\"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。