“That’s the identical Dutchman who hailed Prabu, as we were stepping into the sampan at Singapore,” said I to Martin, as an officer and a dozen armed sailors came alongside in a boat.
“Then keep a sharp lookout, for now the mischief’s brewed,” replied Martin.
“What have you on board, from whence do you hail, and to what port are you bound?” asked the Dutch officer, as soon as he stood on deck.
“As the captain is aware (for he asked the same questions at Singapore), we have taken a cargo of nests to Singapore, and are now bound for Batavia with Chinese products,” replied Prabu.
“What products?”
“Silks, silver, and provisions, Sahib Captain.”
“Who are your owners?”
“The Chinese merchant Sing, of the Campong.”
At this reply Martin and I opened our eyes, for we knew it to be a falsehood.
“But have you arms on board?”