Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra13141884roya).pdf/272

 (Sakudei), the two Dato' thought that no one else could rule the country but Lêla Maharâja, for he was the grandson of the Dato' Bĕndahâra.

Then Dato' Lêla Bâlang went with Dato' Laut Dâlam who was a Mĕnangkâbau man with a Javanese wife, to Johor and there the son of Dato' Lêla Bâlang was appointed Pĕnghûlu Lêla Maharâja, but while he was in his minority Dato' Lêla Balang undertook the duties, and was given the title of Dato' Gĕmpa Maharâja.

Then came Dato' Laut Dâlam complaining to Dato' Lěla Bâlang that he had obtained the Pĕnghûluship for his son and the administration of it for himself with a title, while he, Dato' Laut Dâlam had got nothing for his trouble (the journey to Johor?). Then Dato' Lêla Bûlang returned to the presence the same day and represented the state of matters. The Râja asked whether Dato' Laut Dâlam had any daughters, and finding he had, decided that when he grew up Lêla Maharâja should marry Dato' Laut Dâlam's daughter, and if he got a child, that child should be Pĕnghûlu Sĕdîa Râja, whose duties should be undertaken by Dato' Laut Dâlam, and Dato' Laut Dâlam had the title of Dato' Mĕrah Bangsa conferred on him. They then returned to Rĕmbau.

It was subsequently decided, in consultation with Dato' Lĕteh, that all the Chěniâga branch of the Bâtu Hampar Sûku should be handed over to the charge of the Dato' Gĕmpa Maharâja, i.e., Dato' Lela Bâlang. The other four branches of the sûku remained under Dato' Lěteh, who was Dato' Putih, and have so continued to this day.

The descendants of Dato' Laut Dâlam became the "waris" of the Pĕnghûlu Sĕdia Râja, because of the mother having been Javanese, and when the "waris" of both Pĕnghûlus had become numerous, an elder was put over them with the name of Dato' Pĕrba, who was chosen alternately from each side, being at one time Jakun and the next Jawa.

Dato' Pûtih has always been considered to be connected with the