“You always have been one,” said Mr Braine, warmly.
“Thank you,” said the rajah, holding out his hand. “Then, now listen, I want the help of my friends. By your guidance this land has grown powerful, but unfortunately it has been for evil. I want it to be powerful now for good. Stay with me as my friend and counsellor.—You, too, doctor, and Mr Greig; and as for you, Mr Murray, I am not quite the barbarian you think. Let all those past troubles be as an ugly vision of the night. Forget them and stay. I can admire your pursuits, and it will give me great gratification if you will make this place your home. My elephants and boats and men are at your service, and, of course, you are free to come and go as you please. You hesitate! Come, come; I implore you. Doctor, you will not forsake me?”
“Hang it, Tumongong—I beg pardon, I mean rajah, no.”
“There,” said the rajah, laughing; “I have you too. Murray, you will not go. I am not blind.”
Murray held out his hand.
“In the cause of science,” he said, smiling, “I stay.”
“I ask for no more,” said the rajah. “Here boys,” he cried, “you’ve had enough fruit; you are going to stop. Frank, my lad, at any time you want anything, ask me for it as your old friend.”
“Thank you,” cried Frank, eagerly; “then I want something now.”
“What is it?”
“Give me a new kris.”