Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 2 (Stockdale).djvu/377

] workmen performing their operations in a manner very like our linen weavers. They use cotton threads of various colours; but red and blue appear to be the most in request among the natives.

About four o'clock in the afternoon we went to the village of Bouton to see the Sultan. We had not been informed that it was necessary to bring some presents with us, in order to be admitted to an audience. As we had nothing to offer him, he was not to be spoken with; but his son and nephew received us at the fort where he resides. They frequently repeated to us, with great emphasis, that the whole island was under his dominion; that he was an ally of the Dutch Company, and that their enemies were his enemies. They then told us that the natives of Ceram having lately invaded their coasts, four of them were taken and delivered up to the King, who immediately ordered them to be beheaded. They then desired us to step a few paces further, and shewed us, with an air of great satisfaction, the heads of these unfortunate islanders, exposed upon long poles planted on the walls of the fort.

The village of Bouton is built upon an eminence with a very steep declivity to the northwest, and surrounded with thick walls which secure the inhabitants from the incursions of their