We parted; and I did not then expect to be able so soon to return and finish what I had intended, viz., the complete destruction of the strongholds belonging to the worst among the pirate hordes, so long the terror of the coast, either by capturing or driving from the country the piratical Seriffs Sahib and Muller, by whose evil influence they had been chiefly kept up. From all that I had seen, the whole country appeared to be a large garden, with a rich and varied soil, capable of producing anything. The natives, especially the mountain Dyaks, are industrious, willing, inoffensive, although a persecuted race; and the only things wanted to make the country the most productive and happiest in the world were, the suppression of piracy, good government, and opening a trade with the interior, which could not fail of success. All these I saw partially begun; and I felt assured that with the assistance of a vessel of war, and the countenance only of the government, Mr. Brooke would, although slowly, yet surely, bring about their happy consummation. CHAPTER XVIII. Captain Keppel sails for China.--Calcutta.--The Dido ordered to Borneo again.--Arrival at Sarawak.--Effect of her presence at Sarawak.--Great improvements visible.--Atrocities of the Sakarran pirates.--Mr. Brooke's letter.--Captain Sir E. Belcher's previous visit to Sarawak in the Samarang.--Coal found.--Second letter from the Rajah Muda Hassim.--Expedition against the Sakarran pirates.--Patusen destroyed.--Macota remembered, and his retreat burnt.--Further fighting, and advance.--Ludicrous midnight alarm.