In the beginning of February, 1862, after a month's detention in Kuching suffering from jungle fever, the Tuan Muda left for England. After an arduous journey to the head-waters of the Batang Lupar and overland to the Katibas, by which river and the Rejang he returned, his health had broken down, and it became necessary for him to return to Europe to recruit. He had now been in Sarawak for nearly ten years, for the greater part of the time at Sekrang, and had been engaged in many very trying expeditions. I left Sekrang and Saribas in perfect confidence in Mr. Watson's ability to manage affairs during my absence, and felt sure the natives would support him to the uttermost. For a few days previously I had conferred with all the Dayak chiefs, and begged them to desist from head-hunting and prevent their people running loose as in former times. They spoke well, and assured me of their staunch support. Amongst the many who had collected to bid him farewell was the octogenarian Sherip Mular, the intrepid enemy of former days, but who had long since become a peaceful member of society, and a friend of the Tuan Muda. ----- Footnote 254: _Life of Sir James Brooke._ Footnote 255: _Idem._ Footnote 256: Extracted from Governor Edwardes' letter to the Tuan Besar of May 25, 1860. Footnote 257: A sailing gunboat of 50 tons, just launched, and manned with a crew of twelve Englishmen and twenty Malays. Footnote 258: Dagang, a brave Balau Dayak, who subsequently filled many positions of trust, as Police Sergeant and native officer, now retired on pension. Footnote 259: The Telian. Footnote 260: Under the pretext of "having a proper regard for British interests, and the honour of my country."—Governor Edwardes to the Tuan Besar, July 31, 1860. Footnote 261: St. John, _op. cit._ Footnote 262: St. John, _Life in the Forests of the Far East_. Footnote 263: _Ten Years in Sarawak._ Footnote 264: Youngest son of the Rev. Charles Johnson. He was at first styled _Tuan Adek_ but this was afterwards changed to the more correct Malay title of Tuan Bongsu, now held by the present Rajah's third son. (Adek = younger brother; bongsu = youngest born.) He served principally in the Saribas, until 1868, when his health having broken down he retired. He became Deputy-Governor of Parkhurst and Chatham Prisons in succession, and then Chief Constable of Edinburgh. He died March 31, 1894. Footnote 265: St. John, _Life of Sir James Brooke_. Footnote 266: From a letter to the Tuan Muda of May 5. Footnote 267: St. John, _op. cit._ Footnote 268: He retired in 1863. CHAPTER IX THE LAST OF THE PIRATES