When however two days afterwards the wounded from soengei Mantangei were brought in and with Eastern exaggeration talked about the rifle-fire as if a hundred men had been engaged—when too, the doctor imprudently declared that he was unable to say whether or not the wounds were inflicted by round bullets, but rather thought that they looked more like wounds torn by explosive balls, the Colonel began to reflect. He desired the Chief of the district to appear, talked the matter over with him and finally ordered him to keep thirty Dayaks ready. He also bade him send the Chief of the kampong, Damboeng Papoendeh, to the fort to receive further instructions. On leaving the fort the old Tomonggong met the doctor. “It is all over with them now,” he said. “Their track is clear.” “But, Tomonggong, how is it possible that these Europeans could have fought in soengei Mantangei?” “I cannot explain the possibility, sir, but I will swear that it was they.” “Take care,” the doctor laughed, “the palefaces punish false oaths heavily.” “I am quite at ease. None such devils are found in the whole of Dayak country. First, that crocodile hunt; then the fight with a boa; afterwards the heavy fire into the boats of the approaching inhabitants of the kampong. Nobody here carries such weapons. I will lay you any wager that the repeating rifles of the Colonel have played their part in all these scenes.” “Did you tell the Colonel?” “Not yet; he is too much taken up with the notion that the palefaces are on board that schooner. The finding of that coffin is a positive proof to him that they have chosen that direction.” “And do you not think so, Tomonggong?” “I did think so once, sir, but not now. According to my view the fugitives have gone higher up. If the Colonel would only listen to me we should be on their track already.” “What does he intend to do?” “To let Damboeng Papoendeh find out first what was their object in going to soengei Mantangei. But by the time he will have obtained positive reports these men will be too far away.” “Let them go, Tomonggong, let them go.” “It is all very well for you to say that; but if we do not follow them now, they will either fall a prey to the head-hunters of the upper regions, or will settle amongst the Ot Danoms and render their capture more difficult for my own people. In either case much unnecessary blood will be spilt. I will return to-night and hope to find the Colonel in a better mood for listening to my proposals.” “But could you not wait a day or two? For instance, until we receive further information?” “My gratitude towards you, sir, begins to oppress me. I owe you the life of my child, but the lives of many human beings are now involved.” “I beseech you, have a little more patience.”