120 NARRATIVE OF THE RIGHT REVD. yi FEVRE. 
the Chinese usually import it into Cochin China, and almost all the 
Cochin Chinese boats, which go to Singapore, return loaded with the 
drug. W% feared not to be arrested on account of this fraudulent 
trade; hut we were ourselves “ contraband”, and, looking* for opium, 
they finally found our hiding place. In spite of the night and our 
vestments, in every thing like those of the country, we were easily 
known as Europeans, so easily that I have always believed that infor¬ 
mation of our coining had been given to the Custom House by the 
Nakodah of the Chinese Junk, which reached this port two days be¬ 
fore, and also was coming from Singapore, as I have learnt since. 
The Custom House officers said that they watched the port more 
strictly than usual for two days and visited all the boats, which pass¬ 
ed by, because the king had lately published a decree to this effect. 
Afterwards they also gave as a reason that some Chinese having a law 
suit on account of opium, which they had succeeded in passing, they 
were afraid lest they should be blamed for not having been more cau¬ 
tious ; but I think that they hid from us the true reason. Be this as 
it may—our capture was effected: which divine Providence had or¬ 
dered or permitted ; hut being caught, we had to submit to all the 
consequences thereof. Our people tried to redeem us with money. 
After some difficulty the hand of soldiers received a few silver bars 
and consented to withdraw. We were a little hopeful and continued 
our way still slowly, the wind being contrary and the tide not serving. 
At daybreak the fatal boat reappeared; the five men came up again 
and returned our money, saying that they could not settle an affair of 
this importance, and that we should go to the head of the Custom House 
and settle with him; that they themselves being simple soldiers dared 
not and could not take upon themselves the responsibility with which 
they would be leaded, in case it should be known that they had let us 
pass. A large amount of money was offered them, but without suc¬ 
cess. They declared that they would not leave our boat until they 
had brought us to the Custom House. It appears that they had al¬ 
ready informed the head of “ the Custom House” of all the particu¬ 
lars, and that he had sent them in search of us with orders to bring 
us without delay. He was a man lately raised to the office of Cap¬ 
tain and put in charge of this Custom House: he was timorous and 
feared above all to lose his situation, should he act too leniently towards 
us. We had. only to expect severity from him. He called our Pilot, 
loaded him with a Cangue, came to visit a portion of our baggage, 
and refused every offer we made him. He ordered his soldiers to 
keep us securely, while he despatched the news of our arrest to the 
