But to return to the hall. In the centre stood a round table; on the opposite side sat the sultan surrounded by his datus, and around were a number of empty chairs, on which we took our seats. After shaking hands, a few questions were asked, as, “What was the news? Was France quiet?” The sultan was very like the picture in Sir Edward Belcher’s book, and was dressed in light-flowered silk, with a very broad gold belt round his waist, a handsome kris, and gold bracelets, sparkling with jewels. Some of the datus were splendidly dressed in silks, gold brocades, handsome turbans and head-dresses, like golden tiaras; the young men were, as usual, the most gaudily decorated, while the old were in plain white jackets, and crowds of the better class sat behind and around us. Observing that Sir James Brooke, who had lately suffered much from fever, looked hot and tired, the sultan politely broke up the audience, and we returned by the same path we came, and after sitting a short time with Mr. Wyndham, went on board to dine with Captain Keppel, where our Sulu acquaintance amused us with stories about the natives. Went on shore to Mr. Wyndham’s to meet datu Daniel; very little conversation passed. He appears to be a quiet, good-natured man; his brothers are very fine fellows, and very fair; with them we went to see the race-course. Passing through a portion of the town, we came to an open grassy field, where a few men were trying their horses by trotting them over the sward. None of the chiefs being present, there were no trials of speed. _2nd._--On shore early with our guide, but the people not appearing to like our penetrating into the country, we returned to Mr. Wyndham’s house, and as we passed the stockades, the Sulus laughingly pointed to some indentations in the wood where the shot from the Dutch ships had struck, but had done little damage. _3rd._--Weighed anchor and stood along the coast for Tulyan Bay; but wind and tide being against us, we let go our anchor; sailing again at three, we found ourselves towards seven in Tulyan Bay, much to the discomfort of the villagers, whose shouts and screams could be distinctly heard on board. At last a couple of men came off and returned on shore after a few reassuring words from Mr. Wyndham, which appeared sufficient to pacify the inhabitants, as the noises ceased. Tulyan Bay is rather deep, and appears to be well protected, and takes its name from a pretty-looking island in the offing, which was ceded to the English in Dalrymple’s time--in fact, the inhabitants thought we were come to take possession.