158 ENTERTAINMENT BY THE ORANG KAYA. [1844. 



terrace apartment ; a veiy profuse display of Rice, Sugar 

 and vegetable confectionary assuming a very imposing 

 coup d'oeil, was spread in large brass embossed salvers 

 and waiters, around which we were all seated, a la Turque, 

 and to gratify our host, compelled to make some show of 

 enjoyment. This finished, the apartment was cleared for 

 dancing, and two performers went through the head dance 

 with great eclat, if we may judge from the occasional yells 

 of approbation which greeted certain parts of the exhibition. 

 The great feat, which appeared to be particularly aimed 

 at, was the turning slowly upon the ball of the great toe 

 and heel of the right foot, whilst both knees were bent, 

 and the left toe just clear of the ground, exhibiting the 

 great muscular power of the calf and instep, accom- 

 panying the music by appropriate contortions of the head 

 and arms, now viewing the skull, (suspended by a strap, 

 and hanging beneath the left arm just at the hip,) over 

 the right shoulder, behind, and now in front. The 

 music consisting of four gongs, of different note, and 

 two drums, was occasionally assisted by the shrill notes of 

 some of the men as well as women. This was succeeded 

 by a sword and shield dance, of which we were soon 

 tired. In the hope of securing a comfortable nap, I had 

 my cot suspended between two of the outer beams, but 

 as they had tasted of wine, as well as rum, they deemed 

 it a high compliment to keep us all awake the greater 

 part of the night, singing, as we were informed, their late 

 exploits, with the addition of some complimentary odes to 

 our friend the Tuan Besar (Brooke), who heartily wished 

 them as far off as the Batang Lupar. 



On our return a party now accompanied us to the sea, 



