It was situated on the same side of the river (the left bank), next to, but rather in the rear of, Muda Hassim’s palace, with a clear space of about 150 yards between the back and the edge of the jungle. Palisades and a ditch, surrounding the building, formed a protection to sheep, goats, occasionally bullocks, pigeons, cats, poultry, geese, monkeys, dogs and ducks, and snakes. The house consisted of but one floor. A large room in the centre, neatly ornamented with every description of firearms, in admirable order, served as an audience and mess-room. The various apartments round it served as bedrooms, most of them comfortably furnished with matted floors, easy-chairs, pictures, and books, with much more taste and attention to comfort than bachelors usually display. The Europeans with Mr. Brooke consisted of Mr. Bloomfield Douglas, formerly in the Navy, a clever young surgeon, and a gentleman of the name of Williamson, who, being master of the native language, as well as active and intelligent, made an excellent Prime Minister. Besides these were two others who came out in Brooke’s yacht--one an old man-of-war’s man, who kept the arms in first-rate condition, and another worthy character called Charlie, who looked after the accounts and had charge of everything. These were attended by servants of different nations. The cooking establishment was perfect, and the utmost harmony prevailed. The great feeding-time was at sunset, when Brooke took his seat at the head of the table, and all the establishment, as in days of yore, seated themselves according to their respective grades. [Illustration: Dido _at Sarawak_.] This hospitable board was open to all the officers of the _Dido_, and many a jovial evening we spent there. Before we left Singapore Mr. Whitehead had kindly offered his yacht, the _Emily_, a schooner of 50 tons, with a native crew, to bring our letters to Borneo, on the arrival of the mail from England. After our short experience, I thought it advisable to send a boat to cruise in the neighbourhood of Cape Datu; _Dido’s_ largest boat being under repair, Brooke lent one he had built at Sarawak, called the _Jolly Bachelor_. Having fitted her with a brass 6-pounder and a volunteer crew of a mate, two mids, six marines and twelve seamen, and fortnight’s provisions, the Second Lieutenant, Hunt, was well pleased at getting the command. His orders were to cruise, keep a good look-out for the _Emily_ yacht, and escort her into Sarawak, but he was on no account to land; Douglas volunteered his services in case an interpreter should be required.