"Youknow，Kaspar，"saidhe，inconclusion，totheexcitedAlmayer，"itisdeucedlyawkwardtohaveahalf-castegirlinthehouse。There'ssuchalotoffoolsabout。TherewasthatyoungfellowfromthebankwhousedtoridetotheVinckbungalowearlyandlate。ThatoldwomanthoughtitwasforthatEmmaofhers。
Whenshefoundoutwhathewantedexactly，therewasarow，Icantellyou。ShewouldnothaveNina——notanhourlonger——inthehouse。Factis，Iheardofthisaffairandtookthegirltomywife。Mywifeisaprettygoodwoman——aswomengo——anduponmywordwewouldhavekeptthegirlforyou，onlyshewouldnotstay。Now，then！Don'tflareup，Kaspar。Sitstill。
Whatcanyoudo？Itisbetterso。Letherstaywithyou。Shewasneverhappyoverthere。ThosetwoVinckgirlsarenobetterthandressed-upmonkeys。Theyslightedher。Youcan'tmakeherwhite。It'snouseyouswearingatme。Youcan't。
Sheisagoodgirlforallthat，butshewouldnottellmywifeanything。
Ifyouwanttoknow，askheryourself；butifIwasyouIwouldleaveheralone。Youarewelcometoherpassagemoney，oldfellow，ifyouareshortnow。"Andtheskipper，throwingawayhiscigar，walkedoffto"wakethemuponboard，"asheexpressedit。
Almayervainlyexpectedtohearofthecauseofhisdaughter'sreturnfromhisdaughter'slips。Notthatday，notonanyotherdaydidsheeveralludetoherSingaporelife。Hedidnotcaretoask，awedbythecalmimpassivenessofherface，bythosesolemneyeslookingpasthimonthegreat，stillforestssleepinginmajesticreposetothemurmurofthebroadriver。Heacceptedthesituation，happyinthegentleandprotectingaffectionthegirlshowedhim，fitfullyenough，forshehad，asshecalledit，herbaddayswhensheusedtovisithermotherandremainlonghoursintheriversidehut，comingoutasinscrutableasever，butwithacontemptuouslookandashortwordreadytoansweranyofhisspeeches。Hegotusedeventothat，andonthosedayskeptquiet，althoughgreatlyalarmedbyhiswife'sinfluenceuponthegirl。OtherwiseNinaadaptedherselfwonderfullytothecircumstancesofahalf-savageandmiserablelife。Sheacceptedwithoutquestionorapparentdisgusttheneglect，thedecay，thepovertyofthehousehold，theabsenceoffurniture，andthepreponderanceofricedietonthefamilytable。ShelivedwithAlmayerinthelittlehouse（nowsadlydecaying）builtoriginallybyLingardfortheyoungcouple。TheMalayseagerlydiscussedherarrival。TherewereatthebeginningcrowdedleveesofMalaywomenwiththeirchildren，seekingeagerlyafter"Ubat"foralltheillsofthefleshfromtheyoungMemPutih。InthecooloftheeveninggraveArabsinlongwhiteshirtsandyellowsleevelessjacketswalkedslowlyonthedustypathbytheriversidetowardsAlmayer'sgate，andmadesolemncallsuponthatUnbelieverundershallowpretencesofbusiness，onlytogetaglimpseoftheyounggirlinahighlydecorousmanner。EvenLakambacameoutofhisstockadeinagreatpompofwarcanoesandredumbrellas，andlandedontherottenlittlejettyofLingardandCo。Hecame，hesaid，tobuyacoupleofbrassgunsasapresenttohisfriendthechiefofSambirDyaks；andwhileAlmayer，suspiciousbutpolite，busiedhimselfinunearthingtheoldpopgunsinthegodowns，theRajahsatonanarmchairintheverandah，surroundedbyhisrespectfulretinuewaitinginvainforNina'sappearance。Shewasinoneofherbaddays，andremainedinhermother'shutwatchingwithhertheceremoniousproceedingsontheverandah。TheRajahdeparted，baffledbutcourteous，andsoonAlmayerbegantoreapthebenefitofimprovedrelationswiththerulerintheshapeoftherecoveryofsomedebts，paidtohimwithmanyapologiesandmanyalowsalaambydebtorstillthenconsideredhopelesslyinsolvent。UndertheseimprovingcircumstancesAlmayerbrightenedupalittle。
Allwasnotlostperhaps。ThoseArabsandMalayssawatlastthathewasamanofsomeability，hethought。Andhebegan，afterhismanner，toplangreatthings，todreamofgreatfortunesforhimselfandNina。EspeciallyforNina！UnderthesevivifyingimpulsesheaskedCaptainFordtowritetohisfriendsinEnglandmakinginquiriesafterLingard。Washealiveordead？
Ifdead，hadheleftanypapers，documents；anyindicationsorhintsastohisgreatenterprise？Meantimehehadfoundamongsttherubbishinoneoftheemptyroomsanote-bookbelongingtotheoldadventurer。Hestudiedthecrabbedhandwritingofitspagesandoftengrewmeditativeoverit。Otherthingsalsowokehimupfromhisapathy。ThestirmadeinthewholeoftheislandbytheestablishmentoftheBritishBorneoCompanyaffectedeventhesluggishflowofthePantailife。Greatchangeswereexpected；annexationwastalkedof；theArabsgrewcivil。
Almayerbeganbuildinghisnewhousefortheuseofthefutureengineers，agents，orsettlersofthenewCompany。Hespenteveryavailableguilderonitwithaconfidingheart。Onethingonlydisturbedhishappiness：hiswifecameoutofherseclusion，importinghergreenjacket，scantsarongs，shrillvoice，andwitch-likeappearance，intohisquietlifeinthesmallbungalow。Andhisdaughterseemedtoacceptthatsavageintrusionintotheirdailyexistencewithwonderfulequanimity。
Hedidnotlikeit，butdaredsaynothing。
chapter03
CHAPTERIII。
ThedeliberationsconductedinLondonhaveafar-reachingimportance，andsothedecisionissuedfromthefog-veiledofficesoftheBorneoCompanydarkenedforAlmayerthebrilliantsunshineoftheTropics，andaddedanotherdropofbitternesstothecupofhisdisenchantments。TheclaimtothatpartoftheEastCoastwasabandoned，leavingthePantairiverunderthenominalpowerofHolland。InSambirtherewasjoyandexcitement。Theslaveswerehurriedoutofsightintotheforestandjungle，andtheflagswererunuptotallpolesintheRajah'scompoundinexpectationofavisitfromDutchman-of-warboats。
Thefrigateremainedanchoredoutsidethemouthoftheriver，andtheboatscameupintowofthesteamlaunch，threadingtheirwaycautiouslyamongstacrowdofcanoesfilledwithgailydressedMalays。TheofficerincommandlistenedgravelytotheloyalspeechesofLakamba，returnedthesalaamsofAbdulla，andassuredthosegentlemeninchoiceMalayofthegreatRajah's——downinBatavia——friendshipandgoodwilltowardstherulerandinhabitantsofthismodelstateofSambir。
Almayerfromhisverandahwatchedacrosstheriverthefestiveproceedings，heardthereportofbrassgunssalutingthenewflagpresentedtoLakamba，andthedeepmurmurofthecrowdofspectatorssurgingroundthestockade。Thesmokeofthefiringroseinwhitecloudsonthegreenbackgroundoftheforests，andhecouldnothelpcomparinghisownfleetinghopestotherapidlydisappearingvapour。Hewasbynomeanspatrioticallyelatedbytheevent，yethehadtoforcehimselfintoagraciousbehaviourwhen，theofficialreceptionbeingover，thenavalofficersoftheCommissioncrossedtherivertopayavisittothesolitarywhitemanofwhomtheyhadheard，nodoubtwishingalsotocatchaglimpseofhisdaughter。Inthattheyweredisappointed，Ninarefusingtoshowherself；buttheyseemedeasilyconsoledbytheginandcherootssetbeforethembythehospitableAlmayer；andsprawlingcomfortablyonthelamearmchairsundertheshadeoftheverandah，whiletheblazingsunshineoutsideseemedtosetthegreatriversimmeringintheheat，theyfilledthelittlebungalowwiththeunusualsoundsofEuropeanlanguages，withnoiseandlaughterproducedbynavalwitticismsattheexpenseofthefatLakambawhomtheyhadbeencomplimentingsomuchthatverymorning。Theyoungermeninanaccessofgoodfellowshipmadetheirhosttalk，andAlmayer，excitedbythesightofEuropeanfaces，bythesoundofEuropeanvoices，openedhisheartbeforethesympathisingstrangers，unawareoftheamusementtherecitalofhismanymisfortunescausedtothosefutureadmirals。
Theydrankhishealth，wishedhimmanybigdiamondsandamountainofgold，expressedevenanenvyofthehighdestiniesawaitinghimyet。Encouragedbysomuchfriendliness，thegrey-headedandfoolishdreamerinvitedhisgueststovisithisnewhouse。Theywenttherethroughthelonggrassinastragglingprocessionwhiletheirboatsweregotreadyforthereturndowntheriverinthecooloftheevening。Andinthegreatemptyroomswherethetepidwindenteringthroughthesashlesswindowswhirledgentlythedriedleavesandthedustofmanydaysofneglect，Almayerinhiswhitejacketandfloweredsarong，surroundedbyacircleofglitteringuniforms，stampedhisfoottoshowthesolidityoftheneatly-fittingfloorsandexpatiateduponthebeautiesandconvenienceofthebuilding。
Theylistenedandassented，amazedbythewonderfulsimplicityandthefoolishhopefulnessoftheman，tillAlmayer，carriedawaybyhisexcitement，disclosedhisregretatthenon-arrivaloftheEnglish，"whoknewhowtodeveloparichcountry，"asheexpressedit。TherewasagenerallaughamongsttheDutchofficersatthatunsophisticatedstatement，andamovewasmadetowardstheboats；butwhenAlmayer，steppingcautiouslyontherottenboardsoftheLingardjetty，triedtoapproachthechiefoftheCommissionwithsometimidhintsanenttheprotectionrequiredbytheDutchsubjectagainstthewilyArabs，thatsaltwaterdiplomattoldhimsignificantlythattheArabswerebettersubjectsthanHollanderswhodealtillegallyingunpowderwiththeMalays。TheinnocentAlmayerrecognisedthereatoncetheoilytongueofAbdullaandthesolemnpersuasivenessofLakamba，buterehehadtimetoframeanindignantprotestthesteamlaunchandthestringofboatsmovedrapidlydowntheriverleavinghimonthejetty，standingopen-mouthedinhissurpriseandanger。TherearethirtymilesofriverfromSambirtothegem-likeislandsoftheestuarywherethefrigatewasawaitingthereturnoftheboats。Themoonroselongbeforetheboatshadtraversedhalfthatdistance，andtheblackforestsleepingpeacefullyunderhercoldrayswokeupthatnighttotheringinglaughterinthesmallflotillaprovokedbysomereminiscenceofAlmayer'slamentablenarrative。Salt-waterjestsatthepoorman'sexpensewerepassedfromboattoboat，thenon-appearanceofhisdaughterwascommenteduponwithseveredispleasure，andthehalf-finishedhousebuiltforthereceptionofEnglishmenreceivedonthatjoyousnightthenameof"Almayer'sFolly"bytheunanimousvoteofthelightheartedseamen。
FormanyweeksafterthisvisitlifeinSambirresumeditsevenanduneventfulflow。Eachday'ssunshootingitsmorningraysabovethetree-topslituptheusualsceneofdailyactivity。
Ninawalkingonthepaththatformedtheonlystreetinthesettlementsawtheaccustomedsightofmenlollingontheshadysideofthehouses，onthehighplatforms；ofwomenbusilyengagedinhuskingthedailyrice；ofnakedbrownchildrenracingalongtheshadyandnarrowpathsleadingtotheclearings。
Jim-Eng，strollingbeforehishouse，greetedherwithafriendlynodbeforeclimbingupindoorstoseekhisbelovedopiumpipe。
Theelderchildrenclusteredroundher，daringfromlongacquaintance，pullingtheskirtsofherwhiterobewiththeirdarkfingers，andshowingtheirbrilliantteethinexpectationofashowerofglassbeads。Shegreetedthemwithaquietsmile，butalwayshadafewfriendlywordsforaSiamesegirl，aslaveownedbyBulangi，whosenumerouswivesweresaidtobeofaviolenttemper。Well-foundedrumoursaidalsothatthedomesticsquabblesofthatindustriouscultivatorendedgenerallyinacombinedassaultofallhiswivesupontheSiameseslave。Thegirlherselfnevercomplained——perhapsfromdictatesofprudence，butmorelikelythroughthestrange，resignedapathyofhalf-savagewomankind。Fromearlymorningshewastobeseenonthepathsamongstthehouses——bytheriversideoronthejetties，thetrayofpastry，itwashermissiontosell，skilfullybalancedonherhead。DuringthegreatheatofthedaysheusuallysoughtrefugeinAlmayer'scampong，oftenfindingshelterinashadycorneroftheverandah，whereshesquattedwithhertraybeforeher，wheninvitedbyNina。For"MemPutih"shehadalwaysasmile，butthepresenceofMrs。Almayer，theverysoundofhershrillvoice，wasthesignalforahurrieddeparture。
TothisgirlNinaoftenspoke；theotherinhabitantsofSambirseldomorneverheardthesoundofhervoice。Theygotusedtothesilentfiguremovingintheirmidstcalmandwhite-robed，abeingfromanotherworldandincomprehensibletothem。YetNina'slifeforallheroutwardcomposure，foralltheseemingdetachmentfromthethingsandpeoplesurroundingher，wasfarfromquiet，inconsequenceofMrs。Almayerbeingmuchtooactiveforthehappinessandevensafetyofthehousehold。ShehadresumedsomeintercoursewithLakamba，notpersonally，itistrue（forthedignityofthatpotentatekepthiminsidehisstockade），butthroughtheagencyofthatpotentate'sprimeminister，harbourmaster，financialadviser，andgeneralfactotum。
Thatgentleman——ofSuluorigin——wascertainlyendowedwithstatesmanlikequalities，althoughhewastotallydevoidofpersonalcharms。Intruthhewasperfectlyrepulsive，possessingonlyoneeyeandapockmarkedface，withnoseandlipshorriblydisfiguredbythesmall-pox。ThisunengagingindividualoftenstrolledintoAlmayer'sgardeninunofficialcostume，composedofapieceofpinkcalicoroundhiswaist。Thereatthebackofthehouse，squattingonhisheelsonscatteredembers，incloseproximitytothegreatironboiler，wherethefamilydailyricewasbeingcookedbythewomenunderMrs。Almayer'ssuperintendence，didthatastutenegotiatorcarryonlongconversationsinSululanguagewithAlmayer'swife。WhatthesubjectoftheirdiscourseswasmighthavebeenguessedfromthesubsequentdomesticscenesbyAlmayer'shearthstone。
OflateAlmayerhadtakentoexcursionsuptheriver。InasmallcanoewithtwopaddlersandthefaithfulAliforasteersmanhewoulddisappearforafewdaysatatime。AllhismovementswerenodoubtcloselywatchedbyLakambaandAbdulla，forthemanonceintheconfidenceofRajahLautwassupposedtobeinpossessionofvaluablesecrets。ThecoastpopulationofBorneobelievesimplicitlyindiamondsoffabulousvalue，ingoldminesofenormousrichnessintheinterior。Andallthoseimaginingsareheightenedbythedifficultyofpenetratingfarinland，especiallyonthenorth-eastcoast，wheretheMalaysandtherivertribesofDyaksorHead-huntersareeternallyquarrelling。
ItistrueenoughthatsomegoldreachesthecoastinthehandsofthoseDyakswhen，duringshortperiodsoftruceinthedesultorywarfare，theyvisitthecoastsettlementsofMalays。
Andsothewildestexaggerationsarebuiltupandaddedtoontheslightbasisofthatfact。
Almayerinhisqualityofwhiteman——asLingardbeforehim——hadsomewhatbetterrelationswiththeup-rivertribes。Yetevenhisexcursionswerenotwithoutdanger，andhisreturnswereeagerlylookedforbytheimpatientLakamba。ButeverytimetheRajahwasdisappointed。Vainweretheconferencesbytherice-potofhisfactotumBabalatchiwiththewhiteman'swife。Thewhitemanhimselfwasimpenetrable——impenetrabletopersuasion，coaxing，abuse；tosoftwordsandshrillrevilings；todesperatebeseechingsormurderousthreats；forMrs。Almayer，inherextremedesiretopersuadeherhusbandintoanalliancewithLakamba，playeduponthewholegamutofpassion。Withhersoiledrobewoundtightlyunderthearmpitsacrossherleanbosom，herscantgrayishhairtumbledindisorderoverherprojectingcheek-bones，insuppliantattitude，shedepictedwithshrillvolubilitytheadvantagesofcloseunionwithamansogoodandsofairdealing。
"Whydon'tyougototheRajah？"shescreamed。"WhydoyougobacktothoseDyaksinthegreatforest？Theyshouldbekilled。
Youcannotkillthem，youcannot；butourRajah'smenarebrave！
YoutelltheRajahwheretheoldwhiteman'streasureis。OurRajahisgood！Heisourverygrandfather，DatuBesar！HewillkillthosewretchedDyaks，andyoushallhavehalfthetreasure。
Oh，Kaspar，tellwherethetreasureis！Tellme！Tellmeoutoftheoldman'ssuratwhereyoureadsooftenatnight"
OnthoseoccasionsAlmayersatwithroundedshouldersbendingtotheblastofthisdomestictempest，accentuatingonlyeachpauseinthetorrentofhiswife'seloquencebyanangrygrowl，"Thereisnotreasure！Goaway，woman！"Exasperatedbythesightofhispatientlybentback，shewouldatlastwalkroundsoastofacehimacrossthetable，andclaspingherrobewithonehandshestretchedtheotherleanarmandclaw-likehandtoemphasise，inapassionofangerandcontempt，therapidrushofscathingremarksandbittercursingsheapedontheheadofthemanunworthytoassociatewithbraveMalaychiefs。ItendedgenerallybyAlmayerrisingslowly，hislongpipeinhand，hisfacesetintoalookofinwardpain，andwalkingawayinsilence。
Hedescendedthestepsandplungedintothelonggrassonhiswaytothesolitudeofhisnewhouse，dragginghisfeetinastateofphysicalcollapsefromdisgustandfearbeforethatfury。Shefollowedtotheheadofthesteps，andsenttheshaftsofindiscriminateabuseaftertheretreatingform。Andeachofthosesceneswasconcludedbyapiercingshriek，reachinghimfaraway。"Youknow，Kaspar，Iamyourwife！yourownChristianwifeafteryourownBlandalaw！"Forsheknewthatthiswasthebitterestthingofall；thegreatestregretofthatman'slife。
AllthesescenesNinawitnessedunmoved。Shemighthavebeendeaf，dumb，withoutanyfeelingasfarasanyexpressionofopinionwent。Yetoftwhenherfatherhadsoughttherefugeofthegreatdustyroomsof"Almayer'sFolly，"andhermother，exhaustedbyrhetoricalefforts，squattedwearilyonherheelswithherbackagainstthelegofthetable，Ninawouldapproachhercuriously，guardingherskirtsfrombeteljuicebesprinklingthefloor，andgazedownuponherasonemightlookintothequiescentcraterofavolcanoafteradestructiveeruption。Mrs。
Almayer'sthoughts，afterthesescenes，wereusuallyturnedintoachannelofchildhoodreminiscences，andshegavethemutteranceinakindofmonotonousrecitative——slightlydisconnected，butgenerallydescribingthegloriesoftheSultanofSulu，hisgreatsplendour，hispower，hisgreatprowess；thefearwhichbenumbedtheheartsofwhitemenatthesightofhisswiftpiraticalpraus。Andthesemutteredstatementsofhergrandfather'smightweremixedupwithbitsoflaterrecollections，wherethegreatfightwiththe"WhiteDevil's"
brigandtheconventlifeinSamarangoccupiedtheprincipalplace。Atthatpointsheusuallydroppedthethreadofhernarrative，andpullingoutthelittlebrasscross，alwayssuspendedroundherneck，shecontemplateditwithsuperstitiousawe。Thatsuperstitiousfeelingconnectedwithsomevaguetalismanicpropertiesofthelittlebitofmetal，andthestillmorehazybutterriblenotionofsomebadDjinnsandhorribletormentsinvented，asshethought，forherespecialpunishmentbythegoodMotherSuperiorincaseofthelossoftheabovecharm，wereMrs。Almayer'sonlytheologicalluggageforthestormyroadoflife。Mrs。Almayerhadatleastsomethingtangibletoclingto，butNina，broughtupundertheProtestantwingoftheproperMrs。Vinck，hadnotevenalittlepieceofbrasstoremindherofpastteaching。Andlisteningtotherecitalofthosesavageglories，thosebarbarousfightsandsavagefeasting，tothestoryofdeedsvalorous，albeitsomewhatbloodthirsty，wheremenofhermother'sraceshonefarabovetheOrangBlanda，shefeltherselfirresistiblyfascinated，andsawwithvaguesurprisethenarrowmantleofcivilisedmorality，inwhichgood-meaningpeoplehadwrappedheryoungsoul，fallawayandleavehershiveringandhelplessasifontheedgeofsomedeepandunknownabyss。
Strangestofall，thisabyssdidnotfrightenherwhenshewasundertheinfluenceofthewitch-likebeingshecalledhermother。SheseemedtohaveforgottenincivilisedsurroundingsherlifebeforethetimewhenLingardhad，sotospeak，kidnappedherfromBrow。SincethenshehadhadChristianteaching，socialeducation，andagoodglimpseofcivilisedlife。Unfortunatelyherteachersdidnotunderstandhernature，andtheeducationendedinasceneofhumiliation，inanoutburstofcontemptfromwhitepeopleforhermixedblood。ShehadtastedthewholebitternessofitandremembereddistinctlythatthevirtuousMrs。
Vinck'sindignationwasnotsomuchdirectedagainsttheyoungmanfromthebankasagainsttheinnocentcauseofthatyoungman'sinfatuation。AndtherewasalsonodoubtinhermindthattheprincipalcauseofMrs。Vinck'sindignationwasthethoughtthatsuchathingshouldhappeninawhitenest，wherehersnow-whitedoves，thetwoMissesVinck，hadjustreturnedfromEurope，tofindshelterunderthematernalwing，andthereawaitthecomingofirreproachablemenoftheirdestiny。NoteventhethoughtofthemoneysopainfullyscrapedtogetherbyAlmayer，andsopunctuallysentforNina'sexpenses，coulddissuadeMrs。
Vinckfromhervirtuousresolve。Ninawassentaway，andintruththegirlherselfwantedtogo，althoughalittlefrightenedbytheimpendingchange。Andnowshehadlivedontheriverforthreeyearswithasavagemotherandafatherwalkingaboutamongstpitfalls，withhisheadintheclouds，weak，irresolute，andunhappy。Shehadlivedalifedevoidofallthedecenciesofcivilisation，inmiserabledomesticconditions；shehadbreathedintheatmosphereofsordidplottingsforgain，ofthenolessdisgustingintriguesandcrimesforlustormoney；andthosethings，togetherwiththedomesticquarrels，weretheonlyeventsofherthreeyears'existence。Shedidnotdiefromdespairanddisgustthefirstmonth，assheexpectedandalmosthopedfor。
Onthecontrary，attheendofhalfayearithadseemedtoherthatshehadknownnootherlife。Heryoungmindhavingbeenunskilfullypermittedtoglanceatbetterthings，andthenthrownbackagainintothehopelessquagmireofbarbarism，fullofstronganduncontrolledpassions，hadlostthepowertodiscriminate。ItseemedtoNinathattherewasnochangeandnodifference。Whethertheytradedinbrickgodownsoronthemuddyriverbank；whethertheyreachedaftermuchorlittle；whethertheymadeloveundertheshadowsofthegreattreesorintheshadowofthecathedralontheSingaporepromenade；whethertheyplottedfortheirownendsundertheprotectionoflawsandaccordingtotherulesofChristianconduct，orwhethertheysoughtthegratificationoftheirdesireswiththesavagecunningandtheunrestrainedfiercenessofnaturesasinnocentofcultureastheirownimmenseandgloomyforests，Ninasawonlythesamemanifestationsofloveandhateandofsordidgreedchasingtheuncertaindollarinallitsmultifariousandvanishingshapes。
Toherresolutenature，however，afteralltheseyears，thesavageanduncompromisingsincerityofpurposeshownbyherMalaykinsmenseemedatlastpreferabletothesleekhypocrisy，tothepolitedisguises，tothevirtuouspretencesofsuchwhitepeopleasshehadhadthemisfortunetocomeincontactwith。
Afterallitwasherlife；itwasgoingtobeherlife，andsothinkingshefellmoreandmoreundertheinfluenceofhermother。Seeking，inherignorance，abettersidetothatlife，shelistenedwithaviditytotheoldwoman'stalesofthedepartedgloriesoftheRajahs，fromwhoseraceshehadsprung，andshebecamegraduallymoreindifferent，morecontemptuousofthewhitesideofherdescentrepresentedbyafeebleandtraditionlessfather。
Almayer'sdifficultieswerebynomeansdiminishedbythegirl'spresenceinSambir。Thestircausedbyherarrivalhaddiedout，itistrue，andLakambahadnotrenewedhisvisits；butaboutayearafterthedepartureoftheman-of-warboatsthenephewofAbdulla，SyedReshid，returnedfromhispilgrimagetoMecca，rejoicinginagreenjacketandtheproudtitleofHadji。Therewasagreatlettingoffofrocketsonboardthesteamerwhichbroughthimin，andagreatbeatingofdrumsallnightinAbdulla'scompound，whilethefeastofwelcomewasprolongedfarintothesmallhoursofthemorning。ReshidwasthefavouritenephewandheirofAbdulla，andthatlovinguncle，meetingAlmayeronedaybytheriverside，stoppedpolitelytoexchangecivilitiesandtoasksolemnlyforaninterview。Almayersuspectedsomeattemptataswindle，oratanyratesomethingunpleasant，butofcourseconsentedwithagreatshowofrejoicing。Accordinglythenextevening，aftersunset，Abdullacame，accompaniedbyseveralothergrey-beardsandbyhisnephew。
Thatyoungman——ofaveryrakishanddissipatedappearance——
affectedthegreatestindifferenceastothewholeoftheproceedings。Whenthetorch-bearershadgroupedthemselvesbelowthesteps，andthevisitorshadseatedthemselvesonvariouslamechairs，Reshidstoodapartintheshadow，examininghisaristocraticallysmallhandswithgreatattention。Almayer，surprisedbythegreatsolemnityofhisvisitors，perchedhimselfonthecornerofthetablewithacharacteristicwantofdignityquicklynotedbytheArabswithgravedisapproval。ButAbdullaspokenow，lookingstraightpastAlmayerattheredcurtainhanginginthedoorway，whereaslighttremordisclosedthepresenceofwomenontheotherside。HebeganbyneatlycomplimentingAlmayeruponthelongyearstheyhaddwelttogetherincordialneighbourhood，andcalleduponAllahtogivehimmanymoreyearstogladdentheeyesofhisfriendsbyhiswelcomepresence。Hemadeapoliteallusiontothegreatconsiderationshownhim（Almayer）bytheDutch"Commissie，"anddrewthencetheflatteringinferenceofAlmayer'sgreatimportanceamongsthisownpeople。He——Abdulla——wasalsoimportantamongstalltheArabs，andhisnephewReshidwouldbeheirofthatsocialpositionandofgreatriches。NowReshidwasaHadji。HewaspossessorofseveralMalaywomen，wentonAbdulla，butitwastimehehadafavouritewife，thefirstofthefourallowedbytheProphet。And，speakingwithwell-bredpoliteness，heexplainedfurthertothedumbfoundedAlmayerthat，ifhewouldconsenttotheallianceofhisoffspringwiththattruebelieverandvirtuousmanReshid，shewouldbethemistressofallthesplendoursofReshid'shouse，andfirstwifeofthefirstArabintheIslands，whenhe——Abdulla——wascalledtothejoysofParadisebyAllahtheAll-merciful。"Youknow，Tuan，"hesaid，inconclusion，"theotherwomenwouldbeherslaves，andReshid'shouseisgreat。FromBombayhehasbroughtgreatdivans，andcostlycarpets，andEuropeanfurniture。Thereisalsoagreatlooking-glassinaframeshininglikegold。Whatcouldagirlwantmore？"AndwhileAlmayerlookeduponhiminsilentdismayAbdullaspokeinamoreconfidentialtone，wavinghisattendantsaway，andfinishedhisspeechbypointingoutthematerialadvantagesofsuchanalliance，andofferingtosettleuponAlmayerthreethousanddollarsasasignofhissincerefriendshipandthepriceofthegirl。
PoorAlmayerwasnearlyhavingafit。BurningwiththedesireoftakingAbdullabythethroat，hehadbuttothinkofhishelplesspositioninthemidstoflawlessmentocomprehendthenecessityofdiplomaticconciliation。Hemasteredhisimpulses，andspokepolitelyandcoldly，sayingthegirlwasyoungandastheappleofhiseye。TuanReshid，aFaithfulandaHadji，wouldnotwantaninfidelwomaninhisharem；and，seeingAbdullasmilescepticallyatthatlastobjection，heremainedsilent，nottrustinghimselftospeakmore，notdaringtorefusepoint-blank，noryettosayanythingcompromising。Abdullaunderstoodthemeaningofthatsilence，androsetotakeleavewithagravesalaam。HewishedhisfriendAlmayer"athousandyears，"andmoveddownthesteps，helpeddutifullybyReshid。Thetorch-
bearersshooktheirtorches，scatteringashowerofsparksintotheriver，andthecortegemovedoff，leavingAlmayeragitatedbutgreatlyrelievedbytheirdeparture。Hedroppedintoachairandwatchedtheglimmerofthelightsamongstthetreetrunkstilltheydisappearedandcompletesilencesucceededthetrampoffeetandthemurmurofvoices。HedidnotmovetillthecurtainrustledandNinacameoutontheverandahandsatintherocking-chair，wheresheusedtospendmanyhourseveryday。Shegaveaslightrockingmotiontoherseat，leaningbackwithhalf-closedeyes，herlonghairshadingherfacefromthesmokylightofthelamponthetable。Almayerlookedatherfurtively，butthefacewasasimpassibleasever。Sheturnedherheadslightlytowardsherfather，and，speaking，tohisgreatsurprise，inEnglish，asked——
"WasthatAbdullahere？"
"Yes，"saidAlmayer——"justgone。"
"Andwhatdidhewant，father？"
"HewantedtobuyyouforReshid，"answeredAlmayer，brutally，hisangergettingthebetterofhim，andlookingatthegirlasifinexpectationofsomeoutbreakoffeeling。ButNinaremainedapparentlyunmoved，gazingdreamilyintotheblacknightoutside。
"Becareful，Nina，"saidAlmayer，afterashortsilenceandrisingfromhischair，"whenyougopaddlingaloneintothecreeksinyourcanoe。ThatReshidisaviolentscoundrel，andthereisnosayingwhathemaydo。Doyouhearme？"
Shewasstandingnow，readytogoin，onehandgraspingthecurtaininthedoorway。Sheturnedround，throwingherheavytressesbackbyasuddengesture。
"Doyouthinkhewoulddare？"sheasked，quickly，andthenturnedagaintogoin，addinginalowertone，"Hewouldnotdare。
Arabsareallcowards。"
Almayerlookedafterher，astonished。Hedidnotseekthereposeofhishammock。Hewalkedthefloorabsently，sometimesstoppingbythebalustradetothink。Thelampwentout。Thefirststreakofdawnbrokeovertheforest；Almayershiveredinthedampair。
"Igiveitup，"hemutteredtohimself，lyingdownwearily。
"Damnthosewomen！Well！Ifthegirldidnotlookasifshewantedtobekidnapped！"
Andhefeltanamelessfearcreepintohisheart，makinghimshiveragain。
chapter04
CHAPTERIV。
Thatyear，towardsthebreakingupofthesouth-westmonsoon，disquietingrumoursreachedSambir。CaptainFord，cominguptoAlmayer'shouseforanevening'schat，broughtlatenumbersoftheStraitsTimesgivingthenewsofAcheenwarandoftheunsuccessfulDutchexpedition。TheNakhodasoftheraretradingprausascendingtheriverpaidvisitstoLakamba，discussingwiththatpotentatetheunsettledstateofaffairs，andwaggedtheirheadsgravelyovertherecitalofOrangBlandaexaction，severity，andgeneraltyranny，asexemplifiedinthetotalstoppageofgunpowdertradeandtherigorousvisitingofallsuspiciouscrafttradinginthestraitsofMacassar。EventheloyalsoulofLakambawasstirredintoastateofinwarddiscontentbythewithdrawalofhislicenseforpowderandbytheabruptconfiscationofonehundredandfiftybarrelsofthatcommoditybythegunboatPrincessAmelia，when，afterahazardousvoyage，ithadalmostreachedthemouthoftheriver。TheunpleasantnewswasgivenhimbyReshid，who，aftertheunsuccessfulissueofhismatrimonialprojects，hadmadealongvoyageamongsttheislandsfortradingpurposes；hadboughtthepowderforhisfriend，andwasoverhauledanddeprivedofitonhisreturnwhenactuallycongratulatinghimselfonhisacutenessinavoidingdetection。Reshid'swrathwasprincipallydirectedagainstAlmayer，whomhesuspectedofhavingnotifiedtheDutchauthoritiesofthedesultorywarfarecarriedonbytheArabsandtheRajahwiththeup-riverDyaktribes。
ToReshid'sgreatsurprisetheRajahreceivedhiscomplaintsverycoldly，andshowednosignsofvengefuldispositiontowardsthewhiteman。Intruth，LakambaknewverywellthatAlmayerwasperfectlyinnocentofanymeddlinginstateaffairs；andbesides，hisattitudetowardsthatmuchpersecutedindividualwaswhollychangedinconsequenceofareconciliationeffectedbetweenhimandhisoldenemybyAlmayer'snewly-foundfriend，DainMaroola。
Almayerhadnowafriend。ShortlyafterReshid'sdepartureonhiscommercialjourney，Nina，driftingslowlywiththetideinthecanoeonherreturnhomeafteroneofhersolitaryexcursions，heardinoneofthesmallcreeksasplashing，asifofheavyropesdroppinginthewater，andtheprolongedsongofMalayseamenwhensomeheavypullingistobedone。ThroughthethickfringeofbusheshidingthemouthofthecreekshesawthetallsparsofsomeEuropean-riggedsailingvesselovertoppingthesummitsoftheNipapalms。Abrigwasbeinghauledoutofthesmallcreekintothemainstream。Thesunhadset，andduringtheshortmomentsoftwilightNinasawthebrig，aidedbytheeveningbreezeandtheflowingtide，headtowardsSambirunderhersetforesail。Thegirlturnedhercanoeoutofthemainriverintooneofthemanynarrowchannelsamongstthewoodedislets，andpaddledvigorouslyovertheblackandsleepybackwaterstowardsSambir。Hercanoebrushedthewater-palms，skirtedtheshortspacesofmuddybankwheresedatealligatorslookedatherwithlazyunconcern，and，justasdarknesswassettingin，shotoutintothebroadjunctionofthetwomainbranchesoftheriver，wherethebrigwasalreadyatanchorwithsailsfurled，yardssquared，anddecksseeminglyuntenantedbyanyhumanbeing。NinahadtocrosstheriverandpassprettyclosetothebriginordertoreachhomeonthelowpromontorybetweenthetwobranchesofthePantai。Upbothbranches，inthehousesbuiltonthebanksandoverthewater，thelightstwinkledalready，reflectedinthestillwatersbelow。Thehumofvoices，theoccasionalcryofachild，therapidandabruptlyinterruptedrollofawoodendrum，togetherwithsomedistanthailinginthedarknessbythereturningfishermen，reachedheroverthebroadexpanseoftheriver。Shehesitatedalittlebeforecrossing，thesightofsuchanunusualobjectasanEuropean-riggedvesselcausinghersomeuneasiness，buttheriverinitswideexpansionwasdarkenoughtorenderasmallcanoeinvisible。Sheurgedhersmallcraftwithswiftstrokesofherpaddle，kneelinginthebottomandbendingforwardtocatchanysuspicioussoundwhileshesteeredtowardsthelittlejettyofLingardandCo。，towhichthestronglightoftheparaffinlampshiningonthewhitewashedverandahofAlmayer'sbungalowservedasaconvenientguide。Thejettyitself，undertheshadowofthebankovergrownbydroopingbushes，washiddenindarkness。Beforeevenshecouldseeitsheheardthehollowbumpingofalargeboatagainstitsrottenposts，andheardalsothemurmurofwhisperedconversationinthatboatwhosewhitepaintandgreatdimensions，faintlyvisibleonnearerapproach，madeherrightlyguessthatitbelongedtothebrigjustanchored。Stoppinghercoursebyarapidmotionofherpaddle，withanotherswiftstrokeshesentitwhirlingawayfromthewharfandsteeredforalittlerivuletwhichgaveaccesstothebackcourtyardofthehouse。Shelandedatthemuddyheadofthecreekandmadeherwaytowardsthehouseoverthetroddengrassofthecourtyard。Totheleft，fromthecookingshed，shonearedglarethroughthebananaplantationsheskirted，andthenoiseoffemininelaughterreachedherfromthereinthesilentevening。Sherightlyjudgedhermotherwasnotnear，laughterandMrs。Almayernotbeingcloseneighbours。Shemustbeinthehouse，thoughtNina，assheranlightlyuptheinclinedplaneofshakyplanksleadingtothebackdoorofthenarrowpassagedividingthehouseintwo。Outsidethedoorway，intheblackshadow，stoodthefaithfulAli。
"Whoisthere？"askedNina。
"AgreatMalaymanhascome，"answeredAli，inatoneofsuppressedexcitement。"Heisarichman。Therearesixmenwithlances。RealSoldat，youunderstand。Andhisdressisverybrave。Ihaveseenhisdress。Itshines！Whatjewels！
Don'tgothere，MemNina。Tuansaidnot；buttheoldMemisgone。
Tuanwillbeangry。MercifulAllah！whatjewelsthatmanhasgot！"
Ninaslippedpasttheoutstretchedhandoftheslaveintothedarkpassagewhere，inthecrimsonglowofthehangingcurtain，closebyitsotherend，shecouldseeasmalldarkformcrouchingnearthewall。Hermotherwasfeastinghereyesandearswithwhatwastakingplaceonthefrontverandah，andNinaapproachedtotakehershareintherarepleasureofsomenovelty。Shewasmetbyhermother'sextendedarmandbyalowmurmuredwarningnottomakeanoise。
"Haveyouseenthem，mother？"askedNina，inabreathlesswhisper。
Mrs。Almayerturnedherfacetowardsthegirl，andhersunkeneyesshonestrangelyintheredhalf-lightofthepassage。
"Isawhim，"shesaid，inanalmostinaudibletone，pressingherdaughter'shandwithherbonyfingers。"AgreatRajahhascometoSambir——aSonofHeaven，"mutteredtheoldwomantoherself。
"Goaway，girl！"
Thetwowomenstoodclosetothecurtain，Ninawishingtoapproachtherentinthestuff，andhermotherdefendingthepositionwithangryobstinacy。Ontheothersidetherewasalullintheconversation，butthebreathingofseveralmen，theoccasionallighttinklingofsomeornaments，theclinkofmetalscabbards，orofbrasssiri-vesselspassedfromhandtohand，wasaudibleduringtheshortpause。Thewomenstruggledsilently，whentherewasashufflingnoiseandtheshadowofAlmayer'sburlyformfellonthecurtain。
Thewomenceasedstrugglingandremainedmotionless。Almayerhadstooduptoanswerhisguest，turninghisbacktothedoorway，unawareofwhatwasgoingonontheotherside。Hespokeinatoneofregretfulirritation。
"Youhavecometothewronghouse，TuanMaroola，ifyouwanttotradeasyousay。Iwasatraderonce，notnow，whateveryoumayhaveheardaboutmeinMacassar。Andifyouwantanything，youwillnotfindithere；Ihavenothingtogive，andwantnothingmyself。YoushouldgototheRajahhere；youcanseeinthedaytimehishousesacrosstheriver，there，wherethosefiresareburningontheshore。Hewillhelpyouandtradewithyou。
Or，betterstill，gototheArabsoverthere，"hewentonbitterly，pointingwithhishandtowardsthehousesofSambir。"Abdullaisthemanyouwant。Thereisnothinghewouldnotbuy，andthereisnothinghewouldnotsell；believeme，Iknowhimwell。"
Hewaitedforananswerashorttime，thenadded——
"AllthatIhavesaidistrue，andthereisnothingmore。"
Nina，heldbackbyhermother，heardasoftvoicereplywithacalmevennessofintonationpeculiartothebetterclassMalays——
"WhowoulddoubtawhiteTuan'swords？Amanseekshisfriendswherehishearttellshim。Isthisnottruealso？Ihavecome，althoughsolate，forIhavesomethingtosaywhichyoumaybegladtohear。To-morrowIwillgototheSultan；atraderwantsthefriendshipofgreatmen。ThenIshallreturnheretospeakseriouswords，ifTuanpermits。IshallnotgototheArabs；
theirliesareverygreat！Whatarethey？Chelakka！"
Almayer'svoicesoundedalittlemorepleasantlyinreply。
"Well，asyoulike。Icanhearyouto-morrowatanytimeifyouhaveanythingtosay。Bah！AfteryouhaveseentheSultanLakambayouwillnotwanttoreturnhere，InchiDain。Youwillsee。Onlymind，IwillhavenothingtodowithLakamba。
Youmaytellhimso。Whatisyourbusinesswithme，afterall？"
"To-morrowwetalk，Tuan，nowIknowyou，"answeredtheMalay。
"IspeakEnglishalittle，sowecantalkandnobodywillunderstand，andthen——"
Heinterruptedhimselfsuddenly，askingsurprised，"What'sthatnoise，Tuan？"
Almayerhadalsoheardtheincreasingnoiseofthescufflerecommencedonthewomen'ssideofthecurtain。EvidentlyNina'sstrongcuriositywasonthepointofovercomingMrs。Almayer'sexaltedsenseofsocialproprieties。Hardbreathingwasdistinctlyaudible，andthecurtainshookduringthecontest，whichwasmainlyphysical，althoughMrs。Almayer'svoicewasheardinangryremonstrancewithitsusualwantofstrictlylogicalreasoning，butwiththewell-knownrichnessofinvective。
"Youshamelesswoman！Areyouaslave？"shoutedshrillytheiratematron。"Veilyourface，abandonedwretch！Youwhitesnake，Iwillnotletyou！"
Almayer'sfaceexpressedannoyanceandalsodoubtastotheadvisabilityofinterferingbetweenmotheranddaughter。HeglancedathisMalayvisitor，whowaswaitingsilentlyfortheendoftheuproarinanattitudeofamusedexpectation，andwavinghishandcontemptuouslyhemurmured——
"Itisnothing。Somewomen。"
TheMalaynoddedhisheadgravely，andhisfaceassumedanexpressionofsereneindifference，asetiquettedemandedaftersuchanexplanation。Thecontestwasendedbehindthecurtain，andevidentlytheyoungerwillhaditsway，fortherapidshuffleandclickofMrs。Almayer'shigh-heeledsandalsdiedawayinthedistance。Thetranquillisedmasterofthehousewasgoingtoresumetheconversationwhen，struckbyanunexpectedchangeintheexpressionofhisguest'scountenance，heturnedhisheadandsawNinastandinginthedoorway。
AfterMrs。Almayer'sretreatfromthefieldofbattle，Nina，withacontemptuousexclamation，"It'sonlyatrader，"hadliftedtheconqueredcurtainandnowstoodinfulllight，framedinthedarkbackgroundonthepassage，herlipsslightlyparted，herhairindisorderaftertheexertion，theangrygleamnotyetfadedoutofhergloriousandsparklingeyes。Shetookinataglancethegroupofwhite-cladlancemenstandingmotionlessintheshadowofthefar-offendoftheverandah，andhergazerestedcuriouslyonthechiefofthatimposingcortege。Hestood，almostfacingher，alittleononeside，andstruckbythebeautyoftheunexpectedapparitionhadbentlow，elevatinghisjointhandsabovehisheadinasignofrespectaccordedbyMalaysonlytothegreatofthisearth。Thecrudelightofthelampshoneonthegoldembroideryofhisblacksilkjacket，brokeinathousandsparklingraysonthejewelledhiltofhiskrissprotrudingfromunderthemanyfoldsoftheredsaronggatheredintoasashroundhiswaist，andplayedonthepreciousstonesofthemanyringsonhisdarkfingers。Hestraightenedhimselfupquicklyafterthelowbow，puttinghishandwithagracefuleaseonthehiltofhisheavyshortswordornamentedwithbrilliantlydyedfringesofhorsehair。Nina，hesitatingonthethreshold，sawanerectlithefigureofmediumheightwithabreadthofshouldersuggestinggreatpower。Underthefoldsofablueturban，whosefringedendshunggracefullyovertheleftshoulder，wasafacefullofdeterminationandexpressingarecklessgood-humour，notdevoid，however，ofsomedignity。Thesquarenessoflowerjaw，thefullredlips，themobilenostrils，andtheproudcarriageoftheheadgavetheimpressionofabeinghalf-savage，untamed，perhapscruel，andcorrectedtheliquidsoftnessofthealmostfeminineeye，thatgeneralcharacteristicoftherace。Now，thefirstsurpriseover，Ninasawthoseeyesfixeduponherwithsuchanuncontrolledexpressionofadmirationanddesirethatshefeltahithertounknownfeelingofshyness，mixedwithalarmandsomedelight，enterandpenetrateherwholebeing。
Confusedbythoseunusualsensationsshestoppedinthedoorwayandinstinctivelydrewthelowerpartofthecurtainacrossherface，leavingonlyhalfaroundedcheek，astraytress，andoneeyeexposed，wherewithtocontemplatethegorgeousandboldbeingsounlikeinappearancetotherarespecimensoftradersshehadseenbeforeonthatsameverandah。
DainMaroola，dazzledbytheunexpectedvision，forgottheconfusedAlmayer，forgothisbrig，hisescortstaringinopen-mouthedadmiration，theobjectofhisvisitandallthingselse，inhisoverpoweringdesiretoprolongthecontemplationofsomuchlovelinessmetsosuddenlyinsuchanunlikelyplace——ashethought。
"Itismydaughter，"saidAlmayer，inanembarrassedmanner。"Itisofnoconsequence。Whitewomenhavetheircustoms，asyouknowTuan，havingtravelledmuch，asyousay。However，itislate；wewillfinishourtalkto-morrow。"
Dainbentlowtryingtoconveyinalastglancetowardsthegirltheboldexpressionofhisoverwhelmingadmiration。ThenextminutehewasshakingAlmayer'shandwithgravecourtesy，hisfacewearingalookofstolidunconcernastoanyfemininepresence。Hismenfiledoff，andhefollowedthemquickly，closelyattendedbyathick-set，savage-lookingSumatresehehadintroducedbeforeasthecommanderofhisbrig。Ninawalkedtothebalustradeoftheverandahandsawthesheenofmoonlightonthesteelspear-headsandheardtherhythmicjingleofbrassankletsasthemenmovedinsinglefiletowardsthejetty。Theboatshovedoffafteralittlewhile，loominglargeinthefulllightofthemoon，ablackshapelessmassintheslighthazehangingoverthewater。Ninafanciedshecoulddistinguishthegracefulfigureofthetraderstandingerectinthesternsheets，butinalittlewhilealltheoutlinesgotblurred，confused，andsoondisappearedinthefoldsofwhitevapourshroudingthemiddleoftheriver。
Almayerhadapproachedhisdaughter，andleaningwithbotharmsovertherail，waslookingmoodilydownontheheapofrubbishandbrokenbottlesatthefootoftheverandah。
"Whatwasallthatnoisejustnow？"hegrowledpeevishly，withoutlookingup。"Confoundyouandyourmother！Whatdidshewant？
Whatdidyoucomeoutfor？"
"Shedidnotwanttoletmecomeout，"saidNina。"Sheisangry。
ShesaysthemanjustgoneissomeRajah。Ithinksheisrightnow。"
"Ibelieveallyouwomenarecrazy，"snarledAlmayer。"What'sthattoyou，toher，toanybody？Themanwantstocollecttrepangandbirds'nestsontheislands。Hetoldmeso，thatRajahofyours。Hewillcometo-morrow。Iwantyoubothtokeepawayfromthehouse，andletmeattendtomybusinessinpeace。"
DainMaroolacamethenextdayandhadalongconversationwithAlmayer。Thiswasthebeginningofacloseandfriendlyintercoursewhich，atfirst，wasmuchremarkedinSambir，tillthepopulationgotusedtothefrequentsightofmanyfiresburninginAlmayer'scampong，whereMaroola'smenwerewarmingthemselvesduringthecoldnightsofthenorth-eastmonsoon，whiletheirmasterhadlongconferenceswiththeTuanPutih——astheystyledAlmayeramongstthemselves。GreatwasthecuriosityinSambironthesubjectofthenewtrader。HadheseentheSultan？WhatdidtheSultansay？Hadhegivenanypresents？
Whatwouldhesell？Whatwouldhebuy？Thosewerethequestionsbroachedeagerlybytheinhabitantsofbamboohousesbuiltovertheriver。Eveninmoresubstantialbuildings，inAbdulla'shouse，intheresidencesofprincipaltraders，Arab，Chinese，andBugis，theexcitementranhigh，andlastedmanydays。Withinbornsuspiciontheywouldnotbelievethesimpleaccountofhimselftheyoungtraderwasalwaysreadytogive。Yetithadalltheappearanceoftruth。Hesaidhewasatrader，andsoldrice。Hedidnotwanttobuygutta-perchaorbeeswax，becauseheintendedtoemployhisnumerouscrewincollectingtrepangonthecoralreefsoutsidetheriver，andalsoinseekingforbird'snestsonthemainland。Thosetwoarticlesheprofessedhimselfreadytobuyiftherewereanytobeobtainedinthatway。HesaidhewasfromBali，andaBrahmin，whichlaststatementhemadegoodbyrefusingallfoodduringhisoftenrepeatedvisitstoLakamba'sandAlmayer'shouses。ToLakambahewentgenerallyatnightandhadlongaudiences。Babalatchi，whowasalwaysathirdpartyatthosemeetingsofpotentateandtrader，knewhowtoresistallattemptsonthepartofthecurioustoascertainthesubjectofsomanylongtalks。WhenquestionedwithlanguidcourtesybythegraveAbdullahesoughtrefugeinavacantstareofhisoneeye，andintheaffectationofextremesimplicity。
"Iamonlymymaster'sslave，"murmuredBabalatchi，inahesitatingmanner。ThenasifmakinguphismindsuddenlyforarecklessconfidencehewouldinformAbdullaofsometransactioninrice，repeatingthewords，"AhundredbigbagstheSultanbought；ahundred，Tuan！"inatoneofmysterioussolemnity。
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