Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/63

Rh plot, were exiled to one of the Moluccas.

In the time of Pakoe Bowono II., who filled the throne nine years after the demise of his father, Hamanku Raht II., the Kraton was attacked and taken by Chinese insurgents, the Sultan and his followers narrowly escaping with their lives. Hamanku several times tried to drive out the unwelcome intruders; but as every attempt proved a failure, he called the Dutch to his assistance, and in conjunction with them accomplished his object. In return for the aid they had afforded him, he made several concessions of land to them. In consequence, however, of the Kraton having been seized, it was considered unlucky and deserted, the whole court and attendants migrating to a new Kraton which the Sultan had erected, and which, by a transposition of words, he called Soera-karta. But he was no sooner peacefully established here than fresh difficulties and troubles arose. His third brother, probably influenced by intriguing