Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/22

6 me smiling at the idea of our being thus armed like wild corsairs, remarked—

"It is as well to be well armed—sometimes one comes to a close encounter when it is least expected. I well remember on one occasion it was well-nigh all up with me ; I wounded a wild boar, which immediately turned upon me—a common propensity with them when not hurt in any vital part—so I've been careful ever since." And in corroboration of his statement, he showed me a large scar on his leg, which had been torn by the tusk of the savage animal.

Whilst we were on the subject of arms, our host showed me a very curious old sword which he had bought of some Javanese gun-smith at Batavia. It was rather a rusty relic, but the blade seemed still capable of doing good service. On one side were cnsraved these well-known words: