NATIVES. 363 



Having advanced a considerable distance into the wood, 

 and traversed some of the most romantic glades I had 

 seen, even in the tropics, without observing anything but a 

 wild pig, and a small species of civet cat, we came to the 

 banks of a small, deep, still, dark-coloured river, with 

 the lofty trees meeting over our heads, and crowded with 

 pigeons. Here, as if to compensate ourselves for our 

 disappointment in not meeting any Galeopitheci, we all 

 eagerly commenced firing at the poor doves, and the 

 result was the death of a considerable number, and among 

 them several Vinagoes, with splendid metallic-green 

 plumage. While engaged in this recreation, several 

 women and children, with two men, belonging to the 

 hostile parties on the other side of the island, passed 

 timidly by us, and, stepping into a canoe, paddled rapidly 

 out of sight. These poor people had come, at the risk 

 of their lives, with eggs and vegetables for the use of the 

 Spaniards, and I was informed that if their own people 

 were acquainted with the fact, they would all be " krissed." 

 A sharp look out was kept by all our party, for the 

 natives, stealing through the wood, often lie in ambush 

 for those that venture out of the fort, and shoot them; 

 any mode being justifiable in their eyes, in getting rid of 

 their European invaders. One of the Spanish soldiers 

 was shot in this manner two days before. So sudden 

 are the Malays of Basilan, and so secret in their move- 

 ments, that the Spaniards are constantly on the watch to 

 guard against surprise, and unexpected attacks. Although 

 very large in numbers, and very brave, the natives are 

 easily repulsed on account of their want of fire-arms, and 

 their desultory mode of warfare. The friendly Basilan 



