We went to see what they call their races, which were held in an open space not far from the town, and observed groups of savage, but picturesque-looking men, mounted on spirited, strong-built small horses, of the Manila or Spanish breed; they were generally well armed, bearing each a spear or lance. Presently a man would dash out from the rest as a challenge; then one from another group, or perhaps from the same, would ride up alongside; then both would start off in lines of their own choosing, in a brisk trot; at which pace the races were generally contested. On several occasions I noticed a ruffian, apparently mounted no better than his neighbours, start out from the crowd; but no one seemed to accept the challenge. These men were a sort of bravos, whom nobody cared to quarrel with, and such an offence as beating them at a race would be sure to end in a brawl. [Sidenote: Dec. 30.] This was the day appointed for Sir James Brooke’s interview with the Sultan of Sulu. We landed in full dress at ten o’clock. Having walked over the sea suburbs, and arrived at the beach, we found a guard of honour and attendants waiting to conduct Brooke to the Sultan’s presence; they were a motley group, but made themselves useful in clearing the way. Passing within the outer stockade, we arrived, after a few minutes’ walk, at the royal residence. It was walled in and fortified. A large space was enclosed by double rows of heavy piles driven into the earth, about 5 feet apart, and the space filled up with large stones and earth, making a solid wall 15 feet high, with embrasures, or rather portholes, in convenient places for cannon, out of which we noticed some rusty muzzles. Passing through a massive gateway, well flanked with guns and loopholes, we entered a large court, in which some two thousand persons were assembled, armed, and in their best apparel, but observing no sort of order. It was a wild and novel sight. Malays are always armed. The kris to them is what the sword was to an English gentleman in the Middle Ages. Every person who, by virtue of his rank, or on any other pretext, could gain admittance, was in attendance on this occasion; for our Rajah had become a justly celebrated man in the great Eastern Archipelago, and was an object of curiosity. The audience-chamber was not large. A table covered with green cloth ran across the centre of it. Above the table, and round the upper end of the room, sat a brilliant semicircle of personages, the Sultan occupying a raised seat in the centre. His Highness gave us a gracious reception, shaking hands with each officer as he was presented. This ceremony over, chairs were placed for Sir James and his suite. The scene was striking and gay.