Page 255 - Malay sketches

JAMES WHEELER WOODFORD BIRCH
Resident wished to see him and would to his
go
house for that but if the Chief
purpose, preferred
it, and would go to Mr. Birch's boat, he would be
glad to meet him there. The Maharaja Lela said,
41
1 have nothing to do with Mr. Birch," and the
interpreter returned to the boat and reported to his
master the result of his interview.
The news of the Resident's arrival had been
spread in every direction, and all those in the
neighbourhood were ordered to come in. By this
time, sixty or seventy men had assembled and were
now standing about on the bank of the river close
to Mr. Birch's boats. They were all armed with
spears and krises, and Mr. Birch asked the Datoh
Sagor what they wanted, and that they should be
told to stand further away. The Datoh told them
to move away, and they gave a few yards, but at the
same time began to abuse the Resident, calling him
"
an infidel," and asking what he meant by coming
there asking questions and speaking like one in

authority. Probably the Resident did not under-
stand these ominous signs, but his boatmen heard
and realised that trouble was brewing.
Mr. Birch now gave some proclamations to the
who took them on shore and
interpreter, posted
them on the shutters of the Chinaman's
shop.
239