hiswivesfurtherin；thechildrenwiththeirmothers。Shecouldheartheirbreathing；Bulangi\'ssleepyvoice；thesharpcryofachildsoonhushedwithtenderwords。Andsheclosedhereyestothemurmurofthewaterbelowher，tothewhisperofthewarmwindabove，ignorantofthenever-ceasinglifeofthattropicalnaturethatspoketoherinvainwiththethousandfaintvoicesofthenearforest，withthebreathoftepidwind；intheheavyscentsthatlingeredaroundherhead；inthewhitewraithsofmorningmistthathungoverherinthesolemnhushofallcreationbeforethedawn。
Suchhadbeenherexistencebeforethecomingofthebrigwiththestrangers。Sherememberedwellthattime；theuproarinthesettlement，thenever-endingwonder，thedaysandnightsoftalkandexcitement。Sherememberedherowntimiditywiththestrangemen，tillthebrigmooredtothebankbecameinamannerpartofthesettlement，andthefearworeoffinthefamiliarityofconstantintercourse。Thecallonboardthenbecamepartofherdailyround。Shewalkedhesitatinglyuptheslantingplanksofthegangwayamidsttheencouragingshoutsandmoreorlessdecentjokesofthemenidlingoverthebulwarks。Thereshesoldherwarestothosementhatspokesoloudandcarriedthemselvessofree。Therewasathrong，aconstantcomingandgoing；callsinterchanged，ordersgivenandexecutedwithshouts；therattleofblocks，theflingingaboutofcoilsofrope。Shesatoutofthewayundertheshadeoftheawning，withhertraybeforeher，theveildrawnwelloverherface，feelingshyamongstsomanymen。Shesmiledatallbuyers，butspoketonone，lettingtheirjestspasswithstolidunconcern。Sheheardmanytalestoldaroundheroffar-offcountries，ofstrangecustoms，ofeventsstrangerstill。Thosemenwerebrave；butthemostfearlessofthemspokeoftheirchiefwithfear。Oftenthemantheycalledtheirmasterpassedbeforeher，walkingerectandindifferent，intheprideofyouth，intheflashofrichdress，withatinkleofgoldornaments，whileeverybodystoodasidewatchinganxiouslyforamovementofhislips，readytodohisbidding。Thenallherlifeseemedtorushintohereyes，andfromunderherveilshegazedathim，charmed，yetfearfultoattractattention。Onedayhenoticedherandasked，\"Whoisthatgirl？\"\"Aslave，Tuan！Agirlthatsellscakes，\"adozenvoicesrepliedtogether。
Sheroseinterrortorunonshore，whenhecalledherback；andasshestoodtremblingwithheadhungdownbeforehim，hespokekindwords，liftingherchinwithhishandandlookingintohereyeswithasmile。\"Donotbeafraid，\"hesaid。Heneverspoketoheranymore。Somebodycalledoutfromtheriverbank；heturnedawayandforgotherexistence。TaminahsawAlmayerstandingontheshorewithNinaonhisarm。SheheardNina\'svoicecallingoutgaily，andsawDain\'sfacebrightenwithjoyasheleapedonshore。Shehatedthesoundofthatvoiceeversince。
AfterthatdaysheleftoffvisitingAlmayer\'scompound，andpassedthenoonhoursundertheshadeofthebrigawning。Shewatchedforhiscomingwithheartbeatingquickerandquicker，asheapproached，intoawildtumultofnewly-arousedfeelingsofjoyandhopeandfearthatdiedawaywithDain\'sretreatingfigure，leavinghertiredout，asifafterastruggle，sittingstillforalongtimeindreamylanguor。Thenshepaddledhomeslowlyintheafternoon，oftenlettinghercanoefloatwiththelazystreaminthequietbackwateroftheriver。Thepaddlehungidleinthewaterasshesatinthestern，onehandsupportingherchin，hereyeswideopen，listeningintentlytothewhisperingofherheartthatseemedtoswellatlastintoasongofextremesweetness。Listeningtothatsongshehuskedthericeathome；itdulledherearstotheshrillbickeringsofBulangi\'swives，tothesoundofangryreproachesaddressedtoherself。
Andwhenthesunwasnearitssettingshewalkedtothebathing-placeandhearditasshestoodonthetendergrassofthelowbank，herrobeatherfeet，andlookedatthereflectionofherfigureontheglass-likesurfaceofthecreek。Listeningtoitshewalkedslowlyback，herwethairhangingoverhershoulders；layingdowntorestunderthebrightstars，sheclosedhereyestothemurmurofthewaterbelow，ofthewarmwindabove；tothevoiceofnaturespeakingthroughthefaintnoisesofthegreatforest，andtothesongofherownheart。
Sheheard，butdidnotunderstand，anddrankinthedreamyjoyofhernewexistencewithouttroublingaboutitsmeaningoritsend，tillthefullconsciousnessoflifecametoherthroughpainandanger。AndshesufferedhorriblythefirsttimeshesawNina\'slongcanoedriftsilentlypastthesleepinghouseofBulangi，bearingthetwoloversintothewhitemistofthegreatriver。
Herjealousyandrageculminatedintoaparoxysmofphysicalpainthatleftherlyingpantingontheriverbank，inthedumbagonyofawoundedanimal。Butshewentonmovingpatientlyintheenchantedcircleofslavery，goingthroughhertaskdayafterdaywithallthepathosofthegriefshecouldnotexpress，eventoherself，lockedwithinherbreast。SheshrankfromNinaasshewouldhaveshrunkfromthesharpbladeofaknifecuttingintoherflesh，butshekeptonvisitingthebrigtofeedherdumb，ignorantsoulonherowndespair。ShesawDainmanytimes。
Heneverspoke，heneverlooked。Couldhiseyesseeonlyonewoman\'simage？Couldhisearshearonlyonewoman\'svoice？
Henevernoticedher；notonce。
Andthenhewentaway。ShesawhimandNinaforthelasttimeonthatmorningwhenBabalatchi，whilevisitinghisfishbaskets，hadhissuspicionsofthewhiteman\'sdaughter\'sloveaffairwithDainconfirmedbeyondtheshadowofdoubt。Daindisappeared，andTaminah\'sheart，wherelayuselessandbarrentheseedsofallloveandofallhate，thepossibilitiesofallpassionsandofallsacrifices，forgotitsjoysanditssufferingswhendeprivedofthehelpofthesenses。Herhalf-formed，savagemind，theslaveofherbody——asherbodywastheslaveofanother\'swill——forgotthefaintandvagueimageoftheidealthathadfounditsbeginninginthephysicalpromptingsofhersavagenature。Shedroppedbackintothetorporofherformerlifeandfoundconsolation——evenacertainkindofhappiness——inthethoughtthatnowNinaandDainwereseparated，probablyforever。
Hewouldforget。Thisthoughtsoothedthelastpangsofdyingjealousythathadnothingnowtofeedupon，andTaminahfoundpeace。Itwaslikethedrearytranquillityofadesert，wherethereispeaceonlybecausethereisnolife。
Andnowhehadreturned。ShehadrecognisedhisvoicecallingaloudinthenightforBulangi。Shehadcreptoutafterhermastertolistenclosertotheintoxicatingsound。Dainwasthere，inaboat，talkingtoBulangi。Taminah，listeningwitharrestedbreath，heardanothervoice。Themaddeningjoy，thatonlyasecondbeforeshethoughtherselfincapableofcontainingwithinherfast-beatingheart，diedout，andlefthershiveringintheoldanguishofphysicalpainthatshehadsufferedoncebeforeatthesightofDainandNina。Ninaspokenow，orderingandentreatinginturns，andBulangiwasrefusing，expostulating，atlastconsenting。Hewentintotakeapaddlefromtheheaplyingbehindthedoor。Outsidethemurmuroftwovoiceswenton，andshecaughtawordhereandthere。Sheunderstoodthathewasfleeingfromwhitemen，thathewasseekingahiding-place，thathewasinsomedanger。Butsheheardalsowordswhichwoketherageofjealousythathadbeenasleepforsomanydaysinherbosom。Crouchinglowonthemudintheblackdarknessamongstthepiles，sheheardthewhisperintheboatthatmadelightoftoil，ofprivation，ofdanger，oflifeitself，ifinexchangetherecouldbebutashortmomentofcloseembrace，alookfromtheeyes，thefeeloflightbreath，thetouchofsoftlips。SospokeDainashesatinthecanoeholdingNina\'shandswhilewaitingforBulangi\'sreturn；andTaminah，supportingherselfbytheslimypile，feltasifaheavyweightwascrushingherdown，downintotheblackoilywateratherfeet。Shewantedtocryout；torushatthemandteartheirvagueshadowsapart；tothrowNinaintothesmoothwater，clingtoherclose，holdhertothebottomwherethatmancouldnotfindher。Shecouldnotcry，shecouldnotmove。Thenfootstepswereheardonthebambooplatformaboveherhead；shesawBulangigetintohissmallestcanoeandtakethelead，theotherboatfollowing，paddledbyDainandNina。Withaslightsplashofthepaddlesdippedstealthilyintothewater，theirindistinctformspassedbeforeherachingeyesandvanishedinthedarknessofthecreek。
Sheremainedthereinthecoldandwet，powerlesstomove，breathingpainfullyunderthecrushingweightthatthemysterioushandofFatehadlaidsosuddenlyuponherslendershoulders，andshivering，shefeltwithinaburningfire，thatseemedtofeeduponherverylife。Whenthebreakingdayhadspreadapalegoldenribbonovertheblackoutlineoftheforests，shetookuphertrayanddepartedtowardsthesettlement，goingabouthertaskpurelyfromtheforceofhabit。AssheapproachedSambirshecouldseetheexcitementandsheheardwithmomentarysurpriseofthefindingofDain\'sbody。Itwasnottrue，ofcourse。Sheknewitwell。Sheregrettedthathewasnotdead。
SheshouldhavelikedDaintobedead，soastobepartedfromthatwoman——fromallwomen。ShefeltastrongdesiretoseeNina，butwithoutanyclearobject。Shehatedher，andfearedherandshefeltanirresistibleimpulsepushinghertowardsAlmayer\'shousetoseethewhitewoman\'sface，tolookcloseatthoseeyes，tohearagainthatvoice，forthesoundofwhichDainwasreadytoriskhisliberty，hislifeeven。Shehadseenhermanytimes；shehadheardhervoicedailyformanymonthspast。
Whatwasthereinher？WhatwasthereinthatbeingtomakeamanspeakasDainhadspoken，tomakehimblindtoallotherfaces，deaftoallothervoices？
Sheleftthecrowdbytheriverside，andwanderedaimlesslyamongtheemptyhouses，resistingtheimpulsethatpushedhertowardsAlmayer\'scampongtoseekthereinNina\'seyesthesecretofherownmisery。Thesunmountinghigher，shortenedtheshadowsandpoureddownuponherafloodoflightandofstiflingheatasshepassedonfromshadowtolight，fromlighttoshadow，amongstthehouses，thebushes，thetalltrees，inherunconsciousflightfromthepaininherownheart。Intheextremityofherdistressshecouldfindnowordstoprayforrelief，sheknewofnoheaventosendherprayerto，andshewanderedonwithtiredfeetinthedumbsurpriseandterrorattheinjusticeofthesufferinginflicteduponherwithoutcauseandwithoutredress。
TheshorttalkwithReshid，theproposalofAbdullasteadiedheralittleandturnedherthoughtsintoanotherchannel。Dainwasinsomedanger。Hewashidingfromwhitemen。Somuchshehadoverheardlastnight。Theyallthoughthimdead。Sheknewhewasalive，andsheknewofhishiding-place。WhatdidtheArabswanttoknowaboutthewhitemen？ThewhitemenwantwithDain？
Didtheywishtokillhim？Shecouldtellthemall——no，shewouldsaynothing，andinthenightshewouldgotohimandsellhimhislifeforaword，forasmile，foragestureeven，andbehisslaveinfar-offcountries，awayfromNina。Butthereweredangers。Theone-eyedBabalatchiwhokneweverything；thewhiteman\'swife——shewasawitch。Perhapstheywouldtell。AndthentherewasNina。Shemusthurryonandsee。
InherimpatiencesheleftthepathandrantowardsAlmayer\'sdwellingthroughtheundergrowthbetweenthepalmtrees。Shecameoutatthebackofthehouse，whereanarrowditch，fullofstagnantwaterthatoverflowedfromtheriver，separatedAlmayer\'scampongfromtherestofthesettlement。Thethickbushesgrowingonthebankwerehidingfromhersightthelargecourtyardwithitscookingshed。Abovethemroseseveralthincolumnsofsmoke，andfrombehindthesoundofstrangevoicesinformedTaminahthattheMenoftheSeabelongingtothewarshiphadalreadylandedandwerecampedbetweentheditchandthehouse。TotheleftoneofAlmayer\'sslave-girlscamedowntotheditchandbentovertheshinywater，washingakettle。Totherightthetopsofthebananaplantation，visibleabovethebushes，swayedandshookunderthetouchofinvisiblehandsgatheringthefruit。Onthecalmwaterseveralcanoesmooredtoaheavystakewerecrowdedtogether，nearlybridgingtheditchjustattheplacewhereTaminahstood。Thevoicesinthecourtyardroseattimesintoanoutburstofcalls，replies，andlaughter，andthendiedawayintoasilencethatsoonwasbrokenagainbyafreshclamour。Nowandagainthethinbluesmokerushedoutthickerandblacker，anddroveinodorousmassesoverthecreek，wrappingherforamomentinasuffocatingveil；then，asthefreshwoodcaughtwellalight，thesmokevanishedinthebrightsunlight，andonlythescentofaromaticwooddriftedafar，toleewardofthecracklingfires。
Taminahrestedhertrayonastumpofatree，andremainedstandingwithhereyesturnedtowardsAlmayer\'shouse，whoseroofandpartofawhitewashedwallwerevisibleoverthebushes。Theslave-girlfinishedherwork，andafterlookingforawhilecuriouslyatTaminah，pushedherwaythroughthedensethicketbacktothecourtyard。RoundTaminahtherewasnowacompletesolitude。Shethrewherselfdownontheground，andhidherfaceinherhands。NowwhensocloseshehadnocouragetoseeNina。
AteveryburstofloudervoicesfromthecourtyardsheshiveredinthefearofhearingNina\'svoice。Shecametotheresolutionofwaitingwhereshewastilldark，andthengoingstraighttoDain\'shiding-place。Fromwhereshewasshecouldwatchthemovementsofwhitemen，ofNina，ofallDain\'sfriends，andofallhisenemies。Bothwerehatefulaliketoher，forbothwouldtakehimawaybeyondherreach。Shehidherselfinthelonggrasstowaitanxiouslyforthesunsetthatseemedsoslowtocome。
Ontheothersideoftheditch，behindthebush，bytheclearfires，theseamenofthefrigatehadencampedonthehospitableinvitationofAlmayer。Almayer，rousedoutofhisapathybytheprayersandimportunityofNina，hadmanagedtogetdownintimetothejettysoastoreceivetheofficersattheirlanding。ThelieutenantincommandacceptedhisinvitationtohishousewiththeremarkthatinanycasetheirbusinesswaswithAlmayer——andperhapsnotverypleasant，headded。Almayerhardlyheardhim。
Heshookhandswiththemabsentlyandledthewaytowardsthehouse。Hewasscarcelyconsciousofthepolitewordsofwelcomehegreetedthestrangerswith，andafterwardsrepeatedseveraltimesoveragaininhiseffortstoappearatease。Theagitationoftheirhostdidnotescapetheofficer\'seyes，andthechiefconfidedtohissubordinate，inalowvoice，hisdoubtsastoAlmayer\'ssobriety。Theyoungsub-lieutenantlaughedandexpressedinawhisperthehopethatthewhitemanwasnotintoxicatedenoughtoneglecttheofferofsomerefreshments。
\"Hedoesnotseemverydangerous，\"headded，astheyfollowedAlmayerupthestepsoftheverandah。
\"No，heseemsmoreofafoolthanaknave；Ihaveheardofhim，\"
returnedthesenior。
Theysataroundthetable。Almayerwithshakinghandsmadegincocktails，offeredthemallround，anddrankhimself，witheverygulpfeelingstronger，steadier，andbetterabletofaceallthedifficultiesofhisposition。Ignorantofthefateofthebrighedidnotsuspecttherealobjectoftheofficer\'svisit。Hehadageneralnotionthatsomethingmusthaveleakedoutaboutthegunpowdertrade，butapprehendednothingbeyondsometemporaryinconveniences。Afteremptyinghisglasshebegantochateasily，lyingbackinhischairwithoneofhislegsthrownnegligentlyoverthearm。Thelieutenantastrideonhischair，aglowingcherootinthecornerofhismouth，listenedwithaslysmilefrombehindthethickvolumesofsmokethatescapedfromhiscompressedlips。Theyoungsub-lieutenant，leaningwithbothelbowsonthetable，hisheadbetweenhishands，lookedonsleepilyinthetorporinducedbyfatigueandthegin。Almayertalkedon——
\"Itisagreatpleasuretoseewhitefaceshere。Ihavelivedheremanyyearsingreatsolitude。TheMalays，youunderstand，arenotcompanyforawhiteman；moreovertheyarenotfriendly；
theydonotunderstandourways。Greatrascalstheyare。
I
believeIamtheonlywhitemanontheeastcoastthatisasettledresident。WegetvisitorsfromMacassarorSingaporesometimes——traders，agents，orexplorers，buttheyarerare。
Therewasascientificexplorerhereayearormoreago。Helivedinmyhouse：drankfrommorningtonight。Helivedjoyouslyforafewmonths，andwhentheliquorhebroughtwithhimwasgonehereturnedtoBataviawithareportonthemineralwealthoftheinterior。Ha，ha，ha！Good，isitnot？\"
Heceasedabruptlyandlookedathisguestswithameaninglessstare。Whiletheylaughedhewasrecitingtohimselftheoldstory：\"Daindead，allmyplansdestroyed。Thisistheendofallhopeandofallthings。\"Hisheartsankwithinhim。
Hefeltakindofdeadlysickness。
\"Verygood。Capital！\"exclaimedbothofficers。Almayercameoutofhisdespondencywithanotherburstoftalk。
\"Eh！whataboutthedinner？Youhavegotacookwithyou。
That\'sallright。Thereisacookingshedintheothercourtyard。Icangiveyouagoose。Lookatmygeese——theonlygeeseontheeastcoast——perhapsonthewholeisland。Isthatyourcook？Verygood。Here，Ali，showthisChinamanthecookingplaceandtellMemAlmayertolethimhaveroomthere。Mywife，gentlemen，doesnotcomeout；mydaughtermay。Meantimehavesomemoredrink。Itisahotday。\"
Thelieutenanttookthecigaroutofhismouth，lookedattheashcritically，shookitoffandturnedtowardsAlmayer。
\"Wehavearatherunpleasantbusinesswithyou，\"hesaid。
\"Iamsorry，\"returnedAlmayer。\"Itcanbenothingveryserious，surely。\"
\"Ifyouthinkanattempttoblowupfortymenatleast，notaseriousmatteryouwillnotfindmanypeopleofyouropinion，\"
retortedtheofficersharply。
\"Blowup！What？Iknownothingaboutit\"exclaimedAlmayer。
\"Whodidthat，ortriedtodoit？\"
\"Amanwithwhomyouhadsomedealings，\"answeredthelieutenant。
\"HepassedhereunderthenameofDainMaroola。Yousoldhimthegunpowderhehadinthatbrigwecaptured。\"
\"Howdidyouhearaboutthebrig？\"askedAlmayer。\"Iknownothingaboutthepowderhemayhavehad。\"
\"AnArabtraderofthisplacehassenttheinformationaboutyourgoingsonheretoBatavia，acoupleofmonthsago，\"saidtheofficer。\"Wewerewaitingforthebrigoutside，butheslippedpastusatthemouthoftheriver，andwehadtochasethefellowtothesouthward。Whenhesightedusheraninsidethereefsandputthebrigashore。Thecrewescapedinboatsbeforewecouldtakepossession。Asourboatsnearedthecraftitblewupwithatremendousexplosion；oneoftheboatsbeingtooneargotswamped。Twomendrowned——thatistheresultofyourspeculation，Mr。Almayer。NowwewantthisDain。WehavegoodgroundstosupposeheishidinginSambir。Doyouknowwhereheis？Youhadbetterputyourselfrightwiththeauthoritiesasmuchaspossiblebybeingperfectlyfrankwithme。
WhereisthisDain？\"
Almayergotupandwalkedtowardsthebalustradeoftheverandah。
Heseemednottobethinkingoftheofficer\'squestion。Helookedatthebodylayingstraightandrigidunderitswhitecoveronwhichthesun，decliningamongstthecloudstothewestward，threwapaletingeofred。Thelieutenantwaitedfortheanswer，takingquickpullsathishalf-extinguishedcigar。
BehindthemAlimovednoiselesslylayingthetable，rangingsolemnlytheill-assortedandshabbycrockery，thetinspoons，theforkswithbrokenprongs，andthekniveswithsaw-likebladesandloosehandles。Hehadalmostforgottenhowtopreparethetableforwhitemen。Hefeltaggrieved；MemNinawouldnothelphim。Hesteppedbacktolookathisworkadmiringly，feelingveryproud。Thismustberight；andifthemasterafterwardsisangryandswears，thensomuchtheworseforMemNina。Whydidshenothelp？Helefttheverandahtofetchthedinner。
\"Well，Mr。Almayer，willyouanswermyquestionasfranklyasitisputtoyou？\"askedthelieutenant，afteralongsilence。
Almayerturnedroundandlookedathisinterlocutorsteadily。
\"IfyoucatchthisDainwhatwillyoudowithhim？\"heasked。
Theofficer\'sfaceflushed。\"Thisisnotananswer，\"hesaid，annoyed。
\"Andwhatwillyoudowithme？\"wentonAlmayer，notheedingtheinterruption。
\"Areyouinclinedtobargain？\"growledtheother。\"Itwouldbebadpolicy，Iassureyou。AtpresentIhavenoordersaboutyourperson，butweexpectedyourassistanceincatchingthisMalay。\"
\"Ah！\"interruptedAlmayer，\"justso：youcandonothingwithoutme，andI，knowingthemanwell，amtohelpyouinfindinghim。\"
\"Thisisexactlywhatweexpect，\"assentedtheofficer。\"Youhavebrokenthelaw，Mr。Almayer，andyououghttomakeamends。\"
\"Andsavemyself？\"
\"Well，inasenseyes。Yourheadisnotinanydanger，\"saidthelieutenant，withashortlaugh。
\"Verywell，\"saidAlmayer，withdecision，\"Ishalldeliverthemanuptoyou。\"
Bothofficersrosetotheirfeetquickly，andlookedfortheirside-armswhichtheyhadunbuckled。Almayerlaughedharshly。
\"Steady，gentlemen！\"heexclaimed。\"Inmyowntimeandinmyownway。Afterdinner，gentlemen，youshallhavehim。\"
\"Thisispreposterous，\"urgedthelieutenant。\"Mr。Almayer，thisisnojokingmatter。Themanisacriminal。Hedeservestohang。Whilewedinehemayescape；therumourofourarrival——\"
Almayerwalkedtowardsthetable。\"Igiveyoumywordofhonour，gentlemen，thatheshallnotescape；Ihavehimsafeenough。\"
\"Thearrestshouldbeeffectedbeforedark，\"remarkedtheyoungsub。
\"Ishallholdyouresponsibleforanyfailure。Weareready，butcandonothingjustnowwithoutyou，\"addedthesenior，withevidentannoyance。
Almayermadeagestureofassent。\"Onmywordofhonour，\"herepeatedvaguely。\"Andnowletusdine，\"headdedbriskly。
NinacamethroughthedoorwayandstoodforamomentholdingthecurtainasideforAliandtheoldMalaywomanbearingthedishes；
thenshemovedtowardsthethreemenbythetable。
\"Allowme，\"saidAlmayer，pompously。\"Thisismydaughter。
Nina，thesegentlemen，officersofthefrigateoutside，havedonemethehonourtoacceptmyhospitality。\"
Ninaansweredthelowbowsofthetwoofficersbyaslowinclinationoftheheadandtookherplaceatthetableoppositeherfather。Allsatdown。Thecoxswainofthesteamlaunchcameupcarryingsomebottlesofwine。
\"Youwillallowmetohavethisputuponthetable？\"saidthelieutenanttoAlmayer。
\"What！Wine！Youareverykind。Certainly，Ihavenonemyself。
Timesareveryhard。\"
ThelastwordsofhisreplywerespokenbyAlmayerinafalteringvoice。ThethoughtthatDainwasdeadrecurredtohimvividlyagain，andhefeltasifaninvisiblehandwasgrippinghisthroat。Hereachedfortheginbottlewhiletheywereuncorkingthewineandswallowedabiggulp。Thelieutenant，whowasspeakingtoNina，gavehimaquickglance。TheyoungsubbegantorecoverfromtheastonishmentandconfusioncausedbyNina\'sunexpectedappearanceandgreatbeauty。\"Shewasverybeautifulandimposing，\"hereflected，\"butafterallahalf-castegirl。\"
ThisthoughtcausedhimtopluckupheartandlookatNinasideways。Nina，withcomposedface，wasansweringinalow，evenvoicetheelderofficer\'spolitequestionsastothecountryandhermodeoflife。Almayerpushedhisplateawayanddrankhisguest\'swineingloomysilence。
chapter09
CHAPTERIX。
\"CanIbelievewhatyoutellme？Itislikeataleformenthatlistenonlyhalfawakebythecampfire，anditseemstohaverunoffawoman\'stongue。\"
\"Whoistherehereformetodeceive，ORajah？\"answeredBabalatchi。\"WithoutyouIamnothing。AllIhavetoldyouI
believetobetrue。Ihavebeensafeformanyyearsinthehollowofyourhand。Thisisnotimetoharboursuspicions。
Thedangerisverygreat。Weshouldadviseandactatonce，beforethesunsets。\"
\"Right。Right，\"mutteredLakamba，pensively。
TheyhadbeensittingforthelasthourtogetherintheaudiencechamberoftheRajah\'shouse，forBabalatchi，assoonashehadwitnessedthelandingoftheDutchofficers，hadcrossedtherivertoreporttohismastertheeventsofthemorning，andtoconferwithhimuponthelineofconducttopursueinthefaceofalteredcircumstances。Theywerebothpuzzledandfrightenedbytheunexpectedturntheeventshadtaken。TheRajah，sittingcrossleggedonhischair，lookedfixedlyatthefloor；Babalatchiwassquattingclosebyinanattitudeofdeepdejection。
\"Andwheredidyousayheishidingnow？\"askedLakamba，breakingatlastthesilencefullofgloomyforebodingsinwhichtheybothhadbeenlostforalongwhile。
\"InBulangi\'sclearing——thefurthestone，awayfromthehouse。
Theywenttherethatverynight。Thewhiteman\'sdaughtertookhimthere。Shetoldmesoherself，speakingtomeopenly，forsheishalfwhiteandhasnodecency。Shesaidshewaswaitingforhimwhilehewashere；then，afteralongtime，hecameoutofthedarknessandfellatherfeetexhausted。Helaylikeonedead，butshebroughthimbacktolifeinherarms，andmadehimbreatheagainwithherownbreath。Thatiswhatshesaid，speakingtomyface，asIamspeakingnowtoyou，Rajah。Sheislikeawhitewomanandknowsnoshame。\"
Hepaused，deeplyshocked。Lakambanoddedhishead。\"Well，andthen？\"heasked。
\"Theycalledtheoldwoman，\"wentonBabalatchi，\"andhetoldthemall——aboutthebrig，andhowhetriedtokillmanymen。HeknewtheOrangBlandawereverynear，althoughhehadsaidnothingtousaboutthat；heknewhisgreatdanger。Hethoughthehadkilledmany，buttherewereonlytwodead，asIhaveheardfromthemenoftheseathatcameinthewarship\'sboats。\"
\"Andtheotherman，hethatwasfoundintheriver？\"interruptedLakamba。
\"Thatwasoneofhisboatmen。Whenhiscanoewasoverturnedbythelogsthosetwoswamtogether，buttheothermanmusthavebeenhurt。Dainswam，holdinghimup。Helefthiminthebusheswhenhewentuptothehouse。Whentheyallcamedownhishearthadceasedtobeat；thentheoldwomanspoke；Dainthoughtitwasgood。Hetookoffhisankletandbrokeit，twistingitroundtheman\'sfoot。Hisringheputonthatslave\'shand。Hetookoffhissarongandclothedthatthingthatwantednoclothes，thetwowomenholdingitupmeanwhile，theirintentbeingtodeceivealleyesandtomisleadthemindsinthesettlement，sothattheycouldsweartothethingthatwasnot，andthattherecouldbenotreacherywhenthewhite-mencame。ThenDainandthewhitewomandepartedtocallupBulangiandfindahiding-place。Theoldwomanremainedbythebody。\"
\"Hai！\"exclaimedLakamba。\"Shehaswisdom。\"
\"Yes，shehasaDevilofherowntowhispercounselinherear，\"
assentedBabalatchi。\"Shedraggedthebodywithgreattoiltothepointwheremanylogswerestranded。Allthesethingsweredoneinthedarknessafterthestormhadpassedaway。Thenshewaited。Atthefirstsignofdaylightshebatteredthefaceofthedeadwithaheavystone，andshepushedhimamongstthelogs。
Sheremainednear，watching。AtsunriseMahmatBanjercameandfoundhim。Theyallbelieved；Imyselfwasdeceived，butnotforlong。Thewhitemanbelieved，and，grieving，fledtohishouse。
WhenwewerealoneI，havingdoubts，spoketothewoman，andshe，fearingmyangerandyourmight，toldmeall，askingforhelpinsavingDain。\"
\"HemustnotfallintothehandsoftheOrangBlanda，\"saidLakamba；\"butlethimdie，ifthethingcanbedonequietly。\"
\"Itcannot，Tuan！Rememberthereisthatwomanwho，beinghalfwhite，isungovernable，andwouldraiseagreatoutcry。Alsotheofficersarehere。Theyareangryenoughalready。Dainmustescape；hemustgo。Wemusthelphimnowforourownsafety。\"
\"Aretheofficersveryangry？\"inquiredLakamba，withinterest。
\"Theyare。Theprincipalchiefusedstrongwordswhenspeakingtome——tomewhenIsalaamedinyourname。Idonotthink，\"
addedBabalatchi，afterashortpauseandlookingveryworried——\"IdonotthinkIsawawhitechiefsoangrybefore。
Hesaidwewerecarelessorevenworse。HetoldmehewouldspeaktotheRajah，andthatIwasofnoaccount。\"
\"SpeaktotheRajah！\"repeatedLakamba，thoughtfully。\"Listen，Babalatchi：Iamsick，andshallwithdraw；youcrossoverandtellthewhitemen。\"
\"Yes，\"saidBabalatchi，\"Iamgoingoveratonce；andastoDain？\"
\"Yougethimawayasyoucanbest。Thisisagreattroubleinmyheart，\"sighedLakamba。
Babalatchigotup，and，goingclosetohismaster，spokeearnestly。
\"Thereisoneofourprausatthesouthernmouthoftheriver。
TheDutchwarshipistothenorthwardwatchingthemainentrance。
IshallsendDainoffto-nightinacanoe，bythehiddenchannels，onboardtheprau。Hisfatherisagreatprince，andshallhearofourgenerosity。LettheprautakehimtoAmpanam。
Yourgloryshallbegreat，andyourrewardinpowerfulfriendship。AlmayerwillnodoubtdeliverthedeadbodyasDain\'stotheofficers，andthefoolishwhitemenshallsay，\'Thisisverygood；lettherebepeace。\'Andthetroubleshallberemovedfromyourheart，Rajah。\"
\"True！true！\"saidLakamba。
\"And，thisbeingaccomplishedbymewhoamyourslave，youshallrewardwithageneroushand。ThatIknow！Thewhitemanisgrievingforthelosttreasure，inthemannerofwhitemenwhothirstafterdollars。Now，whenallotherthingsareinorder，weshallperhapsobtainthetreasurefromthewhiteman。Dainmustescape，andAlmayermustlive。\"
\"Nowgo，Babalatchi，go！\"saidLakamba，gettingoffhischair。
\"Iamverysick，andwantmedicine。Tellthewhitechiefso。\"
ButBabalatchiwasnottobegotridofinthissummarymanner。
Heknewthathismaster，afterthemannerofthegreat，likedtoshifttheburdenoftoilanddangerontohisservants\'
shoulders，butinthedifficultstraitsinwhichtheywerenowtheRajahmustplayhispart。Hemaybeverysickforthewhitemen，foralltheworldifheliked，aslongashewouldtakeuponhimselftheexecutionofpartatleastofBabalatchi\'scarefullythought-ofplan。BabalatchiwantedabigcanoemannedbytwelvementobesentoutafterdarktowardsBulangi\'sclearing。Dainmayhavetobeoverpowered。Amaninlovecannotbeexpectedtoseeclearlythepathofsafetyifitleadshimawayfromtheobjectofhisaffections，arguedBabalatchi，andinthatcasetheywouldhavetouseforceinordertomakehimgo。WouldtheRajahseethattrustymenmannedthecanoe？Thethingmustbedonesecretly。PerhapstheRajahwouldcomehimself，soastobringalltheweightofhisauthoritytobearuponDainifheshouldproveobstinateandrefusetoleavehishiding-place。TheRajahwouldnotcommithimselftoadefinitepromise，andanxiouslypressedBabalatchitogo，beingafraidofthewhitemenpayinghimanunexpectedvisit。Theagedstatesmanreluctantlytookhisleaveandwentintothecourtyard。
BeforegoingdowntohisboatBabalatchistoppedforawhileinthebigopenspacewherethethick-leavedtreesputblackpatchesofshadowwhichseemedtofloatonafloodofsmooth，intenselightthatrolleduptothehousesanddowntothestockadeandovertheriver，whereitbrokeandsparkledinthousandsofglitteringwavelets，likeabandwovenofazureandgoldedgedwiththebrilliantgreenoftheforestsguardingbothbanksofthePantai。Intheperfectcalmbeforethecomingoftheafternoonbreezetheirregularlyjaggedlineoftree-topsstoodunchanging，asiftracedbyanunsteadyhandontheclearblueofthehotsky。Inthespaceshelteredbythehighpalisadestherelingeredthesmellofdecayingblossomsfromthesurroundingforest，ataintofdryingfish；withnowandthenawhiffofacridsmokefromthecookingfireswheniteddieddownfromundertheleafyboughsandclunglazilyabouttheburnt-upgrass。
AsBabalatchilookedupattheflagstaffover-toppingagroupoflowtreesinthemiddleofthecourtyard，thetricolourflagoftheNetherlandsstirredslightlyforthefirsttimesinceithadbeenhoistedthatmorningonthearrivaloftheman-of-warboats。
Withafaintrustleoftreesthebreezecamedowninlightpuffs，playingcapriciouslyforatimewiththisemblemofLakamba\'spower，thatwasalsothemarkofhisservitude；thenthebreezefreshenedinasharpgustofwind，andtheflagflewoutstraightandsteadyabovethetrees。Adarkshadowranalongtheriver，rollingoverandcoveringupthesparkleofdecliningsunlight。
Abigwhitecloudsailedslowlyacrossthedarkeningsky，andhungtothewestwardasifwaitingforthesuntojoinitthere。
Menandthingsshookoffthetorporofthehotafternoonandstirredintolifeunderthefirstbreathoftheseabreeze。
Babalatchihurrieddowntothewater-gate；yetbeforehepassedthroughithepausedtolookroundthecourtyard，withitslightandshade，withitscheeryfires，withthegroupsofLakamba\'ssoldiersandretainersscatteredabout。Hisownhousestoodamongsttheotherbuildingsinthatenclosure，andthestatesmanofSambiraskedhimselfwithasinkingheartwhenandhowwoulditbegivenhimtoreturntothathouse。Hehadtodealwithamanmoredangerousthananywildbeastofhisexperience：aproudman，amanwilfulafterthemannerofprinces，amaninlove。
Andhewasgoingforthtospeaktothatmanwordsofcoldandworldlywisdom。Couldanythingbemoreappalling？Whatifthatmanshouldtakeumbrageatsomefanciedslighttohishonourordisregardofhisaffectionsandsuddenly\"amok\"？Thewiseadviserwouldbethefirstvictim，nodoubt，anddeathwouldbehisreward。Andunderlyingthehorrorofthissituationtherewasthedangerofthosemeddlesomefools，thewhitemen。A
visionofcomfortlessexileinfar-offMaduraroseupbeforeBabalatchi。Wouldn\'tthatbeworsethandeathitself？Andtherewasthathalf-whitewomanwiththreateningeyes。Howcouldhetellwhatanincomprehensiblecreatureofthatsortwouldorwouldnotdo？SheknewsomuchthatshemadethekillingofDainanimpossibility。Thatmuchwascertain。Andyetthesharp，rough-edgedkrissisagoodanddiscreetfriend，thoughtBabalatchi，asheexaminedhisownlovingly，andputitbackinthesheath，withasighofregret，beforeunfasteninghiscanoe。
Ashecastoffthepainter，pushedoutintothestream，andtookuphispaddle，herealisedvividlyhowunsatisfactoryitwastohavewomenmixedupinstateaffairs。Youngwomen，ofcourse。
ForMrs。Almayer\'smaturewisdom，andfortheeasyaptitudeinintriguethatcomeswithyearstothefemininemind，hefeltthemostsincererespect。
Hepaddledleisurely，lettingthecanoedriftdownashecrossedtowardsthepoint。Thesunwashighyet，andnothingpressed。
Hisworkwouldcommenceonlywiththecomingofdarkness。
AvoidingtheLingardjetty，heroundedthepoint，andpaddledupthecreekatthebackofAlmayer\'shouse。Thereweremanycanoeslyingthere，theirnosesalldrawntogether，fastenedalltothesamestake。Babalatchipushedhislittlecraftinamongstthemandsteppedonshore。Ontheothersideoftheditchsomethingmovedinthegrass。
\"Who\'sthathiding？\"hailedBabalatchi。\"Comeoutandspeaktome。\"
Nobodyanswered。Babalatchicrossedover，passingfromboattoboat，andpokedhisstaffviciouslyinthesuspiciousplace。
Taminahjumpedupwithacry。
\"Whatareyoudoinghere？\"heasked，surprised。\"Ihavenearlysteppedonyourtray。AmIaDyakthatyoushouldhideatmysight？\"
\"Iwasweary，and——Islept，\"whisperedTaminah，confusedly。
\"Youslept！Youhavenotsoldanythingto-day，andyouwillbebeatenwhenyoureturnhome，\"saidBabalatchi。
Taminahstoodbeforehimabashedandsilent。Babalatchilookedherovercarefullywithgreatsatisfaction。DecidedlyhewouldofferfiftydollarsmoretothatthiefBulangi。Thegirlpleasedhim。
\"Nowyougohome。Itislate，\"hesaidsharply。\"TellBulangithatIshallbenearhishousebeforethenightishalfover，andthatIwanthimtomakeallthingsreadyforalongjourney。Youunderstand？Alongjourneytothesouthward。Tellhimthatbeforesunset，anddonotforgetmywords。\"
Taminahmadeagestureofassent，andwatchedBabalatchirecrosstheditchanddisappearthroughthebushesborderingAlmayer\'scompound。Shemovedalittlefurtheroffthecreekandsankinthegrassagain，lyingdownonherface，shiveringindry-eyedmisery。
Babalatchiwalkedstraighttowardsthecooking-shedlookingforMrs。Almayer。Thecourtyardwasinagreatuproar。AstrangeChinamanhadpossessionofthekitchenfireandwasnoisilydemandinganothersaucepan。Hehurledobjurgations，intheCantondialectandbadMalay，againstthegroupofslave-girlsstandingalittlewayoff，halffrightened，halfamused，athisviolence。Fromthecampingfiresroundwhichtheseamenofthefrigateweresittingcamewordsofencouragement，mingledwithlaughterandjeering。InthemidstofthisnoiseandconfusionBabalatchimetAli，anemptydishinhishand。
\"Wherearethewhitemen？\"askedBabalatchi。
\"Theyareeatinginthefrontverandah，\"answeredAli。\"Donotstopme，Tuan。Iamgivingthewhitementheirfoodandambusy。\"
\"Where\'sMemAlmayer？\"
\"Insideinthepassage。Sheislisteningtothetalk。\"
Aligrinnedandpassedon；Babalatchiascendedtheplankwaytotherearverandah，andbeckoningoutMrs。Almayer，engagedherinearnestconversation。Throughthelongpassage，closedatthefurtherendbytheredcurtain，theycouldhearfromtimetotimeAlmayer\'svoiceminglinginconversationwithanabruptloudnessthatmadeMrs。AlmayerlooksignificantlyatBabalatchi。
\"Listen，\"shesaid。\"Hehasdrunkmuch。\"
\"Hehas，\"whisperedBabalatchi。\"Hewillsleepheavilyto-night。\"
Mrs。Almayerlookeddoubtful。
\"Sometimesthedevilofstrongginmakeshimkeepawake，andhewalksupanddowntheverandahallnight，cursing；thenwestandafaroff，\"explainedMrs。Almayer，withthefullerknowledgebornoftwentyoddyearsofmarriedlife。
\"Butthenhedoesnothear，norunderstand，andhishand，ofcourse，hasnostrength。Wedonotwanthimtohearto-night。\"
\"No，\"assentedMrs。Almayer，energetically，butinacautiouslysubduedvoice。\"Ifhehearshewillkill。\"
Babalatchilookedincredulous。
\"HaiTuan，youmaybelieveme。HaveInotlivedmanyyearswiththatman？HaveInotseendeathinthatman\'seyesmorethanoncewhenIwasyoungerandheguessedatmanythings。HadhebeenamanofmyownpeopleIwouldnothaveseensuchalooktwice；buthe——\"
WithacontemptuousgesturesheseemedtoflingunutterablescornonAlmayer\'sweak-mindedaversiontosuddenbloodshed。
\"Ifhehasthewishbutnotthestrength，thenwhatdowefear？\"
askedBabalatchi，afterashortsilenceduringwhichtheybothlistenedtoAlmayer\'sloudtalktillitsubsidedintothemurmurofgeneralconversation。\"Whatdowefear？\"repeatedBabalatchiagain。
\"Tokeepthedaughterwhomheloveshewouldstrikeintoyourheartandminewithouthesitation，\"saidMrs。Almayer。\"Whenthegirlisgonehewillbelikethedevilunchained。ThenyouandI
hadbetterbeware。\"
\"Iamanoldmanandfearnotdeath，\"answeredBabalatchi，withamendaciousassumptionofindifference。\"Butwhatwillyoudo？\"
\"Iamanoldwoman，andwishtolive，\"retortedMrs。Almayer。
\"Sheismydaughteralso。IshallseeksafetyatthefeetofourRajah，speakinginthenameofthepastwhenwebothwereyoung，andhe——\"
Babalatchiraisedhishand。
\"Enough。Youshallbeprotected，\"hesaidsoothingly。
AgainthesoundofAlmayer\'svoicewasheard，andagaininterruptingtheirtalk，theylistenedtotheconfusedbutloudutterancecominginburstsofunequalstrength，withunexpectedpausesandnoisyrepetitionsthatmadesomewordsandsentencesfallclearanddistinctontheirearsoutofthemeaninglessjumbleofexcitedshoutingsemphasisedbythethumpingofAlmayer\'sfistuponthetable。Ontheshortintervalsofsilence，thehighcomplainingnoteoftumblers，standingclosetogetherandvibratingtotheshock，lingered，growingfainter，tillitleaptupagainintotumultuousringing，whenanewideastartedanewrushofwordsandbroughtdowntheheavyhandagain。Atlastthequarrelsomeshoutingceased，andthethinplaintofdisturbedglassdiedawayintoreluctantquietude。
BabalatchiandMrs。Almayerhadlistenedcuriously，theirbodiesbentandtheirearsturnedtowardsthepassage。Ateveryloudershouttheynoddedateachotherwitharidiculousaffectationofscandalisedpropriety，andtheyremainedinthesameattitudeforsometimeafterthenoisehadceased。
\"Thisisthedevilofgin，\"whisperedMrs。Almayer。\"Yes；hetalkslikethatsometimeswhenthereisnobodytohearhim。\"
\"Whatdoeshesay？\"inquiredBabalatchi，eagerly。\"Yououghttounderstand。\"
\"Ihaveforgottentheirtalk。AlittleIunderstood。HespokewithoutanyrespectofthewhiterulerinBatavia，andofprotection，andsaidhehadbeenwronged；hesaidthatseveraltimes。MoreIdidnotunderstand。Listen！Againhespeaks！\"
\"Tse！tse！tse！\"clickedBabalatchi，tryingtoappearshocked，butwithajoyoustwinkleofhissolitaryeye。\"Therewillbegreattroublebetweenthosewhitemen。Iwillgoroundnowandsee。Youtellyourdaughterthatthereisasuddenandalongjourneybeforeher，withmuchgloryandsplendourattheend。
AndtellherthatDainmustgo，orhemustdie，andthathewillnotgoalone。\"
\"No，hewillnotgoalone，\"slowlyrepeatedMrs。Almayer，withathoughtfulair，asshecreptintothepassageafterseeingBabalatchidisappearroundthecornerofthehouse。
ThestatesmanofSambir，undertheimpulseofvividcuriosity，madehiswayquicklytothefrontofthehouse，butoncetherehemovedslowlyandcautiouslyashecreptstepbystepupthestairsoftheverandah。Onthehigheststephesatdownquietly，hisfeetonthestepsbelow，readyforflightshouldhispresenceproveunwelcome。Hefeltprettysafeso。Thetablestoodnearlyendwaystohim，andhesawAlmayer\'sback；atNinahelookedfullface，andhadasideviewofbothofficers；butofthefourpersonssittingatthetableonlyNinaandtheyoungerofficernoticedhisnoiselessarrival。ThemomentarydroppingofNina\'seyelidsacknowledgedBabalatchi\'spresence；shethenspokeatoncetotheyoungsub，whoturnedtowardsherwithattentivealacrity，buthergazewasfastenedsteadilyonherfather\'sfacewhileAlmayerwasspeakinguproariously。
\"……disloyaltyandunscrupulousness！Whathaveyoueverdonetomakemeloyal？Youhavenogriponthiscountry。Ihadtotakecareofmyself，andwhenIaskedforprotectionIwasmetwiththreatsandcontempt，andhadArabslanderthrowninmyface。I！awhiteman！\"
\"Don\'tbeviolent，Almayer，\"remonstratedthelieutenant；\"Ihaveheardallthisalready。\"
\"Thenwhydoyoutalktomeaboutscruples？Iwantedmoney，andIgavepowderinexchange。HowcouldIknowthatsomeofyourwretchedmenweregoingtobeblownup？Scruples！Pah！\"
Hegropedunsteadilyamongstthebottles，tryingoneafteranother，grumblingtohimselfthewhile。
\"Nomorewine，\"hemuttereddiscontentedly。
\"Youhavehadenough，Almayer，\"saidthelieutenant，ashelightedacigar。\"Isitnottimetodelivertousyourprisoner？
ItakeityouhavethatDainMaroolastowedawaysafelysomewhere。Stillwehadbettergetthatbusinessover，andthenweshallhavemoredrink。Come！don\'tlookatmelikethis。\"
Almayerwasstaringwithstonyeyes，histremblingfingersfumblingabouthisthroat。
\"Gold，\"hesaidwithdifficulty。\"Hem！Ahandonthewindpipe，youknow。Sureyouwillexcuse。Iwantedtosay——alittlegoldforalittlepowder。What\'sthat？\"
\"Iknow，Iknow，\"saidthelieutenantsoothingly。
\"No！Youdon\'tknow。Notoneofyouknows！\"shoutedAlmayer。
\"Thegovernmentisafool，Itellyou。Heapsofgold。I
amthemanthatknows；Iandanotherone。Buthewon\'tspeak。Heis——\"
Hecheckedhimselfwithafeeblesmile，and，makinganunsuccessfulattempttopattheofficerontheshoulder，knockedoveracoupleofemptybottles。
\"Personallyyouareafinefellow，\"hesaidverydistinctly，inapatronisingmanner。Hisheadnoddeddrowsilyashesatmutteringtohimself。