With the ebb-tide a number of boats came down from the town containing the principal chiefs, with assurances of their pacific intentions; welcoming us with presents of poultry, goats, fruit, etc., which we accepted, but paying for them, either in barter or hard dollars, the fair market price. We learned that Seriff Sahib had arrived at Pontranini, some fifty miles beyond their _kampong_. We immediately proceeded in chase of him, at the same time despatching two boats to look out for Macota, who was expected at the mouth of the river. We knew what the fate of this once powerful chief would be if he fell into the hands of our friendlies. He was captured alive in a deep muddy jungle into which he had thrown himself when our men arrived. Leaving Macota a prisoner on board the _Phlegethon_, with the flood-tide we pushed forward in pursuit of Seriff Sahib. [Sidenote: Aug. 30.] For two days we dragged our boats twenty miles up a small jungly creek; but Seriff Sahib fled across the mountains in the direction of the Pontiana River. So close were we on his rear that he threw away his sword, and left behind him a child, whom he had hitherto carried, in the jungle. Thus this notorious chief was driven, single and unattended, out of the reach of doing any further mischief. The boats returned, and took up a formidable position off Bunting, where Seriff Jaffer was summoned to a conference, which he attended, but under compulsion from his people, who feared their _kampong_ being destroyed. On this occasion I had the satisfaction of witnessing a splendid piece of oratory delivered by Brooke in Malay. The purport of it was, as I understood, to point out the horrors of piracy on the one hand, which the British Government determined to suppress, and on the other the blessings arising from peace and trade, which it was equally our wish to cultivate; and he concluded by fully explaining that the measures adopted by us against piracy were for the protection of the peaceful communities along the coast. The people listened with great attention; a pin could have been heard, had it dropped, during Brooke’s fine speech. [Sidenote: Sept. 4.] The force again reached Sarawak, and thus terminated a successful expedition against the worst class of pirates on the coast of Borneo. CHAPTER XXXIV _DIDO_ [Sidenote: 1844. Sept. 5.] Steamer’s crew cutting wood, I writing distressing letters to the friends of Wade, as well as to the father of Dr. Simpson. Hospitably entertained by Belcher. Landed sundry parties after deer and hog. Oysters fine, the best things here. [Sidenote: Sept. 9.] At an early hour started on a pleasure excursion. Late at night anchored in the Lundu River, having tiffed by the way at one of the small islands on splendid oysters. [Sidenote: Sept. 10.] Anchored off the town; visited, and was hospitably entertained by, the Dyaks. In the evening had a feast and a war-dance; was in other ways much amused. Slept in the Dyak “scullery” house.