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.