Page 273 - Malay sketches

A PERSONAL INCIDENT

not been there. On our way back he told me he
was so amazed at the way the Kota Lama men talked
that he felt it wiser not to join in the conversation.
v
Arrived at Kuala Kangsar, I found the Raja
Muda and told him the result of visit to
Jusuf, my
Kota Lama. The Raja Muda's feelings towards the
Kota Lama were
people quite beyond expression,
and they were very cordially reciprocated.
The next morning, the 4th November, my work
being done, I started down river at 8.30 A.M.
I saw the Muda before I
Raja left, and, again
"
referring to my journal, I find that he said : No
early or permanent settlement can be made without
force, without making an example of some of the
opposition. They are quiet now because you are
here as soon as will If
; you go they begin again.
you and Raja Mahmud will come, and we may use
force, we can settle the matter in a fortnight."
Little as he thought it, the time for force was at
hand, for some was already past ; but if his pre-
diction was right, his estimate of the means required
to settle matters was over-
sanguine.
Stopping only for breakfast, my boats reached
Blanja at 4 P.M. It was my intention to spend
the night there, interview ex-Sultan Ismail, and
continue my journey the next day.
257 R