Him not knowee where him turn, but as he notfindee you on de other shore him now sail de prahu dis way. When de manleave de swamp de pirates just get into de boat and row dis way."

  "Then they will soon hit upon our trail," exclaimed Tyler, "and wemust be there in readiness to meet them. Let the men spread out tilla few yards separate each one. We will advance upon the river in thatorder, and you may tell them that they will keep the same positions whenreturning. For the last movement they will take their orders direct fromme, and as soon as a word is passed down the line each will turn aboutand will run back fifty yards, but no more. Later on we will repeat thesame movements, and gradually will retire through the forest. Let theDyaks know that I and my friend fought this Dutchman and his full crew,and made good our escape, and inform them also that upon their braverywill depend the safety of their wives and children. And now, forward isthe word."

  Springing to his feet, Tyler followed the Chinaman through the jungle,noting with pleas
ure as he did so that the Dyaks under his command hadinstantly obeyed his orders, and, seeming to grasp his meaning at once,had separated. Then, too, he could not fail to see that they were inbetter spirits than formerly, and that his presence amongst them, andthe example of coolness which he set them, had already roused theircourage.

  "Anoder time and dey would have run for deir lives," explained Li Sung,twisting his pigtail into a knot upon the back of his head, so as tokeep it clear of the thorns and brambles which abounded on every hand."Now dey tink dat dey safe from de Dutchman, and dey smile and feelallee merry. Dey will stand by massa velly well, for dey have seen himfight de mias."

  An hour's rapid walk through the forest at length brought Tyler and hismen to the belt of swamp which fringed the river, and here they joinedhands with the scouts who had already been sent to the spot, to learn atonce that the prahu had dropped her anchor off the shore and had sentsome fifty men into a couple of boats. The latter had been rowed towardsthe forest, and a few moments before Tyler's arrival had disappearedwithin the trees.

  "Then we can expect them at any time," said Tyler when the report wasbrought to him, "but for the present we will retire fifty yards from theswamp, and will take up a position between our friends and the pointwhere I and my companion landed. When they come to that the pirates willturn inland, and we shall be able to give them a lesson. Repeat to theDyaks that they are on no account to show themselves. The presence ofan enemy must be followed by the discharge of an arrow through theirblow-pipes and by withdrawal into another position close at hand. Theyare not to retire more than a few feet until they get the word from me,or unless some special circumstance makes it necessary. Now come with meand help to place our men."

  Followed by Li Sung he went off through the jungle, and ere long had thesatisfaction of feeling that all his preparations were completed. Thenhe lay down under a dense mass of bramble and creeper, and waited forthe enemy to appear.

  "Hush, massa! de Dutchman him coming dis way," suddenly whispered LiSung, pointing to the right, "and him velly much troubled. Him hunt andhunt and not find de Englishman, and him velly angry."

  "But he and his men will not be long now in picking up our tracks,"answered Tyler beneath his breath. "Look! there are the Malaysfollowing, and very soon they will have some news to give their leader.That will be the moment for us to surprise them."

  Peering from beneath the leaves which screened him, Tyler saw the burlyHanns Schlott trudging along upon the higher land which lay beside theswamp. His eyes wandered restlessly in every direction, whilst his facelooked drawn and haggard, as though fear of the punishment in store forhim for his crime were weighing upon his mind. Eagerly did he turn asideto inspect each broken twig which caught his eye, lest at last thisshould be a sign of the fugitives; and when at length one of the Malaycrew who walked beside him called his attention to some footprints inthe ground, the Dutchman gave vent to a shout of triumph which startledthe forest and at once called all his men about him. Then, placing twopossessed of the keenest sight a few paces in advance, he plunged intothe jungle, determined to follow wherever the footmarks led.