“It is strange, very strange. But, Tomonggong, they must have obtained some kind of a vessel, since flight by land was impossible.”
“If any one had missed a djoekoeng the loss would undoubtedly [[13]]have been reported to me. Besides the escape of white men from the garrison would when known arouse so much excitement that I must have heard of it.”
The Colonel meditated for a while. He seemed to be in doubt. At length he resumed, “Tomonggong, I must recapture these men, if only to prevent the example from spreading among our troops. If those poor fellows get among the natives of the upper country they will unquestionably be attacked and perhaps killed.”
“Yes, sir, they will be. The head-hunters will not spare them. But do you think they have risked going inland?”
“Their flight seaward is almost impossible,” replied the Colonel. “Two cruising vessels are stationed at the mouth of the river and the whole south coast is blockaded by steamers. Suppose they manage to break through the cordon. What then? Dare they risk a voyage on an open sea in a miserable canoe, especially at this season, when the westerly gales blow with such fury? That would be tantamount to self-destruction. And then whither could they go. To Java? If they should by chance succeed in reaching the island, they would fall into the hand of the police, who are exceedingly vigilant. No: my theory is that they have gone to the interior. They will avoid all inhabited parts and try to reach Sarawak.”
“Could they not do that by sea?”
“Well, yes; but they would have then to elude the cruisers and the blockading steamers. That accomplished, as soon as they rounded Cape Batoe Titi, they would fall into the line of our vessels running between Eastern Java and Singapore. Then [[14]]should they reach the open Chinese Sea, at this season of the year a thousand dangers would still stare them in the face. The chances would be a hundred to one that they would either perish or be captured. Yes; they will make for Sarawak—but only straight across the island.”
“But that is a very long way, sir,” said the Tomonggong, “and the dangers are not slight in that direction, as you well know.”
“I know all that, Tomonggong, but those are dangers which they may hope to surmount; for believe me, they are bold and brave men who will venture anything. Come, we must not delay. Every moment is precious. Return to your dwelling and summon without loss of time the chiefs of the nearest kampongs. Let them collect about fifty men provisioned for a few days. They must all be fully armed and ready to start in two hours. I will come down to inspect and will then give further instructions.”
“But, sir, will they be easily captured?”