Then there were cries of excitement, and orders given to retreat, but another body of enemies blocked the road in their rear.
For a few moments it seemed as if the prisoners were to be in the centre of a desperate encounter, but a few sharp commands sufficed to make the Malay guard sullenly give up their arms to a force ten times their number, and then the march toward the rajah’s house was continued, but under a fresh guard now.
“What is the matter?” whispered Ned. “Is the rajah angry with them for taking us?”
“I don’t quite know,” said Frank. “It seems to me that— Wait a minute or two, it’s so dark, and I can’t make these men out.”
They were marched directly after into the enclosure, now a blaze of light from the number of lanterns and dammar torches stuck about. The place, too, was filled with armed men, and as they were halted just at the foot of the steps, a Malay officer in scarlet and yellow came down, looked eagerly at the English party, and then signed to them to follow.
Frank tried to get to his father, but he was not allowed to advance till the ladies had all ascended to the broad veranda; then both lads were ordered to go up, and they followed their seniors into the rajah’s chief room, now brilliantly lit, and dotted with his chief men, while he sat on a bamboo stool at the far end in his gorgeous uniform as upon their first meeting, the Tumongong sitting upon a second stool upon his right.
“Ugh! the old guy!” whispered Frank. “I wish— I say, look—it isn’t him. Why, Ned, what’s happened?”
The reason for this exclamation was the rising of the Tumongong, to tower above the double rank of sword and regalia bearers on either side. And to the astonishment of all present, he stretched out his hands, and, in very fair English, as he took Amy’s and kissed them, said:
“My dear child, Allah be praised that you and yours are safe! Mrs Braine, Mrs Barnes, welcome home.”
He kissed their hands in turn, and then greeted the gentlemen warmly before turning to the boys. “Frank—Edward Murray,” he said, “safe; no one hurt? I am very, very glad.”