CHAPTER VIII. 

 A LUCKY KILL. 



I WAS seated in the court, which was crowded with 

 natives. The hour was ten A.M., and the rays of a Borneo 

 sun were already sufficiently powerful to necessitate the 

 half closing of shutters in order to keep out the glare. 



Before me stood Sergeant Gurdet Singh, of the con- 

 stabulary. He was an intelligent looking Sikh. 



" Well, sergeant, what do you want ?" 



" When will sahib interview the native chiefs? " 



" At three P.M." 



" When will sahib inspect kit?" 



" Four P.M.'"' 



" When are the men to begin firing their annual 

 course ? " 



" To-morrow morning at six A.M. See to the targets ; 

 put back those inefficient men for another week's position 

 drill." 



" When will sahib go on circuit?" 



" The day after to-morrow." 



Gurdet Singh saluted, and turning about left the 

 court. 



" Proceed with the case. Now, witness, you are a very 

 stupid fellow. What is your religious persuasion ? " 



" Islam, tuan." 



" Do you understand the nature of an oath ? " 



" Yes." 



(154) 



