1 66 The Gardens of the Sun. [ch. vm. 



which enters the fuel. In each cylinder is a wooden disk 

 edged with soft feathers stuck on with glue, and to each 

 a piston rod of wood is attached. A man standing 

 behind the cylinders works them up and down alternately, 

 and in this way a constant current of air is supplied to 

 the fire. The old smith was much struck with a breech- 

 loading EeiUy shot gun Mr. Veitch had with him, and he 

 took the trouble to go across a rickety bridge of bamboo 

 into his dwelling-house to fetch a parong, or Brunei 

 sword, of which he asked our opinion. Considering the 

 rude appliances of this primitive smithy, the sword, in 

 fine damascene work and finish, was perhaps as wonderful 

 in its way as the gun. On returning to the ship, which 

 was anchored in the river below the town, we saw a 

 gathering of natives on a grassy knoll a little above the 

 ol d ruin ed Consiilate, and were informed that a public 

 execution was going on. It appears a China trader had 

 been murdered and robbed on the Trusan river, and two 

 of the Trusan Muruts had been arrested, and were being 

 executed for the crime, although it was by some thought 

 1 that the murder had actually been committed by Brunei 

 men. At any rate, of these poor Muruts scapegoats were 

 made. A grave was dug beneath a tree, and a noose 

 coimected with a bit of board was passed over their 

 heads. A stout stick was now inserted in the rope, and 

 two or three turns — Spanish winch fashion — ^finished the 

 poor fellows' existence, whether innocent or guilty. We 

 did not land, but watched the proceedings as well as we 

 could from the bridge of the vessel with glasses. Suin- 

 mary justice is the rule here. 



Just afterwards a ship came here and anchored in the 

 river. It was very hot, and at night the ports were left 

 open to secure ample ventilation. In the morning a gold 

 watch and a revolver were missing. The thieves had 



