"What a suspicious chap you are, to be sure, Ali," replied Bob. "I'll be bound to say, if the truth was known, there isn't a nigger within a mile of us. Here, look alive, my lads; it seems a pity to burn such a boat; but orders are orders, and we shall have a gun fired directly, by way of recall. There, that will do; lay the oakum there, and pour the spirits over it. She'll burn like a firework." The men obeyed in a quiet leisurely manner, quite satisfied of there being no danger if their officer saw none; so the oakum and yarn they had brought were heaped up on the bamboo deck, and another lot thrust into a kind of cabin, plenty of the spirit poured on each, and nothing was needed but the application of a match or two for the work of destruction to begin. Still Bob seemed loth to fire so well-built a vessel, and he stood pointing out good points in the make of the long light boat, counting the number of sweeps she had carried, examining the shot holes and the like--partly in a bravado spirit, for Ali was all anxiety to get on board the steamer again, scenting danger as he did on every breath of wind, while Bob wanted to show him how matter-of-fact and cool a British officer could be. "Look!" said Ali suddenly, and he laid his hand upon Bob's shoulder. "Which way?" said Bob quietly. "I can see nothing." "You will not see," said Ali in a low passionate voice. "You are so brave, but you are so foolish too. Why risk life when there is danger." "I don't," said Bob coolly. "You do; there is great danger now," said Ali. "Gantang's men are creeping through the reeds to spear us." "Jump down in the cutter then," said Bob, "and you will be all right." Ali drew himself up angrily. "A Malay chief never knows fear," he said, as he leaned his hands upon the muzzle of the rifle he still carried, and stood there, proud and defiant, like a bronze statue, he was so motionless and calm. "I didn't mean to offend you, Ali, old fellow," cried Bob. And as the young Malay saw the open, frank, laughing face before him, and the extended hand, he seized it in his. "I am not offended," said Ali, "but I'm afraid for you and your men." "What of?" said Bob. "That!" said Ali, as a spear whizzed through the reeds and stuck in the bamboo deck. "Yes, it was close," said Bob coolly. "Who has the matches?" "Here you are, sir," said one of the men. "All right," said Bob, taking the box. "Down into the boat, all of you. Go on too, Ali." "No, I stay with you," said the young chief, just as another spear stuck quivering in the deck. "Ah! I left it a bit too long," said Bob, striking a match as he dived into the cabin, and the next moment a volume of smoke rolled up.