Page 166 - Malay sketches

MALAY SKETCHES

into greater contrast the deep shadows that lie under
the overhanging foliage of the banks. Four miles
of glistening water, then the river narrows and fades
into the mist-enshrouded forest.
Close beneath us twinkle the lights of the village,
the houses spreading from river-brink to the high
ground which rises abruptly on our left. In front
and on either side, range after range of jungle-
from fifteen hundred to several thou-
covered hills,
sands of feet in height. There is a luminous haze
over all distant objects, giving the idea of indefinite
height and distance, making all things vague and
unsubstantial, yet infinitely satisfying that other
sense which only awakes under the influence of

perfect beauty.
The extraordinary charm of this scene intoxicated
us as with draughts of nectar, and in that enravish-
ment kings, omens, and ghostly warnings were
forgotten.
But hark ! Yes, there is the cry, wailing in the
distance now much nearer, and now before our
very eyes the banshee itself!
Sailing slowly through the air between the
feathery leaves of the palms, like a lost soul wend-
ing its uncertain, purposeless way through the
balmy Eastern night, was a creature with heavy
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