Page:Malay Sketches.pdf/156

 bold disguise as that, and, pulling straight for the down-stream boats, steering right on and through them, the Pĕnglima called out, "Jâga-jâga, 'be on your guard,' the Shabandar sends orders to watch for the Pěnglima Prang Sĕmaun, he is trying to escape, I am warning all the boats."

No one could distinctly see who this messenger was, or even catch more than a shadowy glimpse of a spectral craft as she glided through the line, and in the excitement of expectation, the noise of firing and rival battle-shouts on shore, no one took special heed as to which way the messengers went, or whether that was the sound of their oars echoing faintly in the distance.

The Shabandar on his part made no long tarrying, but eager to revenge the murder of his brother, and feeling that at last the Pěnglima and Haji Ali were in his power, he determined to měng-âmok, to rush the house at once without waiting for daylight.

Whilst summoning his men for the assault, he heard the cries that told him the besieged were making an attempt to break through his stockades, and without further delay he dashed into Haji Mûsah's house, only to find it empty, the renowned Pĕnglina and his amiable friend gone, and with