Fresh acts of piracy and murder. Sent _Diana_, steamer, _Diamond_, gunboat, and _Dido’s_ pinnace to cruise. [Sidenote: April 3.] [Sidenote: April 5.] Up early to wild-hog party at Alligator Island: the civil and military residents giving an excellent picnic to the “Didos,” commencing by a breakfast on board the steamer _Victoria_, while sportsmen proceeded to Alligator Island, noted for its wild-boar. We had convicts as beaters. Brooke and Read were of the cheery party, which lasted until the following morning. I bagged two boars. [Sidenote: April 6.] It was now time to arrange for more serious business: that of the suppression of piracy, which had long been the curse of all legitimate trade and was secretly encouraged by wealthy natives in our midst. After discussion with Brooke, we agreed the only way to strike at the root of the evil would be to destroy the piratical strongholds in the interior of Borneo, and not to wait until the fleets of light draught of water were formed. Some of the war prahus were propelled by as many as 200 paddles, in addition to light lateen sails. Their hulls were composed of timbers fastened together by _rôtans_, and the whole caulked with the fibre of the cocoanut. The pirates could, if pressed, run into shoal water, cut their boats adrift, and disappear in the, to us, impregnable jungle. [Sidenote: April 13.] _Britomart_, brig, 10, Commander Owen Stanley, arrived, with directions to sell his surveying vessel. I was too glad to have my friend of many years to stay with me at Government House, and so avail myself of his fertile brains. Rajah Brooke, “Billy” Napier, Montgomery, and Stevenson to dine. _Anonymous_ clipper from Bombay, bringing owner’s letters only. Beast! [Sidenote: April 15.] Took Major Sinclair to show him the inside of my _Dido_. [Sidenote: April 17.] Cricket-match between Singaporeans and “Didos.” Lieutenant Stephen Colby, of 98th, to dine, he having sold out. [Sidenote: April 20.] Band on shore of an evening, they having improved and much in demand. [Sidenote: April 24.] _Apollo_, with Grey Skipwith on board, also _Belleisle_, arrived with letters from China. [Sidenote: April 26.] Had a cheery child’s party on the hill, Mrs. Whitehead kindly managing for me. A kind letter from my father. [Sidenote: April 27.] Grey Skipwith staying with me again, but only for a short time, as _Apollo_ sailed for home. _Belleisle_ on shore, as usual; luckily on a rising tide. CHAPTER XXVIII _DIDO_--BORNEO [Sidenote: 1843. May 1.] Embarked Rajah Brooke. Napier and W. H. Read on board to see him off. My _Dido_ now well manned. The crew require exercise, and will get it! Good drill at general quarters. [Sidenote: May 3.] Hoisted pinnace out, which had been coppered at the expense of my zealous First. [Sidenote: May 4.]