DAPAXG, OR OUTRIGGED BOAT, MI-1 ISLANDS.
effect being again heightened by the flashing of numerous
spears. Filing through the narrow gate in the stockade,
they waited for some minutes ere the boats were quite
ready, and then embarked, a movement which occupied
nearly half an hour. Knowing that the boats would
block up the river when they eventually started, we returned
to the ship, from which an excellent view of the
procession of boats was obtained as they crossed the harbour
to reach the houses on the wharf. The sight was
extremely bright and pretty as the boats, with their gaily
attired occupants, emerged from the mouth of the river
and came across the bay. The Sultan’s boat was first,
and the fat old Commander-in-Chief of the forces sat on
the prow, paddle in hand, to steer clear of all impediments.
Next came the Sultana and her chief ladies in
a larger boat, two or three richly embroidered umbrellas
being held aloft, while her infant Son and nurse came
along in a third boat with numerous attendants, and
overshadowed by a splendid yellow silk three storied
umbrella, decorated with streamers to steady it, each of
these last being in the hands of a dusky slave. The
following boats, of which there were about a dozen, carried
the attendant nobles, headmen, minor ladies of the harem,
and the necessary attendants or slaves. Besides these
there was, of course, quite a crowd of natives in outrigged
boats and canoes of all sizes.
His Highness landed on the “ jimbatan,” and stood to
watch the landing of the Sultana and her suite. He was
surrounded by his people, all being, as is usual here
always, armed. One man carried a heavy Lanun sword,
while two others carried loaded revolvers in a very
awkward manner. His son, Datu Mahomed, came on
board as soon as he landed, and asked Mr. Cowie not to
fire the salute until the ladies had retired indoors. He
Q