Chapter XIII: The Chinese Insurrection

Secret Societies--Extensive Intercourse--Smuggling--The
Gold Company Fined--Punishment of Three of its
Members--Arrogance of the Kunsi--A Police Case--Real Causes
of the insurrection--An Emissary from the Tien Ti Secret
Society--Reported Encouragement given by the Sultan of
Sambas--Sambas Nobles speak Chinese--Their Nurses--The Nobles
Conspiring--An Emissary arrives in Brunei--Proposal--Knowledge
of the Intended Insurrection--Proposed Attack on the
Consulate--The Tumanggong’s Threat--The Emissary before the
Court--Letter from the Tien Ti Hué--Rumours of Intended
Insurrection--Preparations and Inquiries--Commencement of the
Revolt--Useless Warnings--Surprise of the Government House--
Danger of the Rajah--Cowardice of the Chinese--Escape--Swims
the River--Death of Mr. Nicholets--Attacks on the other
Houses--On the Stockade--Gallant Conduct of Mr. Crymble and the
Malay Fortmen--Warm Reception of the Rebels--Death of a
Madman--A Bravo Corporal--Escape of Mr. Crymble--His last
Blow--Fortmen again behave well--Confusion in the Town--Peaceful
Assurances--Attempt to organize a
Defence--Panic-striken--Departure--Conduct of the People--Next
Morning--Killed and Wounded--The Chinese in Power--The
Court-house--A Check to Joy--Oath of Fidelity--Courage Shown by
Abang Patah--A Blow struck--Second Descent of the
Chinese--A Boat Action--Gallant Attack--Deaths--Anecdote--The
Second Retreat--The Town in Flames--The Steamer--The Capital
recovered--Pursuit of the Chinese--They retire to the
Interior--Attacks of the Land Dayaks--Foray of the
Chinese--Their Fort taken by the Datu
Bandhar--Pursuit--Disorderly Retreat--Critical Position--Brave
Girls--Pass the Frontier--The Men of the Kunsi--A
Quarrel--Stripped of Plunder--Results of the Insurrection--Forces
at the Disposal of the Sarawak Government--Conduct of the
People--Disastrous to the Chinese--New System--Arrival of Armed
Chinese from Sambas--Dutch and English Assistance--Revisit
Sarawak--Change--Conduct of the Rajah--Its Effect on the
People--Secret Society at Labuan--Dangers from the Secret
Societies and their Defenders--Curious Incident--Thoughtful
Care of the Rajah 336