“Yes! See what he does next.”
“Rolled the piece of nut in it and put it in his mouth.”
“Yes,” said the mate; “all the Malays do this betel-chewing.”
“What for?”
“It is a habit like our sailors chewing tobacco. The Malays think it is good for them, and keeps off all choleraic attacks.”
“Does it?” asked Jack.
“Ah, that I can’t say. You must take the doctor’s opinion.”
But Jack was too much interested in watching the prahu, which, in spite of only having matting sails, sped along over the calm water at a rapid rate, and he went on questioning his companion.
“They seem fierce-looking fellows, and as if they could do a deal of mischief. Are they such terribly bloodthirsty people?”
“Certainly not,” said the mate. “I have always found the better-class Malays simple, gentlemanly, and courteous if they are properly treated; but if injured, I believe they can be treacherous and relentless.”