UP THE BUSANG RIVER 165 



I was determined that the loss, though at the time a 

 hard blow, should not interfere with the carrying out of 

 my plans. By rigid economy it could, at least partially, 

 be offset, and besides, I felt sure that if the necessity 

 arose it would be possible later to secure silver from 

 Dutch officials on the lower Mahakam River. Bangsul 

 and some Penyahbongs, at my request, searched in the 

 surrounding jungle growth and found a hole that had 

 been dug of the same size and shape as the stolen box, 

 where no doubt it had been deposited until taken on board 

 the prahu. 



The day previous to our departure Mr. Demmini 

 again was taken ill, and in accordance with his own wish 

 it was decided that he should return. I let him have 

 Longko in command of one of the best prahus, and in 

 time he arrived safely in Batavia, where he had to undergo 

 further treatment. Longko, the Malay with the reputa- 

 tion for reliability, never brought back the men and the 

 prahu; their loss, however, was greater than mine, as 

 their wages, pending good behaviour, were mostly un- 

 paid. 



Shortly after their prahu had disappeared from view, 

 on February 20, we departed in the opposite direction. 

 Our new crew, of Penyahbongs mostly, who only lately 

 have become acquainted with prahus, were not quite so 

 efficient as the former, but much more amiable, laughing 

 and cracking jokes with each other as they ran along over 

 the rocks, pulling the rattan ropes of the prahus. No 

 sooner did we ascend one kiham than we arrived at an- 

 other, but they were still small. Although the day was 



