The Sultan is a young-looking man, but with a dull and vacant expression, produced by too frequent a use of opium. His lips were red with the mixture of betel-nut and siri leaf which he chewed. He was dressed in rich silks, red and green the predominant colours. A large jewel sparkled in his turban, and he carried a magnificent kris. The entire court was dressed in rich coloured brocades and silks, and many of the guard wore ancient chain armour, covering the arms, and reaching from throat to knee, their heads protected by skull-caps to match. Those armed with sword, spear, and kris did not look amiss, but two sentries, placed to guard the entrance to this ancient hall of audience, each shouldering a shabby-looking old Tower musket, of which they seemed very proud, had an absurd effect. Although no actual treaty was concluded, Sir James Brooke paved the way for opening up commerce, and for cultivating a better understanding with the natives. Mr. Windham had been trying to persuade the Sulus to hoist the St. George’s Cross in their trading prahus, as a badge of peaceful mercantile occupation, by which they might be known to our cruisers, but this suggestion had not yet been adopted. CHAPTER XL _MÆANDER_--CRUISING IN THE SULU SEA [Sidenote: 1849. Jan. 3.] We quitted Sulu with regret. I liked Windham--a comical mixture of English honesty and native cunning. Standing along the coast to the eastward, at 8 P.M. came to in a beautiful and secure anchorage, protected by the Island of Toolyan, said to belong to the English. Natives frightened. The scenery, although no Kina-Balu, was more beautiful than any we had yet seen. Our late arrival caused the same consternation as at Sulu. The same noise and flitting about of lights; until one fine fellow, determined to risk his life for the community, paddled alongside. When our pacific intentions were made known confidence was quickly established. This island is separated from Sulu by a narrow strait. It appeared well cultivated; there were gardeners on shore and fishermen afloat, the people more peaceably inclined than their neighbours; but we did not trouble them, and proceeded for Samboangan. [Sidenote: Jan. 4.] Our invalids improved, with the exception of the chaplain, whose health caused anxiety. The excitement and interest of our cruise rather increased as we proceeded. On the 5th we anchored off the Bolod Islands, and landed to search for the eggs of a bird which, from the description given us, we supposed to be the Megapodius. [Sidenote: Jan. 8.]