'Well,' the Malay replied, 'I have always endeavoured to do so. When only eight years old I was sent to Singapore to be educated, and there received what knowledge I possess. I like the English, but hate all Dutchmen, since they not alone shoot down our men, but the women and children too. You seem to have been somewhat interested in those figure-heads outside. Well, of the ships to which they belonged I know nothing, and my father, who was but twenty-four years old when killed while tiger-hunting on the main coast, knew little of their history. I think it was my grandfather who seized them, in mistake for Dutch vessels, and the figures have been there ever since I can remember anything.'
Captain Thorne made no further inquiries on that point, but for some minutes conversation seemed to flag. To avert such an awkward contingency, and at the same time display entire ease amidst the peculiar surroundings, he promptly related some highly amusing incidents experienced during his seafaring career, and aroused such hilarity amongst both white and coloured companions that all reserve was abandoned, and a most pleasant time ensued.
Indeed, it was not long before his rapidly moving mind devised another means of diversion, since suddenly wheeling on his chair he faced the youngest member of the party.
'Clewlin,' he exclaimed, 'Sennit told me that he heard you singing very nicely that night you turned him out twenty minutes before his time. Now then, stand up and give us a good song, and a still better chorus.'
Jack's face flushed crimson, and he looked somewhat abashed.
'Steady, my lad,' the old man thoughtfully observed. 'You remember what I told you this morning. Be not afraid. These gentlemen say they like Englishmen, and will also like a good British song. Is not that so, chief?'
'Yes,' came the prompt reply; 'I would wish to hear him sing.'
Whereupon Jack pulled himself together for the strange effort, and there, in the very midst of a piratical stronghold, gave in clear, rising tones the immortal 'Death of Nelson.'
At first the natives expressed no particular emotion, but when the words—
'Along the lines the signal ran,
England expects that every man
This day will do his duty,'