While Sheik Mohammed Al Mansoer lay asleep Johannes, Wienersdorf, Schlickeisen and Dalim, accompanied by their host, Ali Bahar, entered the forest fully armed. The two other Dayaks of the company kept watch over the canoe, rifle in hand. Nothing suspicious however occurred, and about an hour before sunset the others returned and brought with them a large quantity of spades, pickaxes and other tools, besides two small one-pounder bronze guns which they thought might be useful to them. These tools and guns they had found in an empty hut. They had belonged to a foundered vessel and had been picked up by the Dayaks. They had yet to make another journey, for there was left behind a brass powder-case such as is used on men-of-war, which still contained some gunpowder. There were also about fifty shells for the guns and some thirty fathoms of light chain which might be of immense value to them. About eight o’clock everything was on board and La Cueille, who in the meantime had waked up again, thought they were going to continue their journey. Instead of this his companions sat down for a long chat with their host. When at last the latter had entered his house and the others had gone on board and prepared for rest, Johannes told the Walloon that they intended to stay where they were all night and the following day. “But,” asked La Cueille, “is it not running a risk to stop so near the Dutch fort longer than is absolutely necessary?” “You see we must not be too hasty,” Johannes replied. “It is contrary to Dayak custom and we must avoid exciting suspicion. You have heard our host tell us that his old priest was devoured by a crocodile. He has therefore begged us to assist him to-morrow in catching the monster. It is an invitation which no Dayak dares refuse; it might cause the most sanguinary scenes.” “What a treat! Thank God, I don’t understand anything of such a hunt and will remain quietly behind.” “Wrong again; on the contrary, your presence is most urgently requested.” “I don’t care as long as we are not requested to eat snakes; if we have to do so, I flatly refuse to join.” “Don’t be so stupid. Listen; I have announced myself as Pangareran.” “On my word I am a descendant of the Prophet; you now turn into a Pangerang. I foresee the day when the Swiss will be converted into Rajahs. Well, as long as we reach the north-coast I am satisfied.” “You misunderstand me. I am not a Pangerang, but simply a Pangareran.” “But then I don’t see of what use I can be.” “Well, a Pangareran never goes on his errand without being accompanied by a priest, who recites prayers; and, my dear Arab, that branch belongs to you now.” The Walloon gave a pull to his turban, meditated for a few seconds and said, “But I thought the Dayaks were heathen. A Mohammedan prayer will be quite out of place.” “Most Pangarerans are Malays, consequently Mohammedans. You know that no Dayak is allowed to catch a crocodile.” “Why not?”