Page 153 - Malay sketches

THE PASSING OF PENGLIMA PRANG SEMAUN
after him in full cry. Still there was just a trifle of
about and that was the
uncertainty it, Penglima's
one chance of salvation.
The slightest hesitation now, the smallest of false
steps, and neither the Penglima nor any of those with
him would ever see the dawn. He knew it well
enough, and as he ordered those who had taken the
oars to pull out boldly into the stream, he grasped
the helm and steering straight up the middle of the
the tide, he orders that no man
river, against gave
should speak, undertaking the whole responsibility
himself.
It was still so dark that no one could see
quite
whence this boat came, or distinguish who was in it,
but as it moved with plenty of noise and no attempt
at concealment right towards the line of guard-boats,
" Who "
some one called out, goes there ?
"It is I," replied the Penglima, "I bring the
Shabandar's orders to you to keep a good look-out,
they are attacking the Penglima Prang, and as he
can't hold out he will to
probably try escape by the
river. Be ready for him, I am going to warn the
boats down stream," and turning round the craft
disappeared towards the other line of river-
sentinels.
No one of course a ruse under such a
suspected
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