Anyway，hedidit，andLakambaacceptedatlast。ThenWillemsmadeaspeechtothecrowd。SaidthatonhiswaytothewesttheRajah——hemeantPatalolo——wouldseetheGreatWhiteRulerinBataviaandobtainhisprotectionforSambir。Meantime，hewenton，I，anOrangBlandaandyourfriend，hoisttheflagundertheshadowofwhichthereissafety。WiththatheranupaDutchflagtothemast-head。Itwasmadehurriedly，duringthenight，ofcottonstuffs，and，beingheavy，hungdownthemast，whilethecrowdstared。Alitoldmetherewasagreatsighofsurprise，butnotawordwasspokentillLakambaadvancedandproclaimedinaloudvoicethatduringallthatdayeveryonepassingbytheflagstaffmustuncoverhisheadandsalaambeforetheemblem。\"
\"But，hangitall！\"exclaimedLingard——\"AbdullaisBritish！\"
\"Abdullawasn’tthereatall——didnotgoonshorethatday。YetAli，whohashiswitsabouthim，noticedthatthespacewherethecrowdstoodwasunderthegunsoftheLordoftheIsles。Theyhadputacoirwarpashore，andgavethebarqueacantinthecurrent，soastobringthebroadsidetobearontheflagstaff。
Clever！Eh？Butnobodydreamtofresistance。Whentheyrecoveredfromthesurprisetherewasalittlequietjeering；andBahassoenabusedLakambaviolentlytilloneofLakamba’smenhithimontheheadwithastaff。Frightfulcrack，Iamtold。Thentheyleftoffjeering。MeantimePatalolowentaway，andLakambasatinthechairatthefootoftheflagstaff，whilethecrowdsurgedaround，asiftheycouldnotmakeuptheirmindstogo。
SuddenlytherewasagreatnoisebehindLakamba’schair。Itwasthatwoman，whowentforWillems。Alisaysshewaslikeawildbeast，buthetwistedherwristandmadehergrovelinthedust。
Nobodyknowsexactlywhatitwasabout。Somesayitwasaboutthatflag。Hecarriedheroff，flungherintoacanoe，andwentonboardAbdulla’sship。AfterthatSahaminwasthefirsttosalaamtotheflag。Othersfollowedsuit。Beforenooneverythingwasquietinthesettlement，andAlicamebackandtoldmeallthis。\"
Almayerdrewalongbreath。Lingardstretchedouthislegs。
\"Goon！\"hesaid。
Almayerseemedtostrugglewithhimself。Atlasthesplutteredout:
\"Thehardestistotellyet。Themostunheard-ofthing！Anoutrage！Afiendishoutrage！\"
CHAPTERTHREE
\"Well！Let’sknowallaboutit。Ican’timagine……\"beganLingard，afterwaitingforsometimeinsilence。
\"Can’timagine！Ishouldthinkyoucouldn’t，\"interruptedAlmayer。\"Why！……Youjustlisten。WhenAlicamebackI
feltalittleeasierinmymind。TherewasthensomesemblanceoforderinSambir。IhadtheJackupsincethemorningandbegantofeelsafer。Someofmymenturnedupintheafternoon。
Ididnotaskanyquestions；setthemtoworkasifnothinghadhappened。Towardstheevening——itmighthavebeenfiveorhalf-past——IwasonourjettywiththechildwhenIheardshoutsatthefar-offendofthesettlement。AtfirstIdidn’ttakemuchnotice。ByandbyAlicametomeandsays，’Master，givemethechild，thereismuchtroubleinthesettlement。’SoIgavehimNinaandwentin，tookmyrevolver，andpassedthroughthehouseintothebackcourtyard。AsIcamedownthestepsIsawalltheservinggirlsclearoutfromthecookingshed，andI
heardabigcrowdhowlingontheothersideofthedryditchwhichisthelimitofourground。Couldnotseethemonaccountofthefringeofbushesalongtheditch，butIknewthatcrowdwasangryandaftersomebody。AsIstoodwondering，thatJim-Eng——youknowtheChinamanwhosettledhereacoupleofyearsago？\"
\"Hewasmypassenger；Ibroughthimhere，\"exclaimedLingard。\"A
first-classChinamanthat。\"
\"Didyou？Ihadforgotten。Well，thatJim-Eng，heburstthroughthebushandfellintomyarms，sotospeak。Hetoldme，panting，thattheywereafterhimbecausehewouldn’ttakeoffhishattotheflag。Hewasnotsomuchscared，buthewasveryangryandindignant。Ofcoursehehadtorunforit；thereweresomefiftymenafterhim——Lakamba’sfriends——buthewasfulloffight。SaidhewasanEnglishman，andwouldnottakeoffhishattoanyflagbutEnglish。Itriedtosoothehimwhilethecrowdwasshoutingontheothersideoftheditch。Itoldhimhemusttakeoneofmycanoesandcrosstheriver。Stopontheothersideforacoupleofdays。Hewouldn’t。Nothe。HewasEnglish，andhewouldfightthewholelot。Sayshe:’Theyareonlyblackfellows。Wewhitemen，’meaningmeandhimself，’canfighteverybodyinSambir。’Hewasmadwithpassion。Thecrowdquietedalittle，andIthoughtIcouldshelterJim-Engwithoutmuchrisk，whenallofasuddenIheardWillems’voice。HeshoutedtomeinEnglish:’LetfourmenenteryourcompoundtogetthatChinaman！’Isaidnothing。ToldJim-Engtokeepquiettoo。ThenafterawhileWillemsshoutsagain:’Don’tresist，Almayer。Igiveyougoodadvice。Iamkeepingthiscrowdback。
Don’tresistthem！’Thatbeggar’svoiceenragedme；Icouldnothelpit。Icriedtohim:’Youarealiar！’andjustthenJim-Eng，whohadflungoffhisjacketandhadtuckeduphistrousersreadyforafight；justthenthatfellowhesnatchestherevolveroutofmyhandandletsflyatthemthroughthebush。
Therewasasharpcry——hemusthavehitsomebody——andagreatyell，andbeforeIcouldwinktwicetheywereovertheditchandthroughthebushandontopofus！Simplyrolledoverus！Therewasn’ttheslightestchancetoresist。Iwastrampledunderfoot，Jim-Enggotadozengashesabouthisbody，andwewerecarriedhalfwayuptheyardinthefirstrush。Myeyesandmouthwerefullofdust；Iwasonmybackwiththreeorfourfellowssittingonme。IcouldhearJim-Engtryingtoshoutnotveryfarfromme。Nowandthentheywouldthrottlehimandhewouldgurgle。Icouldhardlybreathemyselfwithtwoheavyfellowsonmychest。Willemscameuprunningandorderedthemtoraisemeup，buttokeepgoodhold。Theyledmeintotheverandah。I
lookedround，butdidnotseeeitherAliorthechild。Felteasier。Struggledalittle……Oh，myGod！\"
Almayer’sfacewasdistortedwithapassingspasmofrage。
Lingardmovedinhischairslightly。Almayerwentonafterashortpause:
\"Theyheldme，shoutingthreatsinmyface。Willemstookdownmyhammockandthrewittothem。Hepulledoutthedrawerofthistable，andfoundthereapalmandneedleandsomesail-twine。Weweremakingawningsforyourbrig，asyouhadaskedmelastvoyagebeforeyouleft。Heknew，ofcourse，wheretolookforwhathewanted。Byhisorderstheylaidmeoutonthefloor，wrappedmeinmyhammock，andhestartedtostitchmein，asifI
hadbeenacorpse，beginningatthefeet。Whileheworkedhelaughedwickedly。IcalledhimallthenamesIcouldthinkof。
Hetoldthemtoputtheirdirtypawsovermymouthandnose。I
wasnearlychoked。WheneverImovedtheypunchedmeintheribs。
Hewentontakingfreshneedlefulsashewantedthem，andworkingsteadily。Sewedmeuptomythroat。Thenherose，saying，’Thatwilldo；letgo。’Thatwomanhadbeenstandingby；theymusthavebeenreconciled。Sheclappedherhands。Ilayonthefloorlikeabaleofgoodswhilehestaredatme，andthewomanshriekedwithdelight。Likeabaleofgoods！Therewasagrinoneveryface，andtheverandahwasfullofthem。Iwishedmyselfdead——’ponmyword，CaptainLingard，Idid！IdonowwheneverIthinkofit！\"
Lingard’sfaceexpressedsympatheticindignation。Almayerdroppedhisheaduponhisarmsonthetable，andspokeinthatpositioninanindistinctandmuffledvoice，withoutlookingup。
\"Finally，byhisdirections，theyflungmeintothebigrocking-chair。IwassewedinsotightthatIwasstifflikeapieceofwood。Hewasgivingordersinaveryloudvoice，andthatmanBabalatchisawthattheywereexecuted。Theyobeyedhimimplicitly。MeantimeIlaythereinthechairlikealog，andthatwomancaperedbeforemeandmadefaces；snappedherfingersbeforemynose。Womenarebad！——ain’tthey？Ineversawherbefore，asfarasIknow。Neverdoneanythingtoher。Yetshewasperfectlyfiendish。Canyouunderstandit？Nowandthenshewouldleavemealonetohangroundhisneckforawhile，andthenshewouldreturnbeforemychairandbeginherexercisesagain。
Helookedon，indulgent。Theperspirationrandownmyface，gotintomyeyes——myarmsweresewnin。Iwasblindedhalfthetime；
attimesIcouldseebetter。Shedragshimbeforemychair。’I
amlikewhitewomen，’shesays，herarmsroundhisneck。Youshouldhaveseenthefacesofthefellowsintheverandah！Theywerescandalizedandashamedofthemselvestoseeherbehaviour。
Suddenlysheaskshim，alludingtome:’Whenareyougoingtokillhim？’ImaginehowIfelt。Imusthaveswooned；Idon’trememberexactly。Ifancytherewasarow；hewasangry。WhenI
gotmywitsagainhewassittingclosetome，andshewasgone。
Iunderstoodhesenthertomywife，whowashidinginthebackroomandnevercameoutduringthisaffair。Willemssaystome——IfancyIcanhearhisvoice，hoarseanddull——hesaystome:
’Notahairofyourheadshallbetouched。’Imadenosound。
Thenhegoeson:’Pleaseremarkthattheflagyouhavehoisted——which，bytheby，isnotyours——hasbeenrespected。
TellCaptainLingardsowhenyoudoseehim。But，’hesays，’youfirstfiredatthecrowd。’’Youarealiar，youblackguard！’I
shouted。Hewinced，Iamsure。IthurthimtoseeIwasnotfrightened。’Anyways，’hesays，’ashothadbeenfiredoutofyourcompoundandamanwashit。Still，allyourpropertyshallberespectedonaccountoftheUnionJack。Moreover，IhavenoquarrelwithCaptainLingard，whoistheseniorpartnerinthisbusiness。Astoyou，’hecontinued，’youwillnotforgetthisday——notifyoulivetobeahundredyearsold——orIdon’tknowyournature。Youwillkeepthebittertasteofthishumiliationtothelastdayofyourlife，andsoyourkindnesstomeshallberepaid。Ishallremoveallthepowderyouhave。ThiscoastisundertheprotectionoftheNetherlands，andyouhavenorighttohaveanypowder。TherearetheGovernor’sOrdersinCounciltothateffect，andyouknowit。Tellmewherethekeyofthesmallstorehouseis？’Isaidnotaword，andhewaitedalittle，thenrose，saying:’It’syourownfaultifthereisanydamagedone。’
HeorderedBabalatchitohavethelockoftheoffice-roomforced，andwentin——rummagedamongstmydrawers——couldnotfindthekey。
ThenthatwomanAissaaskedmywife，andshegavethemthekey。
Afterawhiletheytumbledeverybarrelintotheriver。
Eighty-threehundredweight！Hesuperintendedhimself，andsaweverybarrelrollintothewater。Thereweremutterings。
Babalatchiwasangryandtriedtoexpostulate，buthegavehimagoodshaking。Imustsayhewasperfectlyfearlesswiththosefellows。Thenhecamebacktotheverandah，satdownbymeagain，andsays:’WefoundyourmanAliwithyourlittledaughterhidinginthebushesuptheriver。Webroughtthemin。Theyareperfectlysafe，ofcourse。Letmecongratulateyou，Almayer，upontheclevernessofyourchild。Sherecognizedmeatonce，andcried\"pig\"asnaturallyasyouwouldyourself。
Circumstancesalterfeelings。YoushouldhaveseenhowfrightenedyourmanAliwas。Clappedhishandsoverhermouth。
Ithinkyouspoilher，Almayer。ButIamnotangry。Really，youlooksoridiculousinthischairthatIcan’tfeelangry。’I
madeafranticefforttoburstoutofmyhammocktogetatthatscoundrel’sthroat，butIonlyfelloffandupsetthechairovermyself。Helaughedandsaidonly:’Ileaveyouhalfofyourrevolvercartridgesandtakehalfmyself；theywillfitmine。Wearebothwhitemen，andshouldbackeachotherup。Imaywantthem。’Ishoutedathimfromunderthechair:’Youareathief，’
butheneverlooked，andwentaway，onehandroundthatwoman’swaist，theotheronBabalatchi’sshoulder，towhomhewastalking——layingdownthelawaboutsomethingorother。Inlessthanfiveminutestherewasnobodyinsideourfences。AfterawhileAlicametolookformeandcutmefree。Ihaven’tseenWillemssince——noranybodyelseforthatmatter。Ihavebeenleftalone。Iofferedsixtydollarstothemanwhohadbeenwounded，whichwereaccepted。TheyreleasedJim-Engthenextday，whentheflaghadbeenhauleddown。Hesentsixcasesofopiumtomeforsafekeepingbuthasnotlefthishouse。Ithinkheissafeenoughnow。Everythingisveryquiet。\"
TowardstheendofhisnarrativeAlmayerliftedhisheadoffthetable，andnowsatbackinhischairandstaredatthebambooraftersoftheroofabovehim。Lingardlolledinhisseatwithhislegsstretchedout。Inthepeacefulgloomoftheverandah，withitsloweredscreens，theyheardfaintnoisesfromtheworldoutsideintheblazingsunshine:ahailontheriver，theanswerfromtheshore，thecreakofapulley；soundsshort，interrupted，asiflostsuddenlyinthebrillianceofnoonday。Lingardgotupslowly，walkedtothefrontrail，andholdingoneofthescreensaside，lookedoutinsilence。OverthewaterandtheemptycourtyardcameadistinctvoicefromasmallschooneranchoredabreastoftheLingardjetty。
\"Serang！Takeapullatthemainpeakhalyards。Thisgaffisdownontheboom。’’
Therewasashrillpipedyinginlong-drawncadence，thesongofthemenswingingontherope。Thevoicesaidsharply:\"Thatwilldo！\"Anothervoice——theserang’sprobably——shouted:\"Ikat！\"andasLingarddroppedtheblindandturnedawayallwassilentagain，asiftherehadbeennothingontheothersideoftheswayingscreen；nothingbutthelight，brilliant，crude，heavy，lyingonadeadlandlikeapalloffire。Lingardsatdownagain，facingAlmayer，hiselbowonthetable，inathoughtfulattitude。
\"Nicelittleschooner，\"mutteredAlmayer，wearily。\"Didyoubuyher？\"
\"No，\"answeredLingard。\"AfterIlosttheFlashwegottoPalembanginourboats。Icharteredherthere，forsixmonths。
FromyoungFord，youknow。Belongstohim。Hewantedaspellashore，soItookchargemyself。OfcourseallFord’speopleonboard。Strangerstome。IhadtogotoSingaporeabouttheinsurance；thenIwenttoMacassar，ofcourse。Hadlongpassages。Nowind。Itwaslikeacurseonme。IhadlotsoftroublewitholdHudig。Thatdelayedmemuch。\"
\"Ah！Hudig！WhywithHudig？\"askedAlmayer，inaperfunctorymanner。
\"Oh！abouta……awoman，\"mumbledLingard。
Almayerlookedathimwithlanguidsurprise。Theoldseamanhadtwistedhiswhitebeardintoapoint，andnowwasbusygivinghismoustachesafiercecurl。Hislittleredeyes——thoseeyesthathadsmartedunderthesaltspraysofeverysea，thathadlookedunwinkingtowindwardinthegalesofalllatitudes——nowglaredatAlmayerfrombehindtheloweredeyebrowslikeapairoffrightenedwildbeastscrouchinginabush。
\"Extraordinary！Solikeyou！WhatcanyouhavetodowithHudig’swomen？Theoldsinner！\"saidAlmayer，negligently。
\"Whatareyoutalkingabout！Wifeofafriendof……ImeanofamanIknow……\"
\"Still，Idon’tsee……\"interjectedAlmayercarelessly。
\"Ofamanyouknowtoo。Well。Verywell。\"
\"Iknewsomanymenbeforeyoumademeburymyselfinthishole！\"
growledAlmayer，unamiably。\"IfshehadanythingtodowithHudig——thatwife——thenshecan’tbeuptomuch。Iwouldbesorryfortheman，\"addedAlmayer，brighteningupwiththerecollectionofthescandaloustittle-tattleofthepast，whenhewasayoungmaninthesecondcapitaloftheIslands——andsowellinformed，sowellinformed。Helaughed。Lingard’sfrowndeepened。
\"Don’ttalkfoolish！It’sWillems’wife。\"
Almayergraspedthesidesofhisseat，hiseyesandmouthopenedwide。
\"What？Why！\"heexclaimed，bewildered。
\"Willems’——wife，\"repeatedLingarddistinctly。\"Youain’tdeaf，areyou？ThewifeofWillems。Justso。Astowhy！Therewasapromise。AndIdidnotknowwhathadhappenedhere。\"
\"Whatisit。You’vebeengivinghermoney，Ibet，\"criedAlmayer。
\"Well，no！\"saidLingard，deliberately。\"AlthoughIsupposeI
shallhaveto……\"
Almayergroaned。
\"Thefactis，\"wentonLingard，speakingslowlyandsteadily，\"thefactisthatIhave……Ihavebroughtherhere。Here。
ToSambir。\"
\"Inheaven’sname！why？\"shoutedAlmayer，jumpingup。Thechairtiltedandfellslowlyover。Heraisedhisclaspedhandsabovehisheadandbroughtthemdownjerkily，separatinghisfingerswithaneffort，asiftearingthemapart。Lingardnodded，quickly，severaltimes。
\"Ihave。Awkward。Hey？\"hesaid，withapuzzledlookupwards。
\"Uponmyword，\"saidAlmayer，tearfully。\"Ican’tunderstandyouatall。Whatwillyoudonext！cWillems’wife！\"
\"Wifeandchild。Smallboy，youknow。Theyareonboardtheschooner。\"
AlmayerlookedatLingardwithsuddensuspicion，thenturningawaybusiedhimselfinpickingupthechair，satdowninitturninghisbackupontheoldseaman，andtriedtowhistle，butgaveitupdirectly。Lingardwenton——
\"Factis，thefellowgotintotroublewithHudig。Workeduponmyfeelings。Ipromisedtoarrangematters。Idid。Withmuchtrouble。Hudigwasangrywithherforwishingtojoinherhusband。Unprincipledoldfellow。Youknowsheishisdaughter。
Well，IsaidIwouldseeherthroughitallright；helpWillemstoafreshstartandsoon。IspoketoCraiginPalembang。Heisgettingoninyears，andwantedamanagerorpartner。I
promisedtoguaranteeWillems’goodbehaviour。Wesettledallthat。Craigisanoldcronyofmine。Beenshipmatesintheforties。He’swaitingforhimnow。Aprettymess！Whatdoyouthink？\"
Almayershruggedhisshoulders。
\"ThatwomanbrokewithHudigonmyassurancethatallwouldbewell，\"wentonLingard，withgrowingdismay。\"Shedid。Properthing，ofcourse。Wife，husband……together……asitshouldbe……Smartfellow……Impossiblescoundrel……
Jollyoldgo！Oh！damn！\"
Almayerlaughedspitefully。
\"Howdelightedhewillbe，\"hesaid，softly。\"Youwillmaketwopeoplehappy。Twoatleast！\"Helaughedagain，whileLingardlookedathisshakingshouldersinconsternation。
\"Iamjammedonaleeshorethistime，ifeverIwas，\"mutteredLingard。
\"Sendherbackquick，\"suggestedAlmayer，stiflinganotherlaugh。
\"Whatareyousniggeringat？\"growledLingard，angrily。\"I’llworkitoutallclearyet。Meantimeyoumustreceiveherintothishouse。\"
\"Myhouse！\"criedAlmayer，turninground。
\"It’sminetoo——alittleisn’tit？\"saidLingard。\"Don’targue，\"
heshouted，asAlmayeropenedhismouth。\"Obeyordersandholdyourtongue！\"
\"Oh！Ifyoutakeitinthattone！\"mumbledAlmayer，sulkily，withagestureofassent。
\"Youaresoaggravatingtoo，myboy，\"saidtheoldseaman，withunexpectedplacidity。\"Youmustgivemetimetoturnround。I
can’tkeepheronboardallthetime。Imusttellhersomething。
Say，forinstance，thatheisgoneuptheriver。Expectedbackeveryday。That’sit。D’yehear？Youmustputheronthattackanddodgeheralongeasy，whileItakethekinksoutofthesituation。ByGod！\"heexclaimed，mournfully，afterashortpause，\"lifeisfoul！Foullikealeeforebraceonadirtynight。Andyet。Andyet。Onemustseeitclearforrunningbeforegoingbelow——forgood。NowyouattendtowhatIsaid，\"headded，sharply，\"ifyoudon’twanttoquarrelwithme，myboy。\"
\"Idon’twanttoquarrelwithyou，\"murmuredAlmayerwithunwillingdeference。\"OnlyIwishIcouldunderstandyou。I
knowyouaremybestfriend，CaptainLingard；only，uponmyword，Ican’tmakeyououtsometimes！IwishIcould……\"
Lingardburstintoaloudlaughwhichendedshortlyinadeepsigh。Heclosedhiseyes，tiltinghisheadoverthebackofhisarmchair；andonhisface，bakedbytheuncloudedsunsofmanyhardyears，thereappearedforamomentawearinessandalookofagewhichstartledAlmayer，likeanunexpecteddisclosureofevil。
\"Iamdoneup，\"saidLingard，gently。\"Perfectlydoneup。Allnightondeckgettingthatschooneruptheriver。Thentalkingwithyou。SeemstomeIcouldgotosleeponaclothes-line。I
shouldliketoeatsomethingthough。Justseeaboutthat，Kaspar。\"
Almayerclappedhishands，andreceivingnoresponsewasgoingtocall，wheninthecentralpassageofthehouse，behindtheredcurtainofthedoorwayopeningupontheverandah，theyheardachild’simperiousvoicespeakingshrilly。
\"Takemeupatonce。Iwanttobecarriedintotheverandah。I
shallbeveryangry。Takemeup。\"
Aman’svoiceanswered，subdued，inhumbleremonstrance。ThefacesofAlmayerandLingardbrightenedatonce。Theoldseamancalledout——
\"Bringthechild。Lekas！\"
\"Youwillseehowshehasgrown，\"exclaimedAlmayer，inajubilanttone。
ThroughthecurtaineddoorwayAliappearedwithlittleNinaAlmayerinhisarms。Thechildhadonearmroundhisneck，andwiththeothershehuggedaripepumelonearlyasbigasherownhead。Herlittlepink，sleevelessrobehadhalfslippedoffhershoulders，butthelongblackhair，thatframedheroliveface，inwhichthebigblackeyeslookedoutinchildishsolemnity，fellinluxuriantprofusionoverhershoulders，allroundherandoverAli’sarms，likeaclose-meshedanddelicatenetofsilkenthreads。LingardgotuptomeetAli，andassoonasshecaughtsightoftheoldseamanshedroppedthefruitandputoutbothherhandswithacryofdelight。HetookherfromtheMalay，andshelaidholdofhismoustacheswithanaffectionategoodwillthatbroughtunaccustomedtearsintohislittleredeyes。
\"Notsohard，littleone，notsohard，\"hemurmured，pressingwithanenormoushand，thatcovereditentirely，thechild’sheadtohisface。
\"Pickupmypumelo，ORajahofthesea！\"shesaid，speakinginahigh-pitched，clearvoicewithgreatvolubility。\"There，underthetable。Iwantitquick！Quick！Youhavebeenawayfightingwithmanymen。Alisaysso。Youareamightyfighter。Alisaysso。Onthegreatseafaraway，away，away。\"
Shewavedherhand，staringwithdreamyvacancy，whileLingardlookedather，andsquattingdowngropedunderthetableafterthepumelo。
\"Wheredoesshegetthosenotions？\"saidLingard，gettingupcautiously，toAlmayer，whohadbeengivingorderstoAli。
\"Sheisalwayswiththemen。ManyatimeI’vefoundherwithherfingersintheirricedish，ofanevening。Shedoesnotcareforhermotherthough——Iamgladtosay。Howprettysheis——andsosharp。Myveryimage！\"
Lingardhadputthechildonthetable，andbothmenstoodlookingatherwithradiantfaces。
\"Aperfectlittlewoman，\"whisperedLingard。\"Yes，mydearboy，weshallmakehersomebody。You’llsee！\"
\"Verylittlechanceofthatnow，\"remarkedAlmayer，sadly。
\"Youdonotknow！\"exclaimedLingard，takingupthechildagain，andbeginningtowalkupanddowntheverandah。\"Ihavemyplans。Ihave——listen。\"
AndhebegantoexplaintotheinterestedAlmayerhisplansforthefuture。HewouldinterviewAbdullaandLakamba。Theremustbesomeunderstandingwiththosefellowsnowtheyhadtheupperhand。Hereheinterruptedhimselftoswearfreely，whilethechild，whohadbeendiligentlyfumblingabouthisneck，hadfoundhiswhistleandblewaloudblastnowandthenclosetohisear——whichmadehimwinceandlaughasheputherhandsdown，scoldingherlovingly。Yes——thatwouldbeeasilysettled。Hewasamantobereckonedwithyet。NobodyknewthatbetterthanAlmayer。Verywell。Thenhemustpatientlytryandkeepsomelittletradetogether。Itwouldbeallright。Butthegreatthing——andhereLingardspokelower，bringinghimselftoasuddenstandstillbeforetheentrancedAlmayer——thegreatthingwouldbethegoldhuntuptheriver。He——Lingard——woulddevotehimselftoit。Hehadbeenintheinteriorbefore。Therewereimmensedepositsofalluvialgoldthere。Fabulous。Hefeltsure。Hadseenplaces。Dangerouswork？Ofcourse！Butwhatareward！Hewouldexplore——andfind。Notashadowofdoubt。Hangthedanger！Theywouldfirstgetasmuchastheycouldforthemselves。Keepthethingquiet。ThenafteratimeformaCompany。InBataviaorinEngland。Yes，inEngland。Muchbetter。Splendid！Why，ofcourse。Andthatbabywouldbetherichestwomanintheworld。He——Lingard——wouldnot，perhaps，seeit——althoughhefeltgoodformanyyearsyet——butAlmayerwould。
Herewassomethingtoliveforyet！Hey？
Buttherichestwomanintheworldhadbeenforthelastfiveminutesshoutingshrilly——\"RajahLaut！RajahLaut！Hai！Giveear！\"whiletheoldseamanhadbeenspeakinglouder，unconsciously，tomakehisdeepbassheardabovetheimpatientclamour。Hestoppednowandsaidtenderly——
\"Whatisit，littlewoman？\"
\"Iamnotalittlewoman。Iamawhitechild。AnakPutih。A
whitechild；andthewhitemenaremybrothers。Fathersaysso。
AndAlisayssotoo。Aliknowsasmuchasfather。Everything。\"
Almayeralmostdancedwithpaternaldelight。
\"Itaughther。Itaughther，\"herepeated，laughingwithtearsinhiseyes。\"Isn’tshesharp？\"
\"Iamtheslaveofthewhitechild，\"saidLingard，withplayfulsolemnity。\"Whatistheorder？\"
\"Iwantahouse，\"shewarbled，withgreateagerness。\"Iwantahouse，andanotherhouseontheroof，andanotherontheroof——high。High！Liketheplaceswheretheydwell——mybrothers——inthelandwherethesunsleeps。\"
\"Tothewestward，\"explainedAlmayer，underhisbreath。\"Sherememberseverything。Shewantsyoutobuildahouseofcards。
Youdid，lasttimeyouwerehere。\"
Lingardsatdownwiththechildonhisknees，andAlmayerpulledoutviolentlyonedrawerafteranother，lookingforthecards，asifthefateoftheworlddependeduponhishaste。HeproducedadirtydoublepackwhichwasonlyusedduringLingard’svisittoSambir，whenhewouldsometimesplay——ofanevening——withAlmayer，agamewhichhecalledChinesebezique。ItboredAlmayer，buttheoldseamandelightedinit，consideringitaremarkableproductofChinesegenius——araceforwhichhehadanunaccountablelikingandadmiration。
\"Nowwewillgeton，mylittlepearl，\"hesaid，puttingtogetherwithextremeprecautiontwocardsthatlookedabsurdlyflimsybetweenhisbigfingers。LittleNinawatchedhimwithintenseseriousnessashewentonerectingthegroundfloor，whilehecontinuedtospeaktoAlmayerwithhisheadoverhisshouldersoasnottoendangerthestructurewithhisbreath。
\"IknowwhatIamtalkingabout……BeeninCaliforniainforty-nine……NotthatImademuch……theninVictoriaintheearlydays……Iknowallaboutit。Trustme。Moreoverablindmancould……Bequiet，littlesister，oryouwillknockthisaffairdown……Myhandprettysteadyyet！Hey，Kaspar？……Now，delightofmyheart，weshallputathirdhouseonthetopofthesetwo……keepveryquiet……AsI
wassaying，yougotonlytostoopandgatherhandfulsofgold……dust……there。Nowhereweare。Threehousesontopofoneanother。Grand！\"
Heleanedbackinhischair，onehandonthechild’shead，whichhesmoothedmechanically，andgesticulatedwiththeother，speakingtoAlmayer。
\"Onceonthespot，therewouldbeonlythetroubletopickupthestuff。ThenweshallallgotoEurope。Thechildmustbeeducated。Weshallberich。Richisnonameforit。DowninDevonshirewhereIbelong，therewasafellowwhobuiltahousenearTeignmouthwhichhadasmanywindowsasathree-deckerhasports。Madeallhismoneysomewhereouthereinthegoodolddays。Peoplearoundsaidhehadbeenapirate。Weboys——IwasaboyinaBrixhamtrawlerthen——certainlybelievedthat。Hewentaboutinabath-chairinhisgrounds。Hadaglasseye……\"
\"Higher，Higher！\"calledoutNina，pullingtheoldseaman’sbeard。
\"Youdoworryme——don’tyou？\"saidLingard，gently，givingheratenderkiss。\"What？Onemorehouseontopofallthese？Well！
Iwilltry。\"
Thechildwatchedhimbreathlessly。Whenthedifficultfeatwasaccomplishedsheclappedherhands，lookedonsteadily，andafterawhilegaveagreatsighofcontent。
\"Oh！Lookout！\"shoutedAlmayer。
Thestructurecollapsedsuddenlybeforethechild’slightbreath。
Lingardlookeddiscomposedforamoment。Almayerlaughed，butthelittlegirlbegantocry。
\"Takeher，\"saidtheoldseaman，abruptly。Then，afterAlmayerwentawaywiththecryingchild，heremainedsittingbythetable，lookinggloomilyattheheapofcards。
\"DamnthisWillems，\"hemutteredtohimself。\"ButIwilldoityet！\"
Hegotup，andwithanangrypushofhishandsweptthecardsoffthetable。Thenhefellbackinhischair。
\"Tiredasadog，\"hesighedout，closinghiseyes。
CHAPTERFOUR
Consciouslyorunconsciously，menareproudoftheirfirmness，steadfastnessofpurpose，directnessofaim。Theygostraighttowardstheirdesire，totheaccomplishmentofvirtue——sometimesofcrime——inanupliftingpersuasionoftheirfirmness。Theywalktheroadoflife，theroadfencedinbytheirtastes，prejudices，disdainsorenthusiasms，generallyhonest，invariablystupid，andareproudofneverlosingtheirway。Iftheydostop，itistolookforamomentoverthehedgesthatmakethemsafe，tolookatthemistyvalleys，atthedistantpeaks，atcliffsandmorasses，atthedarkforestsandthehazyplainswhereotherhumanbeingsgropetheirdayspainfullyaway，stumblingoverthebonesofthewise，overtheunburiedremainsoftheirpredecessorswhodiedalone，ingloomorinsunshine，halfwayfromanywhere。Themanofpurposedoesnotunderstand，andgoeson，fullofcontempt。Heneverloseshisway。Heknowswhereheisgoingandwhathewants。Travellingon，heachievesgreatlengthwithoutanybreadth，andbattered，besmirched，andweary，hetouchesthegoalatlast；hegraspstherewardofhisperseverance，ofhisvirtue，ofhishealthyoptimism:anuntruthfultombstoneoveradarkandsoonforgottengrave。
Lingardhadneverhesitatedinhislife。Whyshouldhe？Hehadbeenamostsuccessfultrader，andamanluckyinhisfights，skilfulinnavigation，undeniablyfirstinseamanshipinthoseseas。Heknewit。Hadhenotheardthevoiceofcommonconsent？
Thevoiceoftheworldthatrespectedhimsomuch；thewholeworldtohim——fortousthelimitsoftheuniversearestrictlydefinedbythoseweknow。Thereisnothingforusoutsidethebabbleofpraiseandblameonfamiliarlips，andbeyondourlastacquaintancethereliesonlyavastchaos；achaosoflaughterandtearswhichconcernsusnot；laughterandtearsunpleasant，wicked，morbid，contemptible——becauseheardimperfectlybyearsrebellioustostrangesounds。ToLingard——simplehimself——allthingsweresimple。Heseldomread。Bookswerenotmuchinhisway，andhehadtoworkhardnavigating，trading，andalso，inobediencetohisbenevolentinstincts，shapingstrayliveshefoundhereandthereunderhisbusyhand。HerememberedtheSunday-schoolteachingsofhisnativevillageandthediscoursesoftheblack-coatedgentlemanconnectedwiththeMissiontoFishermenandSeamen，whoseyawl-riggedboatdartingthroughrain-squallsamongstthecoasterswind-boundinFalmouthBay，waspartofthosepreciouspicturesofhisyouthfuldaysthatlingeredinhismemory。\"Ascleverasky-pilotasyoucouldwishtosee，\"hewouldsaywithconviction，\"andthebestmantohandleaboatinanyweatherIeverdidmeet！\"Suchweretheagenciesthathadroughlyshapedhisyoungsoulbeforehewentawaytoseetheworldinasouthern-goingship——beforehewent，ignorantandhappy，heavyofhand，pureinheart，profaneinspeech，togivehimselfuptothegreatseathattookhislifeandgavehimhisfortune。Whenthinkingofhisriseintheworld——commanderofships，thenshipowner，thenamanofmuchcapital，respectedwhereverhewent，Lingardinaword，theRajahLaut——hewasamazedandawedbyhisfate，thatseemedtohisill-informedmindthemostwondrousknownintheannalsofmen。
Hisexperienceappearedtohimimmenseandconclusive，teachinghimthelessonofthesimplicityoflife。Inlife——asinseamanship——therewereonlytwowaysofdoingathing:therightwayandthewrongway。Commonsenseandexperiencetaughtamanthewaythatwasright。Theotherwasforlubbersandfools，andled，inseamanship，tolossofsparsandsailsorshipwreck；inlife，tolossofmoneyandconsideration，ortoanunluckyknockonthehead。Hedidnotconsiderithisdutytobeangrywithrascals。Hewasonlyangrywiththingshecouldnotunderstand，butfortheweaknessesofhumanityhecouldfindacontemptuoustolerance。Itbeingmanifestthathewaswiseandlucky——otherwisehowcouldhehavebeenassuccessfulinlifeashehadbeen？——hehadaninclinationtosetrightthelivesofotherpeople，justashecouldhardlyrefrain——indefianceofnauticaletiquette——frominterferingwithhischiefofficerwhenthecrewwassendingupanewtopmast，orgenerallywhenbusyabout，whathecalled，\"aheavyjob。\"Hewasmeddlesomewithperfectmodesty；ifheknewathingortwotherewasnomeritinit。\"Hardknockstaughtmewisdom，myboy，\"heusedtosay，\"andyouhadbettertaketheadviceofamanwhohasbeenafoolinhistime。Haveanother。\"And\"myboy\"asaruletookthecooldrink，theadvice，andtheconsequenthelpwhichLingardfelthimselfboundinhonourtogive，soastobackuphisopinionlikeanhonestman。CaptainTomwentsailingfromislandtoisland，appearingunexpectedlyinvariouslocalities，beaming，noisy，anecdotal，commendatoryorcomminatory，butalwayswelcome。
ItwasonlysincehisreturntoSambirthattheoldseamanhadforthefirsttimeknowndoubtandunhappiness，ThelossoftheFlash——plantedfirmlyandforeveronaledgeofrockatthenorthendofGasparStraitsintheuncertainlightofacloudymorning——shookhimconsiderably；andtheamazingnewswhichheheardonhisarrivalinSambirwerenotmadetosoothehisfeelings。Agoodmanyyearsago——promptedbyhisloveofadventure——he，withinfinitetrouble，hadfoundoutandsurveyed——forhisownbenefitonly——theentrancestothatriver，where，hehadheardthroughnativereport，anewsettlementofMalayswasforming。Nodoubthethoughtatthetimemostlyofpersonalgain；but，receivedwithheartyfriendlinessbyPatalolo，hesooncametoliketherulerandthepeople，offeredhiscounselandhishelp，and——knowingnothingofArcadia——hedreamedofArcadianhappinessforthatlittlecorneroftheworldwhichhelovedtothinkallhisown。Hisdeep-seatedandimmovableconvictionthatonlyhe——he，Lingard——knewwhatwasgoodforthemwascharacteristicofhim。and，afterall，notsoveryfarwrong。Hewouldmakethemhappywhetherorno，hesaid，andhemeantit。Histradebroughtprosperitytotheyoungstate，andthefearofhisheavyhandsecureditsinternalpeaceformanyyears。
Helookedproudlyuponhiswork。Witheverypassingyearhelovedmoretheland，thepeople，themuddyriverthat，ifhecouldhelpit，wouldcarrynoothercraftbuttheFlashonitsuncleanandfriendlysurface。Asheslowlywarpedhisvesselup-streamhewouldscanwithknowinglookstheriversideclearings，andpronouncesolemnjudgmentupontheprospectsoftheseason’srice-crop。HekneweverysettleronthebanksbetweentheseaandSambir；heknewtheirwives，theirchildren；
hekneweveryindividualofthemulti-colouredgroupsthat，standingontheflimsyplatformsoftinyreeddwellingsbuiltoverthewater，wavedtheirhandsandshoutedshrilly:\"O！Kapallayer！Hai！\"whiletheFlashsweptslowlythroughthepopulatedreach，toenterthelonelystretchesofsparklingbrownwaterborderedbythedenseandsilentforest，whosebigtreesnoddedtheiroutspreadboughsgentlyinthefaint，warmbreeze——asifinsignoftenderbutmelancholywelcome。Heloveditall:thelandscapeofbrowngoldsandbrilliantemeraldsunderthedomeofhotsapphire；thewhisperingbigtrees；theloquaciousnipa-palmsthatrattledtheirleavesvolublyinthenightbreeze，asifinhastetotellhimallthesecretsofthegreatforestbehindthem。Helovedtheheavyscentsofblossomsandblackearth，thatbreathoflifeandofdeathwhichlingeredoverhisbriginthedampairoftepidandpeacefulnights。Helovedthenarrowandsombrecreeks，strangerstosunshine:black，smooth，tortuous——likebywaysofdespair。Helikedeventhetroopsofsorrowful-facedmonkeysthatprofanedthequietspotswithcapriciousgambolsandinsanegesturesofinhumanmadness。Helovedeverythingthere，animatedorinanimated；theverymudoftheriverside；theveryalligators，enormousandstolid，baskingonitwithimpertinentunconcern。Theirsizewasasourceofpridetohim。\"Immensefellows！MaketwoofthemPalembangreptiles！Itellyou，oldman！\"hewouldshout，pokingsomecronyofhisplayfullyintheribs:\"Itellyou，bigasyouare，theycouldswallowyouinonegulp，hat，bootsandall！
Magnificentbeggars！Wouldn’tyouliketoseethem？Wouldn’tyou！Ha！ha！ha！\"Histhunderouslaughterfilledtheverandah，rolledoverthehotelgarden，overflowedintothestreet，paralyzingforashortmomentthenoiselesstrafficofbarebrownfeet；anditsloudreverberationswouldevenstartlethelandlord’stamebird——ashamelessmynah——intoamomentaryproprietyofbehaviourunderthenearestchair。Inthebigbilliard-roomperspiringmeninthincottonsingletswouldstopthegame，listen，cueinhand，forawhilethroughtheopenwindows，thennodtheirmoistfacesateachothersagaciouslyandwhisper:\"Theoldfellowistalkingabouthisriver。\"
Hisriver！Thewhispersofcuriousmen，themysteryofthething，weretoLingardasourceofnever-endingdelight。Thecommontalkofignoranceexaggeratedtheprofitsofhisqueermonopoly，and，althoughstrictlytruthfulingeneral，heliked，onthatmatter，tomisleadspeculationstillfurtherbyboastsfullofcoldraillery。Hisriver！Byithewasnotonlyrich——hewasinteresting。Thissecretofhiswhichmadehimdifferenttotheothertradersofthoseseasgaveintimatesatisfactiontothatdesireforsingularitywhichhesharedwiththerestofmankind，withoutbeingawareofitspresencewithinhisbreast。Itwasthegreaterpartofhishappiness，butheonlyknewitafteritsloss，sounforeseen，sosuddenandsocruel。
AfterhisconversationwithAlmayerhewentonboardtheschooner，sentJoannaonshore，andshuthimselfupinhiscabin，feelingveryunwell。HemadethemostofhisindispositiontoAlmayer，whocametovisithimtwiceaday。Itwasanexcusefordoingnothingjustyet。Hewantedtothink。Hewasveryangry。
Angrywithhimself，withWillems。AngryatwhatWillemshaddone——andalsoangryatwhathehadleftundone。Thescoundrelwasnotcomplete。Theconceptionwasperfect，buttheexecution，unaccountably，fellshort。Why？HeoughttohavecutAlmayer’sthroatandburnttheplacetoashes——thenclearedout。Gotoutofhisway；ofhim，Lingard！Yethedidn’t。Wasitimpudence，contempt——orwhat？Hefelthurtattheimplieddisrespectofhispower，andtheincompleterascalityoftheproceedingdisturbedhimexceedingly。Therewassomethingshort，somethingwanting，somethingthatwouldhavegivenhimafreehandintheworkofretribution。Theobvious，therightthingtodo，wastoshootWillems。Yethowcouldhe？Hadthefellowresisted，showedfight，orranaway；hadheshownanyconsciousnessofharmdone，itwouldhavebeenmorepossible，morenatural。Butno！Thefellowactuallyhadsenthimamessage。Wantedtoseehim。Whatfor？Thethingcouldnotbeexplained。Anunexampled，cold-bloodedtreachery，awful，incomprehensible。Whydidhedoit？Why？Why？Theoldseamaninthestuffysolitudeofhislittlecabinonboardtheschoonergroanedoutmanytimesthatquestion，strikingwithanopenpalmhisperplexedforehead。
Duringhisfourdaysofseclusionhehadreceivedtwomessagesfromtheouterworld；fromthatworldofSambirwhichhad，sosuddenlyandsofinally，slippedfromhisgrasp。One，afewwordsfromWillemswrittenonatorn-outpageofasmallnotebook；theother，acommunicationfromAbdullacaligraphedcarefullyonalargesheetofflimsypaperanddeliveredtohiminagreensilkwrapper。Thefirsthecouldnotunderstand。Itsaid:\"Comeandseeme。Iamnotafraid。Areyou？W。\"Hetoreitupangrily，butbeforethesmallbitsofdirtypaperhadthetimetoflutterdownandsettleonthefloor，theangerwasgoneandwasreplacedbyasentimentthatinducedhimtogoonhisknees，pickupthefragmentsofthetornmessage，pieceittogetheronthetopofhischronometerbox，andcontemplateitlongandthoughtfully，asifhehadhopedtoreadtheanswerofthehorribleriddleintheveryformofthelettersthatwenttomakeupthatfreshinsult。Abdulla’sletterhereadcarefullyandrammeditintohispocket，alsowithanger，butwithangerthatendedinahalf-resigned，half-amusedsmile。Hewouldnevergiveinaslongastherewasachance。\"It’sgenerallythesafestwaytosticktotheshipaslongasshewillswim，\"wasoneofhisfavouritesayings:\"Thesafestandtherightway。Toabandonacraftbecauseitleaksiseasy——butpoorwork。Poorwork！\"Yethewasintelligentenoughtoknowwhenhewasbeaten，andtoacceptthesituationlikeaman，withoutrepining。WhenAlmayercameonboardthatafternoonhehandedhimtheletterwithoutcomment。
Almayerreadit，returneditinsilence，andleaningoverthetaffrailthetwomenwereondecklookeddownforsometimeattheplayoftheeddiesroundtheschooner’srudder。Atlasthesaidwithoutlookingup——
\"That’sadecentenoughletter。Abdullagiveshimuptoyou。I
toldyoutheyweregettingsickofhim。Whatareyougoingtodo？\"
Lingardclearedhisthroat，shuffledhisfeet，openedhismouthwithgreatdetermination，butsaidnothingforawhile。Atlasthemurmured——
\"I’llbehangedifIknow——justyet。\"
\"Iwishyouwoulddosomethingsoon……\"
\"What’sthehurry？\"interruptedLingard。\"Hecan’tgetaway。Asitstandsheisatmymercy，asfarasIcansee。\"
\"Yes，\"saidAlmayer，reflectively——\"andverylittlemercyhedeservestoo。Abdulla’smeaning——asIcanmakeitoutamongstallthosecompliments——is:’Getridformeofthatwhiteman——andweshallliveinpeaceandsharethetrade。\"’
\"Youbelievethat？\"askedLingard，contemptuously。
\"Notaltogether，\"answeredAlmayer。\"Nodoubtwewillsharethetradeforatime——tillhecangrabthelot。Well，whatareyougoingtodo？\"
HelookedupashespokeandwassurprisedtoseeLingard’sdiscomposedface。
\"Youain’twell。Painanywhere？\"heasked，withrealsolicitude。
\"Ihavebeenqueer——youknow——theselastfewdays，butnopain。\"
Hestruckhisbroadchestseveraltimes，clearedhisthroatwithapowerful\"Hem！\"andrepeated:\"No。Nopain。Goodforafewyearsyet。ButIambotheredwithallthis，Icantellyou！\"
\"Youmusttakecareofyourself，\"saidAlmayer。Thenafterapauseheadded:\"YouwillseeAbdulla。Won’tyou？\"
\"Idon’tknow。Notyet。There’splentyoftime，\"saidLingard，impatiently。
\"Iwishyouwoulddosomething，\"urgedAlmayer，moodily。\"Youknow，thatwomanisaperfectnuisancetome。Sheandherbrat！
Yelpsallday。Andthechildrendon’tgetontogether。YesterdaythelittledevilwantedtofightwithmyNina。Scratchedherface，too。Aperfectsavage！Likehishonourablepapa。Yes，really。Sheworriesaboutherhusband，andwhimpersfrommorningtonight。Whensheisn’tweepingsheisfuriouswithme。
Yesterdayshetormentedmetotellherwhenhewouldbebackandcriedbecausehewasengagedinsuchdangerouswork。Isaidsomethingaboutitbeingallright——nonecessitytomakeafoolofherself，whensheturneduponmelikeawildcat。Calledmeabrute，selfish，heartless；ravedaboutherbelovedPeterriskinghislifeformybenefit，whileIdidnotcare。SaidItookadvantageofhisgenerousgood-naturetogethimtododangerouswork——mywork。Thathewasworthtwentyofthelikesofme。
Thatshewouldtellyou——openyoureyesastothekindofmanI
was，andsoon。That’swhatI’vegottoputupwithforyoursake。Youreallymightconsidermealittle。Ihaven’trobbedanybody，\"wentonAlmayer，withanattemptatbitterirony——\"orsoldmybestfriend，butstillyououghttohavesomepityonme。
It’slikelivinginahotfever。Sheisoutofherwits。Youmakemyhousearefugeforscoundrelsandlunatics。Itisn’tfair。’Ponmyworditisn’t！Whensheisinhertantrumssheisridiculouslyuglyandscreechesso——itsetsmyteethonedge。
ThankGod！mywifegotafitofthesulksandclearedoutofthehouse。Livesinariversidehutsincethataffair——youknow。
ButthisWillems’wifebyherselfisalmostmorethanIcanbear。
AndIaskmyselfwhyshouldI？Youareexactingandnomistake。
ThismorningIthoughtshewasgoingtoclawme。Onlythink！
Shewantedtogoprancingaboutthesettlement。Shemighthaveheardsomethingthere，soItoldhershemustn’t。Itwasn’tsafeoutsideourfences，Isaid。Thereuponsherushesatmewithhertennailsuptomyeyes。’Youmiserableman，’sheyells，’eventhisplaceisnotsafe，andyou’vesenthimupthisawfulriverwherehemaylosehishead。Ifhediesbeforeforgivingme，Heavenwillpunishyouforyourcrime……’Mycrime！IaskmyselfsometimeswhetherIamdreaming！Itwillmakemeill，allthis。I’velostmyappetitealready。\"
Heflunghishatondeckandlaidholdofhishairdespairingly。
Lingardlookedathimwithconcern。
\"Whatdidshemeanbyit？\"hemuttered，thoughtfully。
\"Mean！Sheiscrazy，Itellyou——andIwillbe，verysoon，ifthislasts！\"
\"Justalittlepatience，Kaspar，\"pleadedLingard。\"Adayorsomore。\"
Relievedortiredbyhisviolentoutburst，Almayercalmeddown，pickeduphishatand，leaningagainstthebulwark，commencedtofanhimselfwithit。
\"Daysdopass，\"hesaid，resignedly——\"butthatkindofthingmakesamanoldbeforehistime。Whatistheretothinkabout？——Ican’timagine！Abdullasaysplainlythatifyouundertaketopilothisshipoutandinstructthehalf-caste，hewilldropWillemslikeahotpotatoandbeyourfriendeverafter。Ibelievehimperfectly，astoWillems。It’ssonatural。
Astobeingyourfriendit’salieofcourse，butweneednotbotheraboutthatjustyet。YoujustsayyestoAbdulla，andthenwhateverhappenstoWillemswillbenobody’sbusiness。\"
Heinterruptedhimselfandremainedsilentforawhile，glaringaboutwithsetteethanddilatednostrils。
\"Youleaveittome。I’llseetoitthatsomethinghappenstohim，\"hesaidatlast，withcalmferocity。Lingardsmiledfaintly。
\"Thefellowisn’tworthashot。Notthetroubleofit，\"hewhispered，asiftohimself。Almayerfiredupsuddenly。
\"That’swhatyouthink，\"hecried。\"Youhaven’tbeensewnupinyourhammocktobemadealaughing-stockofbeforeaparcelofsavages。Why！Idaren’tlookanybodyhereinthefacewhilethatscoundrelisalive。Iwill……Iwillsettlehim。\"
\"Idon’tthinkyouwill，\"growledLingard。
\"DoyouthinkIamafraidofhim？\"
\"Blessyou！no！\"saidLingardwithalacrity。\"Afraid！Notyou。
Iknowyou。Idon’tdoubtyourcourage。It’syourhead，myboy，yourheadthatI……\"
\"That’sit，\"saidtheaggrievedAlmayer。\"Goon。Whydon’tyoucallmeafoolatonce？\"
\"BecauseIdon’twantto，\"burstoutLingard，withnervousirritability。\"IfIwantedtocallyouafool，Iwoulddosowithoutaskingyourleave。\"Hebegantowalkathwartthenarrowquarter-deck，kickingropes’endsoutofhiswayandgrowlingtohimself:\"Delicategentleman……whatnext？……I’vedoneman’sworkbeforeyoucouldtoddle。Understand……saywhatI
like。\"
\"Well！well！\"saidAlmayer，withaffectedresignation。\"There’snotalkingtoyoutheselastfewdays。\"Heputonhishat，strolledtothegangwayandstopped，onefootonthelittleinsideladder，asifhesitating，camebackandplantedhimselfinLingard’sway，compellinghimtostandstillandlisten。
\"Ofcourseyouwilldowhatyoulike。Younevertakeadvice——I
knowthat；butletmetellyouthatitwouldn’tbehonesttoletthatfellowgetawayfromhere。Ifyoudonothing，thatscoundrelwillleaveinAbdulla’sshipforsure。Abdullawillmakeuseofhimtohurtyouandotherselsewhere。Willemsknowstoomuchaboutyouraffairs。Hewillcauseyoulotsoftrouble。
Youmarkmywords。Lotsoftrouble。Toyou——andtoothersperhaps。Thinkofthat，CaptainLingard。That’sallI’vegottosay。NowImustgobackonshore。There’slotsofwork。Wewillbeginloadingthisschoonerto-morrowmorning，firstthing。
Allthebundlesareready。Ifyoushouldwantmeforanything，hoistsomekindofflagonthemainmast。Atnighttwoshotswillfetchme。\"Thenheadded，inafriendlytone，\"Won’tyoucomeanddineinthehouseto-night？Itcan’tbegoodforyoutostewonboardlikethat，dayafterday。\"
Lingarddidnotanswer。TheimageevokedbyAlmayer；thepictureofWillemsrangingovertheislandsanddisturbingtheharmonyoftheuniversebyrobbery，treachery，andviolence，heldhimsilent，entranced——painfullyspellbound。Almayer，afterwaitingforalittlewhile，movedreluctantlytowardsthegangway，lingeredthere，thensighedandgotovertheside，goingdownstepbystep。Hisheaddisappearedslowlybelowtherail。
Lingard，whohadbeenstaringathimabsently，startedsuddenly，rantotheside，andlookingover，calledout——
\"Hey！Kaspar！Holdonabit！\"
Almayersignedtohisboatmentoceasepaddling，andturnedhisheadtowardstheschooner。TheboatdriftedbackslowlyabreastofLingard，nearlyalongside。
\"Lookhere，\"saidLingard，lookingdown——\"Iwantagoodcanoewithfourmento-day。\"
\"Doyouwantitnow？\"askedAlmayer。
\"No！Catchthisrope。Oh，youclumsydevil！……No，Kaspar，\"
wentonLingard，afterthebow-manhadgotholdoftheendofthebracehehadthrowndownintothecanoe——\"No，Kaspar。Thesunistoomuchforme。Anditwouldbebettertokeepmyaffairsquiet，too。Sendthecanoe——fourgoodpaddlers，mind，andyourcanvaschairformetositin。Senditaboutsunset。D’yehear？\"
\"Allright，father，\"saidAlmayer，cheerfully——\"IwillsendAliforasteersman，andthebestmenI’vegot。Anythingelse？\"
\"No，mylad。Onlydon’tletthembelate。\"
\"Isupposeit’snouseaskingyouwhereyouaregoing，\"saidAlmayer，tentatively。\"BecauseifitistoseeAbdulla，I……\"
\"IamnotgoingtoseeAbdulla。Notto-day。Nowbeoffwithyou。\"
Hewatchedthecanoedartawayshorewards，wavedhishandinresponsetoAlmayer’snod，andwalkedtothetaffrailsmoothingoutAbdulla’sletter，whichhehadpulledoutofhispocket。Hereaditovercarefully，crumpleditupslowly，smilingthewhileandclosinghisfingersfirmlyoverthecracklingpaperasthoughhehadholdthereofAbdulla’sthroat。Halfwaytohispockethechangedhismind，andflingingtheballoverboardlookedatitthoughtfullyasitspunroundintheeddiesforamoment，beforethecurrentboreitawaydown-stream，towardsthesea。
PARTIV
CHAPTERONE
Thenightwasverydark。ForthefirsttimeinmanymonthstheEastCoastsleptunseenbythestarsunderaveilofmotionlesscloudthat，drivenbeforethefirstbreathoftherainymonsoon，haddriftedslowlyfromtheeastwardalltheafternoon；pursuingthedecliningsunwithitsmassesofblackandgreythatseemedtochasethelightwithwickedintent，andwithanominousandgloomysteadiness，asthoughconsciousofthemessageofviolenceandturmoiltheycarried。Atthesun’sdisappearancebelowthewesternhorizon，theimmensecloud，inquickenedmotion，grappledwiththeglowofretreatinglight，androllingdowntotheclearandjaggedoutlineofthedistantmountains，hungarrestedabovethesteamingforests；hanginglow，silentandmenacingovertheunstirringtree-tops；withholdingtheblessingofrain，nursingthewrathofitsthunder；undecided——asifbroodingoveritsownpowerforgoodorforevil。
Babalatchi，comingoutoftheredandsmokylightofhislittlebamboohouse，glancedupwards，drewinalongbreathofthewarmandstagnantair，andstoodforamomentwithhisgoodeyeclosedtightly，asifintimidatedbytheunwontedanddeepsilenceofLakamba’scourtyard。Whenheopenedhiseyehehadrecoveredhissightsofar，thathecoulddistinguishthevariousdegreesofformlessblacknesswhichmarkedtheplacesoftrees，ofabandonedhouses，ofriversidebushes，onthedarkbackgroundofthenight。
Thecarewornsagewalkedcautiouslydownthedesertedcourtyardtothewaterside，andstoodonthebanklisteningtothevoiceoftheinvisibleriverthatflowedathisfeet；listeningtothesoftwhispers，tothedeepmurmurs，tothesuddengurglesandtheshorthissesoftheswiftcurrentracingalongthebankthroughthehotdarkness。
Hestoodwithhisfaceturnedtotheriver，anditseemedtohimthathecouldbreatheeasierwiththeknowledgeoftheclearvastspacebeforehim；then，afterawhileheleanedheavilyforwardonhisstaff，hischinfellonhisbreast，andadeepsighwashisanswertotheselfishdiscourseoftheriverthathurriedonunceasingandfast，regardlessofjoyorsorrow，ofsufferingandofstrife，offailuresandtriumphsthatlivedonitsbanks。Thebrownwaterwasthere，readytocarryfriendsorenemies，tonurseloveorhateonitssubmissiveandheartlessbosom，tohelportohinder，tosavelifeorgivedeath；thegreatandrapidriver:adeliverance，aprison，arefugeoragrave。
PerchancesuchthoughtsasthesecausedBabalatchitosendanothermournfulsighintothetrailingmistsoftheunconcernedPantai。Thebarbarouspoliticianhadforgottentherecentsuccessofhisplottingsinthemelancholycontemplationofasorrowthatmadethenightblacker，theclammyheatmoreoppressive，thestillairmoreheavy，thedumbsolitudemoresignificantoftormentthanofpeace。HehadspentthenightbeforebythesideofthedyingOmar，andnow，aftertwenty-fourhours，hismemorypersistedinreturningtothatlowandsombrereedhutfromwhichthefiercespiritoftheincomparablyaccomplishedpiratetookitsflight，tolearntoolate，inaworseworld，theerrorofitsearthlyways。Themindofthesavagestatesman，chastenedbybereavement，feltforamomenttheweightofhislonelinesswithkeenperceptionworthyevenofasensibilityexasperatedbyalltherefinementsoftendersentimentthatagloriouscivilizationbringsinitstrain，amongotherblessingsandvirtues，intothisexcellentworld。Forthespaceofaboutthirtyseconds，ahalf-naked，betel-chewingpessimiststooduponthebankofthetropicalriver，ontheedgeofthestillandimmenseforests；amanangry，powerless，empty-handed，withacryofbitterdiscontentreadyonhislips；
acrythat，haditcomeout，wouldhaverungthroughthevirginsolitudesofthewoods，astrue，asgreat，asprofound，asanyphilosophicalshriekthatevercamefromthedepthsofaneasy-chairtodisturbtheimpurewildernessofchimneysandroofs。
ForhalfaminuteandnomoredidBabalatchifacethegodsinthesublimeprivilegeofhisrevolt，andthentheone-eyedpullerofwiresbecamehimselfagain，fullofcareandwisdomandfar-reachingplans，andavictimtothetormentingsuperstitionsofhisrace。Thenight，nomatterhowquiet，isneverperfectlysilenttoattentiveears，andnowBabalatchifanciedhecoulddetectinitothernoisesthanthosecausedbytheripplesandeddiesoftheriver。Heturnedhisheadsharplytotherightandtotheleftinsuccession，andthenspunroundquicklyinastartledandwatchfulmanner，asifhehadexpectedtoseetheblindghostofhisdepartedleaderwanderingintheobscurityoftheemptycourtyardbehindhisback。Nothingthere。Yethehadheardanoise；astrangenoise！Nodoubtaghostlyvoiceofacomplainingandangryspirit。Helistened。Notasound。
Reassured，Babalatchimadeafewpacestowardshishouse，whenaveryhumannoise，thatofhoarsecoughing，reachedhimfromtheriver。Hestopped，listenedattentively，butnowwithoutanysignofemotion，andmovingbrisklybacktothewatersidestoodexpectantwithpartedlips，tryingtopiercewithhiseyethewaveringcurtainofmistthathunglowoverthewater。Hecouldseenothing，yetsomepeopleinacanoemusthavebeenverynear，forheheardwordsspokeninanordinarytone。
\"Doyouthinkthisistheplace，Ali？Icanseenothing。\"
\"Itmustbenearhere，Tuan，\"answeredanothervoice。\"Shallwetrythebank？\"
\"No！……Letdriftalittle。Ifyougopokingintothebankinthedarkyoumightstovethecanoeonsomelog。Wemustbecareful……Letdrift！Letdrift！……Thisdoesseemtobeaclearingofsomesort。Wemayseealightbyandbyfromsomehouseorother。InLakamba’scampongtherearemanyhouses？
Hey？\"
\"Agreatnumber，Tuan……Idonotseeanylight。\"
\"NorI，\"grumbledthefirstvoiceagain，thistimenearlyabreastofthesilentBabalatchiwholookeduneasilytowardshisownhouse，thedoorwayofwhichglowedwiththedimlightofatorchburningwithin。Thehousestoodendontotheriver，anditsdoorwayfaceddown-stream，soBabalatchireasonedrapidlythatthestrangersontherivercouldnotseethelightfromthepositiontheirboatwasinatthemoment。Hecouldnotmakeuphismindtocallouttothem，andwhilehehesitatedheheardthevoicesagain，butnowsomewaybelowthelanding-placewherehestood。
\"Nothing。Thiscannotbeit。Letthemgiveway，Ali！Dayongthere！\"
Thatorderwasfollowedbythesplashofpaddles，thenasuddencry——
\"Iseealight。Iseeit！NowIknowwheretoland，Tuan。\"
Therewasmoresplashingasthecanoewaspaddledsharplyroundandcamebackup-streamclosetothebank。
\"Callout，\"saidverynearadeepvoice，whichBabalatchifeltsuremustbelongtoawhiteman。\"Callout——andsomebodymaycomewithatorch。Ican’tseeanything。\"
Theloudhailthatsucceededthesewordswasemittednearlyunderthesilentlistener’snose。Babalatchi，topreserveappearances，ranwithlongbutnoiselessstrideshalfwayupthecourtyard，andonlythenshoutedinanswerandkeptonshoutingashewalkedslowlybackagaintowardstheriverbank。Hesawthereanindistinctshapeofaboat，notquitealongsidethelanding-place。
\"Whospeaksontheriver？\"askedBabalatchi，throwingatoneofsurpriseintohisquestion。
\"Awhiteman，\"answeredLingardfromthecanoe。\"IstherenotonetorchinrichLakamba’scampongtolightaguestonhislanding？\"
\"Therearenotorchesandnomen。Iamalonehere，\"saidBabalatchi，withsomehesitation。
\"Alone！\"exclaimedLingard。\"Whoareyou？\"
\"OnlyaservantofLakamba。Butland，TuanPutih，andseemyface。Hereismyhand。No！Here！……Byyourmercy……
Ada！……Nowyouaresafe。\"
\"Andyouarealonehere？\"saidLingard，movingwithprecautionafewstepsintothecourtyard。\"Howdarkitis，\"hemutteredtohimself——\"onewouldthinktheworldhadbeenpaintedblack。\"
\"Yes。Alone。Whatmoredidyousay，Tuan？Ididnotunderstandyourtalk。\"
\"Itisnothing。Iexpectedtofindhere……Butwherearetheyall？\"
\"Whatmatterswheretheyare？\"saidBabalatchi，gloomily。\"Haveyoucometoseemypeople？Thelastdepartedonalongjourney——andIamalone。TomorrowIgotoo。\"
\"Icametoseeawhiteman，\"saidLingard，walkingonslowly。
\"Heisnotgone，ishe？\"
\"No！\"answeredBabalatchi，athiselbow。\"Amanwitharedskinandhardeyes，\"hewenton，musingly，\"whosehandisstrong，andwhoseheartisfoolishandweak。Awhitemanindeed……Butstillaman。\"
Theywerenowatthefootoftheshortladderwhichledtothesplit-bambooplatformsurroundingBabalatchi’shabitation。Thefaintlightfromthedoorwayfelldownuponthetwomen’sfacesastheystoodlookingateachothercuriously。
\"Ishethere？\"askedLingard，inalowvoice，withawaveofhishandupwards。
Babalatchi，staringhardathislong-expectedvisitor，didnotansweratonce。\"No，notthere，\"hesaidatlast，placinghisfootonthelowestrungandlookingback。\"Notthere，Tuan——yetnotveryfar。Willyousitdowninmydwelling？Theremaybericeandfishandclearwater——notfromtheriver，butfromaspring……\"
\"Iamnothungry，\"interruptedLingard，curtly，\"andIdidnotcomeheretositinyourdwelling。Leadmetothewhitemanwhoexpectsme。Ihavenotimetolose。\"
\"Thenightislong，Tuan，\"wentonBabalatchi，softly，\"andthereareothernightsandotherdays。Long。Verylong……Howmuchtimeittakesforamantodie！ORajahLaut！\"
Lingardstarted。
\"Youknowme！\"heexclaimed。
\"Ay——wa！Ihaveseenyourfaceandfeltyourhandbefore——manyyearsago，\"saidBabalatchi，holdingonhalfwayuptheladder，andbendingdownfromabovetopeerintoLingard’supturnedface。
\"Youdonotremember——butIhavenotforgotten。Therearemanymenlikeme:thereisonlyoneRajahLaut。\"
Heclimbedwithsuddenagilitythelastfewsteps，andstoodontheplatformwavinghishandinvitinglytoLingard，whofollowedafterashortmomentofindecision。
Theelasticbamboofloorofthehutbentundertheheavyweightoftheoldseaman，who，standingwithinthethreshold，triedtolookintothesmokygloomofthelowdwelling。Underthetorch，thrustintothecleftofastick，fastenedatarightangletothemiddlestayoftheridgepole，layaredpatchoflight，showingafewshabbymatsandacornerofabigwoodenchesttherestofwhichwaslostinshadow。Intheobscurityofthemoreremotepartsofthehousealance-head，abrasstrayhungonthewall，thelongbarrelofagunleaningagainstthechest，caughtthestrayraysofthesmokyilluminationintremblinggleamsthatwavered，disappeared，reappeared，wentout，cameback——asifengagedinadoubtfulstrugglewiththedarknessthat，lyinginwaitindistantcorners，seemedtodartoutviciouslytowardsitsfeebleenemy。Thevastspaceunderthehighpitchoftheroofwasfilledwithathickcloudofsmoke，whoseunder-side——levellikeaceiling——reflectedthelightoftheswayingdullflame，whileatthetopitoozedoutthroughtheimperfectthatchofdriedpalmleaves。Anindescribableandcomplicatedsmell，madeupoftheexhalationofdampearthbelow，ofthetaintofdriedfishandoftheeffluviaofrottingvegetablematter，pervadedtheplaceandcausedLingardtosniffstronglyashestrodeover，satonthechest，and，leaninghiselbowsonhisknees，tookhisheadbetweenhishandsandstaredatthedoorwaythoughtfully。