THE MALAY RACE. 



127 



served that the introduction of these three weapons into this part of 

 the East Indies, is attributed to the Muslims. 



We had landed on Friday, the Muslim sabbath, and the ' Sultan' 

 was at his devotions in the ' mosque :' this was a building larger than 

 the others, but devoid of any traces of the proper Muslim style of 

 architecture. We visited the ' Dattoo' (or Vizier) ; who understood 

 Spanish, and seemed intelligent enough, although he evidently did not 

 appreciate scientific researches. In the midst, however, of seeming 

 politeness, he appeared disposed to take his ease, smoking and lolling 

 upon a sort of canopied bedstead. One of his children, an infant, was 

 carried about, attended by a train of females, and also by a man, who 

 had been appointed to the office of his sword-bearer. 



After a while, the Sultan, with his suite, bearing one or two large 

 umbrellas, was seen to leave the mosque ; and word was soon brouglit, 

 that he was ready for an interview. The result, so far as I was im- 

 mediately interested, was unfavourable to an excursion into the Inte- 

 rior; it being alleged, that "the people were so bad, there was no 

 safety for us :" and indeed, after making allowance for motives of 

 policy, our subsequent experience led us to think, that his highness 

 had reason. Up to the time of the interview, no incivility had been 

 offered, or if anything particular had been remarked, it was some 

 signs of aversion on the part of the women; but on now returning 

 through the town, we found a marked change in the deportment of 

 the inhabitants. Streets through which we had previously passed, 

 were now prohibited ; but we were allowed to extend our walk along 

 the water's edge, where some twenty proas were drawn up. We 

 afterwards reassembled at tlie landing-place, forming a considerable 

 party, and although well armed, we were not sorry to get away in our 

 boats before dark. 



Two 'Lascars' were found here; one of whom spoke English, and 

 having been in London, he drew a rather striking contrast between 

 the condition of the people in the two places. He further stated, that 

 "he had been captured with Captain Gregory; when, the pirates 

 making their accustomed distinction of colour, had saved him alive. 

 He had been here for a year, the Sultan telling him, that after he had 

 paid one hundred dollars, he might go." We had been prepared, by 

 commor) report, for a visit among thieves; and it appeared by the 

 account of the Lascar, that here they do not even preserve honour 

 among themselves; while, in addition to other troubles, the practice 

 of running a muck was extremely common. There were no European 



