“Oh yes, they are everything that could be expected from a handful of British infantry.”
“Handful, sir! Why, I’ve got three hundred men on the ground. Every fellow’s under arms, and we are going to show these niggers what we could do if ever we were called upon. Error of judgment, sir! The whole thing’s a grand idea; and after it’s over, these Malays will go away with a ten times higher idea of England’s strength than they had before.”
“I don’t know,” said the Resident. “Look at those fierce-looking fellows there gathered round the elephants and their gaudily dressed chiefs. Look at that haughty fellow Suleiman, with his chiefs and spearmen clustering round him looking as if they were awaiting their prince’s order to charge down upon us and sweep us all out of the district.”
“Oh yes, I see,” said the Major, chuckling.
“And here on the other side, right away to the river, there is this doubtful fellow Hamet with his lot of elephants and men, a stronger party than Suleiman’s.”
“I see. I hope there won’t be any row.”
“Oh, don’t suggest such a thing!”
“Why not? They are in touch with the others.”
“Yes; and at a word could combine.”
“Ah, I am not afraid of that,” said the Major. “I was thinking about their jealousy, and the possibility of a row between them.”