were taken up handsomely in the deep bass of the skipper and the really fine baritone of Mr. Statten, it seemed as though the roof of the apartment would be carried away, while the astounded Malays sat open-mouthed from sheer surprise and pleasure.
Thus gallantly supported Jack rose to the occasion, never before had he put such strength and desire to please into any vocal rendering, and line after line was given with such accuracy and fire that the chorus attracted hundreds of silent listeners to the spot. When the song at length died away Captain Thorne sprang from his chair, seized Jack's hand, and gave utterance to the most vociferous, 'Hip, hip, hurrah!' ever heard on that densely-timbered island.
It was indeed a sufficiently memorable incident, and certainly greatly impressed the audience, since, surely, visitors such as these must be strongly backed up by much powder and guns thus to act in face of contemplated attack!
After more coffee was served the entire party proceeded to inspect the 'fields,' where women and girls were busily employed attending to different crops, and all hailed the chief with respect.
About five o'clock that afternoon the captain expressed a desire to return to his vessel; and, accompanied by the chief, the three visitors found the boat quite unmolested. The entire community had assembled on shore to discuss the meaning of the wonderful outburst of singing lately enjoyed.
As the old man took his seat in the stern-sheets, Kalli Lal reminded him of the offer made to give him a passage to Singapore.
'S'pose you want good pilot, cappee,' he said. 'Me takee you quick Singapore.'
'Are you ready?' the skipper inquired; for, although he did not want to be burdened with more hands, he knew that by passing through a certain narrow channel the voyage might be materially shortened.
Kalli Lal hastened to complete his arrangements, and it was decided that while the boat returned to the barque the chief should follow in his own vessel.
The 'Alert' was soon reached, and some twenty minutes later a beautiful spectacle was witnessed.