Verses from the Koran were chanted, the book being handed from one to another, without regard to precedence or sanctity, the man with the strongest lungs taking the longest pull at it. Then came feasting, with undeniably good curries. [Sidenote: Sept. 21.] Brooke held a Bichara. All the leading Chiefs, Datus, and Pangerans attended. Every part of the audience-chamber was crowded: light and air being almost excluded by the multitude of eager faces that filled the openings which served for windows. We were in uniform and found it oppressively hot. A new flag, which Brooke had brought from England, was unfurled--a black and red cross on yellow ground--henceforth the national flag of Sarawak. It was hoisted and saluted in due form; the _Mæander’s_ band, playing lively airs, contributed to effect. The function over, pipes and cigars were introduced. We then threw off our jackets, appearing in full Sarawak uniform, viz. shirts and trousers only, and discussed with less ceremony and more comfort the past, the present, and the future, finishing by dining with the generous Hunting, who has become a landed proprietor. [Sidenote: Sept. 22.] Up early and down to the ship at the Quop and on to Tanjong Po. [Sidenote: Sept. 25.] The Rajah having embarked with friends Treacher and Macdougal we sailed for Labuan, and in four days landed him, although far from well. [Sidenote: Labuan.] But where was the Governor’s house? Where the Lieutenant-Governor? Where was any one in authority to answer for the miserable huts we found raised on the most unhealthy-looking spots on the island? The flat selected for the settlement is below the level and out of sight of the sea, from which it is protected by a silted-up bank. It cost the lives of many marines, and, later, some of my best able seamen. Landed Brooke under a salute. He and Napier were sworn in, and so commenced the Government of Labuan. [Sidenote: Oct. 6.] We again received on board the Governor and his staff, His Excellency purposing to pay a visit of ceremony to the Sultan of Brunei. [Sidenote: Oct. 7.] Hoisted out the launch. Got caught in a squall, with her and steam tender in tow. Before the sail could be got off the launch capsized, with a brass gun for ballast; the steam tender did not take in so much as a spoonful of water. However, we picked up the two boat-keepers, and the greater part of the gear; came to and hoisted in the launch. While thus employed the _Royalist_ hove in sight, having been dismantled in same squall. The bob-stays had given way, the bowsprit came in-board, and the three masts, with royal yards across, lay amidships. [Sidenote: Oct. 14.] Leaving her at Labuan to refit, and a volunteer party of marines for duty on shore, we re-landed His Excellency and sailed for Singapore. [Sidenote: Oct. 17.] A marine, William Southcote, another victim, departed this life. [Sidenote: Oct. 19.]