Life in the Forests of the Far East (Volume 2); With Numerous Illustrations (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1863. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVI. THE MISSIONS: KOMAN CATHOLIC AND PEOTESTANT. I Shall first notice the Roman Catholic mission, as it has proved of the least importance, and perhaps I may best explain its complete failure by giving an account of its chief. In the spring of the year 1857, a Roman Catholic mission arrived at our colony of Labuan. Its principal, Senor Cuarteron, a Spaniard, soon became an object of interest, from the various reports that were spread respecting his previous life, and from its becoming generally known that he was the possessor of great wealth acquired by extraordinary means. Strange stories were soon afloat, which would have done more credit to his adventurous spirit than to his honesty: it was asserted--and with truth--that the Manilla government had once set a price upon his head, and absurd whispers were abroad that he had been concerned in the slave-trade, and in buccaneering pursuits. I have often heard him tell his own story, and it is a curious one. He had noticed a ship loading treasure in Hongkong harbour, and accidentally hearing afterwards that a wreck had been seen on a certain shoal in the China seas which answered the description of the treasure ship, he went there and recovered a large amount of silver. He took it to Hongkong, and ultimately, there being no claimants, received the whole. Some of his enemies in Manilla took offence at his not bringing it to his own port, and accused him of having committed acts of piracy during the time he was engaged trading in the isles farther east. He heard of this charge while cruising in the Sulu seas, passing the necessary time before the treasure could be adjudged to him. Distrusting colonial justice, and to avoid pursuit, he burnt his vessel and escaped in a native boat. After some months all charg...