"Yes," replied the lieutenant, and he turned round to their interpreter. "Tell me, Gray, what is your opinion of the messenger?" "At first, sir, I thought him genuine; but since then, there is something in his manner that makes me doubt the truth of his tale." "And yet it seems feasible?" "Yes, sir, it does; and I confess I have little cause for doubting him; but still I do." Lieutenant Johnson turned to Captain Smithers, and they went aside for a few minutes talking earnestly together, while all present watched eagerly for the next scene in the drama they were passing through. "Gray," said Captain Smithers then, sharply, "ask the messenger if he knows where the old stockade is." "He says _yes_, sir, perfectly well." "Ask him if he will guide the steamer there." "Yes!" was the reply, "if the English officers would protect him from his people, and not let him be seen." "Tell him," said Captain Smithers, "that if he is faithful he will be handsomely paid; if he is treacherous, he will be hung to the yard-arm of the steamer, and his body thrown to the crocodiles." Gray interpreted this to the Malay, who smiled, uncovered the hilt of his kris, drew it, took it by the blade, and knelt down before the officers, placing the point upright on the left shoulder close to his neck, then reaching out with his right hand, he motioned to Captain Smithers to strike the weapon down into his breast. "He says his life is yours, sir, and bids you kill him if he does not lead you to the stockade." "One more question," said Lieutenant Johnson. "Ask him if there is water enough up the right river?" Gray questioned the Malay, who nodded eagerly and then shook his head. "He says there is plenty of water, for the river is narrow and very deep, all but in one place, about a mile from the stockade, and of that he is not sure, he will not pledge himself to its being sufficiently deep; but all Rajah Gantang's prahus have gone up and down in safety." "That will do," said the lieutenant. "Yes," said Captain Smithers, "take him aside, give him some food, and guard him well." It fell to the lot of Adam Gray to take charge of the Malay who ate voraciously of what was placed before him, and then smiling his satisfaction he prepared himself a piece of betel-nut, and lying down in the shade went off fast asleep, evidently wearied out. Meanwhile a short consultation was held, during which it was settled that at any risk the steamer must go to the assistance of the beleaguered party, Captain Smithers being on the alert to retire into the barracks when it became necessary. This place he would have to hold with stubborn determination, knowing that the steamer could not be long away, and that Lieutenant Johnson was going with the knowledge that those he left behind were in need of help.