152 TOWN or BUNTING. [1844. 



jungle near this river, found themselves completely in our 

 power, and had the question remained for the decision of 

 our Malay Chief, it is probable their fate, particularly of the 

 women, would not have been so mild. Mr. Brooke with 

 his usual kindness, not only released these poor half 

 famished creatures and prevented molestation, but also 

 forwarded them to their homes, with supplies of provision. 



We were soon visited by numerous canoes from the 

 town of Bunting, bringing presents, and assurances of 

 friendship from the authorities, with a promise that Seriff 

 Sahib should not find refuge amongst them ; at the same 

 time giving us information of his having reached Pontranini, 

 one of the tributary streams about fifty miles above Bun- 

 ting. Pursuit was immediately decided upon, in which the 

 Dyaks of this region unfavorable to Serif Sahib, were 

 equally willing to join and act as pilots ; it was also 

 discovered that Makota, known by the soubriquet of the 

 ' Serpent ' with the remnant of his followers, was hourly 

 expected in the mouth of this river, into which he had 

 been driven during the fight on the Undop heights, (as 

 described by Captain Keppel). Knowing that it would 

 fare badly with this treacherous and cunning, although 

 now harmless Chief, should he fall into the hands of any of 

 our native followers, two boats were despatched to look 

 out for, and bring him alive. After some little search 

 they secured him in a deep muddy jungle, into which he 

 had thrown himself upon perceiving the approach of 

 our men : leaving him a prisoner on board the Phlegethon, 

 we pushed on with the flood tide in pursuit of the Seriff 

 Sahib. 



For two days we continued forcing our boats for a 



