On the return of the expedition, Kanowit was reached on the 17th, and thence the Tuan Muda went back to his station at Sekrang, and waited there for nearly a month before a deputation of Kayans arrived, bearing the flag that had been left with the captive woman. They numbered seventy men, and came to profess their desire for peace in the future. They reported that their chief Oyong Hang had summoned the people to a conference, and then and there had cut down Talip, and his followers had put Sakalai to death, but Sawing, suspecting what would be the determination of the Kayans, had escaped a few days previously.[286] Accordingly the month of August was appointed for the gathering of a large assembly of the tribes to conclude a peace with the Kayans. There were, however, several hitches, and the meeting did not take place until October. "The Kayan peace was concluded this month, when the chiefs arrived at Kanowit for that purpose. They met the Dyaks, and a pig was killed, according to custom. The terms and points to be sacredly attended to were all discussed before the Resident of the place. Some of the chiefs of the Keniah country were also present, and expressed a desire for trade and friendship. They talked of removing down the river. At this meeting there were representatives of 25,000 souls, who were all strangers to us, although living within the limits of Sarawak territory. This peace had been the great event of the year 1863, and leaves Sarawak without an enemy in her dominions, and without an intertribal war of any description. This is the first time the country has had peace." In December, Sawing, the last of the murderers of Fox and Steele, was given up, tried, and executed. "And now," says the Tuan Muda, "the deaths of those who were private friends and public servants, and who had occupied a distant and isolated out-station, have been completely avenged." The Rajah remained in Sarawak till after the subjection of the Kayans, and then, having handed over the Government to the Tuan Muda, left in September, 1863, and "bade farewell to the people and the country he was never to see again." ----- Footnote 277: From a letter of the Rajah's dated September 9, 1862. Footnote 278: Mr. G. T. Ricketts was appointed Consul, January 19, 1864. Footnote 279: Captain Brooke died the same year as the Rajah. Footnote 280: Oyong Hang was the chief of the Bintulu Kayans, and was at one time friendly to the Government, but he had thrown off his allegiance and joined Akam Nipa. Oyong is prefixed to the name of a Kayan on the death of his firstborn; Akam, on the death of a younger child. Footnote 281: _Ten Years in Sarawak_, from which this account is taken. Footnote 282: See chap. vii. p. 107. Footnote 283: For the fate of this chief see chap. xii. p. 320. Footnote 284: Belaga, where is now a strong fort, and a Chinese and Malay trading station, is just above this. Footnote 285: