“Those are white men’s buildings,” he exclaimed in a voice trembling with emotion.
“Thank Heaven!” said Schlickeisen.
“Benie soit la très Sainte Vierge de Jupille,” added La Cueille, devoutly uncovering his head.
“Yes!” Wienersdorf continued, still looking through the glass. “They are dwellings efficiently lime-washed. There is also a fortification. It appears to be a square-bastioned redoubt. I can distinguish a flag on the flag-staff—a field of gold with a cross dividing the field into four equal squares. The perpendicular bar of the cross is red and black; the horizontal one is half red and half black.”
“That is probably the Sarawak flag,” said Johannes.
“That place is called Simangang,” Harimaoung explained.
The travellers now quickly descended to the plain and before evening set in they arrived at the Sarawak fort. The garrison were turned out; but as soon as the party approached within hailing distance, Schlickeisen, who spoke English fluently, advanced alone, leaving the others behind. He shouted out his request for an interview with the authorities and was accordingly carried into the presence of the Assistant President and Military Commandant. When that official learned from him, that among the approaching travellers there were four soldiers who had deserted from the Dutch army his lips curled into a smile. It tickled Mr. Spencer’s fancy that those stupid Dutchmen had been tricked. After inspecting the visitors he graciously gave his permission for the Europeans to enter the fort, but Harimaoung [[366]]Boekit and his Poenans, he ordered, must remain outside.
“You are just in time,” added he. “To-morrow morning the Firefly sails for Koetshing and you can continue your journey on board of her. You are certain to find some vessel at Koetshing which will convey you to Singapore.”
The Europeans cordially thanked the commander for his reception, but announced their intention to remain outside the fortification.
It would be the last night they should pass with the brave Poenan chief. The morrow would see them on board the Firefly, and the Poenan and his band would immediately start for soengei Miri.