CHAPTER XXI.
The Qualla Battoo Incident.
Qualla Battoo is the name of a small Malay town, which stood on the northwestern coast of Sumatra.

In the month of February, 1831, the _Friendship_, a trading vessel from Salem, Mass., lay at anchor off the town, taking on board a cargo of pepper.

Her captain, Mr.Endicott, and crew numbered fifteen men.

There being no harbor, the vessel was about half a mile from shore.

The day was oppressively hot and no one on the _Friendship_ put forth more exertion than was absolutely necessary.