Abdulla，firmlypersuadedoftheexistenceofsomemoreimportantdealings，received，however，theinformationwithallthesignsofrespectfulastonishment。Andthetwowouldseparate，theArabcursinginwardlythewilydog，whileBabalatchiwentonhiswaywalkingonthedustypath，hisbodyswaying，hischinwithitsfewgreyhairspushedforward，resemblinganinquisitivegoatbentonsomeunlawfulexpedition。Attentiveeyeswatchedhismovements。Jim-Eng，descryingBabalatchifaraway，wouldshakeoffthestuporofanhabitualopiumsmokerand，totteringontothemiddleoftheroad，wouldawaittheapproachofthatimportantperson，readywithhospitableinvitation。ButBabalatchi'sdiscretionwasproofevenagainstthecombinedassaultsofgoodfellowshipandofstronggingenerouslyadministeredbytheopen-heartedChinaman。Jim-Eng，owninghimselfbeaten，wasleftuninformedwiththeemptybottle，andgazedsadlyafterthedepartingformofthestatesmanofSambirpursuinghisdeviousandunsteadyway，which，asusual，ledhimtoAlmayer'scompound。EversinceareconciliationhadbeeneffectedbyDainMaroolabetweenhiswhitefriendandtheRajah，theone-eyeddiplomatisthadagainbecomeafrequentguestintheDutchman'shouse。ToAlmayer'sgreatdisgusthewastobeseenthereatalltimes，strollingaboutinanabstractedkindofwayontheverandah，skulkinginthepassages，orelsepoppingroundunexpectedcorners，alwayswillingtoengageMrs。Almayerinconfidentialconversation。Hewasveryshyofthemasterhimself，asifsuspiciousthatthepent-upfeelingsofthewhitemantowardshispersonmightfindventinasuddenkick。Butthecookingshedwashisfavouriteplace，andhebecameanhabitualguestthere，squattingforhoursamongstthebusywomen，withhischinrestingonhisknees，hisleanarmsclaspedroundhislegs，andhisoneeyerovinguneasily——theverypictureofwatchfulugliness。AlmayerwantedmorethanoncetocomplaintoLakambaofhisPrimeMinister'sintrusion，butDaindissuadedhim。"Wecannotsayawordherethathedoesnothear，"growledAlmayer。
　　"Thencomeandtalkonboardthebrig，"retortedDain，withaquietsmile。"Itisgoodtoletthemancomehere。Lakambathinksheknowsmuch。PerhapstheSultanthinksIwanttorunaway。Betterlettheone-eyedcrocodilesunhimselfinyourcampong，Tuan。"
　　AndAlmayerassentedunwillinglymutteringvaguethreatsofpersonalviolence，whileheeyedmalevolentlytheagedstatesmansittingwithquietobstinacybyhisdomesticrice-pot。
　　chapter05
　　CHAPTERV。
　　AtlasttheexcitementhaddiedoutinSambir。TheinhabitantsgotusedtothesightofcomingsandgoingsbetweenAlmayer'shouseandthevessel，nowmooredtotheoppositebank，andspeculationastothefeverishactivitydisplayedbyAlmayer'sboatmeninrepairingoldcanoesceasedtointerferewiththeduedischargeofdomesticdutiesbythewomenoftheSettlement。
　　EventhebaffledJim-Engleftofftroublinghismuddledbrainwithsecretsoftrade，andrelapsedbytheaidofhisopiumpipeintoastateofstupefiedbliss，lettingBabalatchipursuehiswaypasthishouseuninvitedandseeminglyunnoticed。
　　Soonthatwarmafternoon，whenthedesertedriversparkledundertheverticalsun，thestatesmanofSambircould，withoutanyhindrancefromfriendlyinquirers，shoveoffhislittlecanoefromunderthebushes，whereitwasusuallyhiddenduringhisvisitstoAlmayer'scompound。SlowlyandlanguidlyBabalatchipaddled，crouchinglowintheboat，makinghimselfsmallunderhisasenormoussunhattoescapethescorchingheatreflectedfromthewater。Hewasnotinahurry；hismaster，Lakamba，wassurelyreposingatthistimeoftheday。Hewouldhaveampletimetocrossoverandgreethimonhiswakingwithimportantnews。Willhebedispleased？Willhestrikehisebonywoodstaffangrilyonthefloor，frighteninghimbytheincoherentviolenceofhisexclamations；orwillhesquatdownwithagood-humouredsmile，and，rubbinghishandsgentlyoverhisstomachwithafamiliargesture，expectoratecopiouslyintothebrasssiri-vessel，givingventtoalow，approbativemurmur？
　　SuchwereBabalatchi'sthoughtsasheskilfullyhandledhispaddle，crossingtheriveronhiswaytotheRajah'scampong，whosestockadesshowedfrombehindthedensefoliageofthebankjustoppositetoAlmayer'sbungalow。
　　Indeed，hehadareporttomake。Somethingcertainatlasttoconfirmthedailytaleofsuspicions，thedailyhintsoffamiliarity，ofstolenglanceshehadseen，ofshortandburningwordshehadoverheardexchangedbetweenDainMaroolaandAlmayer'sdaughter。
　　Lakambahad，tillthen，listenedtoitall，calmlyandwithevidentdistrust；nowhewasgoingtobeconvinced，forBabalatchihadtheproof；haditthisverymorning，whenfishingatbreakofdayinthecreekoverwhichstoodBulangi'shouse。
　　TherefromhisskiffhesawNina'slongcanoedriftpast，thegirlsittinginthesternbendingoverDain，whowasstretchedinthebottomwithhisheadrestingonthegirl'sknees。Hesawit。
　　Hefollowedthem，butinashorttimetheytooktothepaddlesandgotawayfromunderhisobservanteye。AfewminutesafterwardshesawBulangi'sslave-girlpaddlinginasmalldug-outtothetownwithhercakesforsale。Shealsohadseentheminthegreydawn。AndBabalatchigrinnedconfidentiallytohimselfattherecollectionoftheslave-girl'sdiscomposedface，ofthehardlookinhereyes，ofthetrembleinhervoice，whenansweringhisquestions。ThatlittleTaminahevidentlyadmiredDainMaroola。Thatwasgood！AndBabalatchilaughedaloudatthenotion；thenbecomingsuddenlyserious，hebeganbysomestrangeassociationofideastospeculateuponthepriceforwhichBulangiwould，possibly，sellthegirl。HeshookhisheadsadlyatthethoughtthatBulangiwasahardman，andhadrefusedonehundreddollarsforthatsameTaminahonlyafewweeksago；
　　thenhebecamesuddenlyawarethatthecanoehaddriftedtoofardownduringhismeditation。HeshookoffthedespondencycausedbythecertitudeofBulangi'smercenarydisposition，and，takinguphispaddle，inafewstrokessheeredalongsidethewater-gateoftheRajah'shouse。
　　ThatafternoonAlmayer，aswashiswontlately，movedaboutonthewater-side，overlookingtherepairstohisboats。Hehaddecidedatlast。GuidedbythescrapsofinformationcontainedinoldLingard'spocket-book，hewasgoingtoseekfortherichgold-mine，forthatplacewherehehadonlytostooptogatherupanimmensefortuneandrealisethedreamofhisyoungdays。ToobtainthenecessaryhelphehadsharedhisknowledgewithDainMaroola，hehadconsentedtobereconciledwithLakamba，whogavehissupporttotheenterpriseonconditionofsharingtheprofits；hehadsacrificedhispride，hishonour，andhisloyaltyinthefaceoftheenormousriskofhisundertaking，dazzledbythegreatnessoftheresultstobeachievedbythisalliancesodistastefulyetsonecessary。Thedangersweregreat，butMaroolawasbrave；hismenseemedasrecklessastheirchief，andwithLakamba'saidsuccessseemedassured。
　　ForthelastfortnightAlmayerwasabsorbedinthepreparations，walkingamongsthisworkmenandslavesinakindofwakingtrance，wherepracticaldetailsastothefittingoutoftheboatsweremixedupwithvividdreamsofuntoldwealth，wherethepresentmiseryofburningsun，ofthemuddyandmalodorousriverbankdisappearedinagorgeousvisionofasplendidfutureexistenceforhimselfandNina。HehardlysawNinaduringtheselastdays，althoughthebeloveddaughterwaseverpresentinhisthoughts。HehardlytooknoticeofDain，whoseconstantpresenceinhishousehadbecomeamatterofcoursetohimnowtheywereconnectedbyacommunityofinterests。Whenmeetingtheyoungchiefhegavehimanabsentgreetingandpassedon，seeminglywishingtoavoidhim，bentuponforgettingthehatedrealityofthepresentbyabsorbinghimselfinhiswork，orelsebylettinghisimaginationsoarfarabovethetree-topsintothegreatwhitecloudsawaytothewestward，wheretheparadiseofEuropewasawaitingthefutureEasternmillionaire。AndMaroola，nowthebargainwasstruckandtherewasnomorebusinesstobetalkedover，evidentlydidnotcareforthewhiteman'scompany。YetDainwasalwaysaboutthehouse，butheseldomstayedlongbytheriverside。OnhisdailyvisitstothewhitemantheMalaychiefpreferredtomakehiswayquietlythroughthecentralpassageofthehouse，andwouldcomeoutintothegardenattheback，wherethefirewasburninginthecookingshed，withthericekettleswingingoverit，underthewatchfulsupervisionofMrs。Almayer。
　　Avoidingthatshed，withitsblacksmokeandthewarblingofsoft，femininevoices，Dainwouldturntotheleft。There，ontheedgeofabananaplantation，aclumpofpalmsandmangotreesformedashadyspot，afewscatteredbushesgivingitacertainseclusionintowhichonlytheservingwomen'schatteroranoccasionalburstoflaughtercouldpenetrate。Oncein，hewasinvisible；andhiddenthere，leaningagainstthesmoothtrunkofatallpalm，hewaitedwithgleamingeyesandanassuredsmiletohearthefaintrustleofdriedgrassunderthelightfootstepsofNina。
　　Fromtheveryfirstmomentwhenhiseyesbeheldthis——tohim——
　　perfectionoflovelinesshefeltinhisinmosthearttheconvictionthatshewouldbehis；hefeltthesubtlebreathofmutualunderstandingpassingbetweentheirtwosavagenatures，andhedidnotwantMrs。Almayer'sencouragingsmilestotakeeveryopportunityofapproachingthegirl；andeverytimehespoketoher，everytimehelookedintohereyes，Nina，althoughavertingherface，feltasifthisbold-lookingbeingwhospokeburningwordsintoherwillingearwastheembodimentofherfate，thecreatureofherdreams——reckless，ferocious，readywithflashingkrissforhisenemies，andwithpassionateembraceforhisbeloved——theidealMalaychiefofhermother'stradition。
　　Sherecognisedwithathrillofdeliciousfearthemysteriousconsciousnessofheridentitywiththatbeing。Listeningtohiswords，itseemedtohershewasbornonlythentoaknowledgeofanewexistence，thatherlifewascompleteonlywhennearhim，andsheabandonedherselftoafeelingofdreamyhappiness，whilewithhalf-veiledfaceandinsilence——asbecameaMalaygirl——shelistenedtoDain'swordsgivinguptoherthewholetreasureofloveandpassionhisnaturewascapableofwithalltheunrestrainedenthusiasmofamantotallyuntrammelledbyanyinfluenceofcivilisedself-discipline。
　　AndtheyusedtopassmanyadeliciousandfastfleetinghourunderthemangotreesbehindthefriendlycurtainofbushestillMrs。Almayer'sshrillvoicegavethesignalofunwillingseparation。Mrs。Almayerhadundertakentheeasytaskofwatchingherhusbandlestheshouldinterruptthesmoothcourseofherdaughter'sloveaffair，inwhichshetookagreatandbenignantinterest。ShewashappyandproudtoseeDain'sinfatuation，believinghimtobeagreatandpowerfulchief，andshefoundalsoagratificationofhermercenaryinstinctsinDain'sopen-handedgenerosity。
　　OntheeveofthedaywhenBabalatchi'ssuspicionswereconfirmedbyoculardemonstration，DainandNinahadremainedlongerthanusualintheirshadyretreat。OnlyAlmayer'sheavystepontheverandahandhisquerulousclamourforfooddecidedMrs。Almayertoliftawarningcry。Maroolaleapedlightlyoverthelowbamboofence，andmadehiswaystealthilythroughthebananaplantationdowntothemuddyshoreofthebackcreek，whileNinawalkedslowlytowardsthehousetoministertoherfather'swants，aswasherwonteveryevening。Almayerfelthappyenoughthatevening；thepreparationswerenearlycompleted；to-morrowhewouldlaunchhisboats。Inhismind'seyehesawtherichprizeinhisgrasp；and，withtinspooninhishand，hewasforgettingtheplatefulofricebeforehiminthefancifularrangementofsomesplendidbanquettotakeplaceonhisarrivalinAmsterdam。Nina，reclininginthelongchair，listenedabsentlytothefewdisconnectedwordsescapingfromherfather'slips。Expedition！Gold！Whatdidshecareforallthat？
　　ButatthenameofMaroolamentionedbyherfathershewasallattention。Dainwasgoingdowntheriverwithhisbrigto-morrowtoremainawayforafewdays，saidAlmayer。Itwasveryannoying，thisdelay。AssoonasDainreturnedtheywouldhavetostartwithoutlossoftime，fortheriverwasrising。Hewouldnotbesurprisedifagreatfloodwascoming。Andhepushedawayhisplatewithanimpatientgestureonrisingfromthetable。ButnowNinaheardhimnot。Daingoingaway！
　　That'swhyhehadorderedher，withthatquietmasterfulnessitwasherdelighttoobey，tomeethimatbreakofdayinBulangi'screek。
　　Wasthereapaddleinhercanoe？shethought。Wasitready？
　　Shewouldhavetostartearly——atfourinthemorning，inaveryfewhours。
　　Sherosefromherchair，thinkingshewouldrequirerestbeforethelongpullintheearlymorning。Thelampwasburningdimly，andherfather，tiredwiththeday'slabour，wasalreadyinhishammock。Ninaputthelampoutandpassedintoalargeroomshesharedwithhermotherontheleftofthecentralpassage。
　　Entering，shesawthatMrs。Almayerhaddesertedthepileofmatsservingherasbedinonecorneroftheroom，andwasnowbendingovertheopenedlidofherlargewoodenchest。Halfashellofcocoanutfilledwithoil，whereacottonragfloatedforawick，stoodonthefloor，surroundingherwitharuddyhalooflightshiningthroughtheblackandodoroussmoke。Mrs。Almayer'sbackwasbent，andherheadandshouldershiddeninthedeepbox。Herhandsrummagedintheinterior，whereasoftclinkasofsilvermoneycouldbeheard。Shedidnotnoticeatfirstherdaughter'sapproach，andNina，standingsilentlybyher，lookeddownonmanylittlecanvasbagsrangedinthebottomofthechest，wherefromhermotherextractedhandfulsofshiningguildersandMexicandollars，lettingthemstreamslowlybackagainthroughherclaw-likefingers。Themusicoftinklingsilverseemedtodelighther，andhereyessparkledwiththereflectedgleamoffreshly-mintedcoins。Shewasmutteringtoherself："Andthis，andthis，andyetthis！Soonhewillgivemore——asmuchmoreasIask。HeisagreatRajah——aSonofHeaven！AndshewillbeaRanee——hegaveallthisforher！Whoevergaveanythingforme？
　　Iamaslave！AmI？IamthemotherofagreatRanee！"Shebecameawaresuddenlyofherdaughter'spresence，andceasedherdroning，shuttingtheliddownviolently；then，withoutrisingfromhercrouchingposition，shelookedupatthegirlstandingbywithavaguesmileonherdreamyface。
　　"Youhaveseen。Haveyou？"sheshouted，shrilly。"Thatisallmine，andforyou。Itisnotenough！Hewillhavetogivemorebeforehetakesyouawaytothesouthernislandwherehisfatherisking。Youhearme？Youareworthmore，granddaughterofRajahs！More！More！"
　　ThesleepyvoiceofAlmayerwasheardontheverandahrecommendingsilence。Mrs。Almayerextinguishedthelightandcreptintohercorneroftheroom。Ninalaiddownonherbackonapileofsoftmats，herhandsentwinedunderherhead，gazingthroughtheshutterlesshole，servingasawindowatthestarstwinklingontheblacksky；shewasawaitingthetimeofstartforherappointedmeeting-place。Withquiethappinessshethoughtofthatmeetinginthegreatforest，farfromallhumaneyesandsounds。Hersoul，lapsingagainintothesavagemood，whichthegeniusofcivilisationworkingbythehandofMrs。
　　Vinckcouldneverdestroy，experiencedafeelingofprideandofsomeslighttroubleatthehighvalueherworldly-wisemotherhadputuponherperson；butsherememberedtheexpressiveglancesandwordsofDain，and，tranquillised，sheclosedhereyesinashiverofpleasantanticipation。
　　Therearesomesituationswherethebarbarianandthe，so-called，civilisedmanmeetuponthesameground。ItmaybesupposedthatDainMaroolawasnotexceptionallydelightedwithhisprospectivemother-in-law，northatheactuallyapprovedofthatworthywoman'sappetiteforshiningdollars。YetonthatfoggymorningwhenBabalatchi，layingasidethecaresofstate，wenttovisithisfish-basketsintheBulangicreek，Maroolahadnomisgivings，experiencednofeelingsbutthoseofimpatienceandlonging，whenpaddlingtotheeastsideoftheislandformingtheback-waterinquestion。Hehidhiscanoeinthebushesandstroderapidlyacrosstheislet，pushingwithimpatiencethroughthetwigsofheavyundergrowthintercrossedoverhispath。Frommotivesofprudencehewouldnottakehiscanoetothemeeting-place，asNinahaddone。Hehadleftitinthemainstreamtillhisreturnfromtheothersideoftheisland。Theheavywarmfogwasclosingrapidlyroundhim，buthemanagedtocatchafleetingglimpseofalightawaytotheleft，proceedingfromBulangi'shouse。Thenhecouldseenothinginthethickeningvapour，andkepttothepathonlybyasortofinstinct，whichalsoledhimtotheverypointontheoppositeshorehewishedtoreach。A
　　greatloghadstrandedthere，atrightanglestothebank，formingakindofjettyagainstwhichtheswiftlyflowingstreambrokewithaloudripple。Hesteppedonitwithaquickbutsteadymotion，andintwostridesfoundhimselfattheouterend，withtherushandswirlofthefoamingwaterathisfeet。
　　Standingtherealone，asifseparatedfromtheworld；theheavens，earth；theverywaterroaringunderhimswallowedupinthethickveilofthemorningfog，hebreathedoutthenameofNinabeforehimintotheapparentlylimitlessspace，sureofbeingheard，instinctivelysureofthenearnessofthedelightfulcreature；certainofherbeingawareofhisnearpresenceashewasawareofhers。
　　ThebowofNina'scanoeloomedupclosetothelog，cantedhighoutofthewaterbytheweightofthesitterinthestern。
　　Maroolalaidhishandonthestemandleapedlightlyin，givingitavigorousshoveoff。Thelightcraft，obeyingthenewimpulse，clearedthelogbyahair'sbreadth，andtheriver，withobedientcomplicity，swungitbroadsidetothecurrent，andboreitoffsilentlyandrapidlybetweentheinvisiblebanks。AndoncemoreDain，atthefeetofNina，forgottheworld，felthimselfcarriedawayhelplessbyagreatwaveofsupremeemotion，byarushofjoy，pride，anddesire；understoodoncemorewithoverpoweringcertitudethattherewasnolifepossiblewithoutthatbeingheheldclaspedinhisarmswithpassionatestrengthinaprolongedembrace。
　　Ninadisengagedherselfgentlywithalowlaugh。
　　"Youwilloverturntheboat，Dain，"shewhispered。
　　Helookedintohereyeseagerlyforaminuteandlethergowithasigh，thenlyingdowninthecanoeheputhisheadonherknees，gazingupwardsandstretchinghisarmsbackwardstillhishandsmetroundthegirl'swaist。Shebentoverhim，and，shakingherhead，framedboththeirfacesinthefallinglocksofherlongblackhair。
　　Andsotheydriftedon，hespeakingwithalltherudeeloquenceofasavagenaturegivingitselfupwithoutrestrainttoanovermasteringpassion，shebendinglowtocatchthemurmurofwordssweetertoherthanlifeitself。Tothosetwonothingexistedthenoutsidethegunwalesofthenarrowandfragilecraft。Itwastheirworld，filledwiththeirintenseandall-absorbinglove。Theytooknoheedofthickeningmist，orofthebreezedyingawaybeforesunrise；theyforgottheexistenceofthegreatforestssurroundingthem，ofallthetropicalnatureawaitingtheadventofthesuninasolemnandimpressivesilence。
　　Overthelowriver-misthidingtheboatwithitsfreightofyoungpassionatelifeandall-forgetfulhappiness，thestarspaled，andasilvery-greytintcreptovertheskyfromtheeastward。Therewasnotabreathofwind，notarustleofstirringleaf，notasplashofleapingfishtodisturbtheserenereposeofalllivingthingsonthebanksofthegreatriver。Earth，river，andskywerewrappedupinadeepsleep，fromwhichitseemedtherewouldbenowaking。Alltheseethinglifeandmovementoftropicalnatureseemedconcentratedintheardenteyes，inthetumultuouslybeatingheartsofthetwobeingsdriftinginthecanoe，underthewhitecanopyofmist，overthesmoothsurfaceoftheriver。
　　SuddenlyagreatsheafofyellowraysshotupwardsfrombehindtheblackcurtainoftreesliningthebanksofthePantai。Thestarswentout；thelittleblackcloudsatthezenithglowedforamomentwithcrimsontints，andthethickmist，stirredbythegentlebreeze，thesighofwakingnature，whirledroundandbrokeintofantasticallytornpieces，disclosingthewrinkledsurfaceoftheriversparklinginthebroadlightofday。Greatflocksofwhitebirdswheeledscreamingabovetheswayingtree-tops。
　　Thesunhadrisenontheeastcoast。
　　Dainwasthefirsttoreturntothecaresofeverydaylife。Heroseandglancedrapidlyupanddowntheriver。HiseyedetectedBabalatchi'sboatastern，andanothersmallblackspeckontheglitteringwater，whichwasTaminah'scanoe。Hemovedcautiouslyforward，and，kneeling，tookupapaddle；Ninaatthesterntookhers。Theybenttheirbodiestothework，throwingupthewaterateverystroke，andthesmallcraftwentswiftlyahead，leavinganarrowwakefringedwithalace-likeborderofwhiteandgleamingfoam。Withoutturninghishead，Dainspoke。
　　"Somebodybehindus，Nina。Wemustnotlethimgain。Ithinkheistoofartorecogniseus。"
　　"Somebodybeforeusalso，"pantedoutNina，withoutceasingtopaddle。
　　"IthinkIknow，"rejoinedDain。"Thesunshinesoverthere，butIfancyitisthegirlTaminah。Shecomesdowneverymorningtomybrigtosellcakes——staysoftenallday。Itdoesnotmatter；
　　steermoreintothebank；wemustgetunderthebushes。Mycanoeishiddennotfarfromhere。"
　　Ashespokehiseyeswatchedthebroad-leavednipaswhichtheywerebrushingintheirswiftandsilentcourse。
　　"Lookout，Nina，"hesaidatlast；"there，wherethewaterpalmsendandthetwigshangdownundertheleaningtree。Steerforthebiggreenbranch。"
　　Hestoodupattentive，andtheboatdriftedslowlyinshore，Ninaguidingitbyagentleandskilfulmovementofherpaddle。WhennearenoughDainlaidholdofthebigbranch，andleaningbackshotthecanoeunderalowgreenarchwayofthicklymattedcreepersgivingaccesstoaminiaturebayformedbythecavinginofthebankduringthelastgreatflood。Hisownboatwasthereanchoredbyastone，andhesteppedintoit，keepinghishandonthegunwaleofNina'scanoe。Inamomentthetwolittlenutshellswiththeiroccupantsfloatedquietlysidebyside，reflectedbytheblackwaterinthedimlightstrugglingthroughahighcanopyofdensefoliage；whileabove，awayupinthebroadday，flamedimmenseredblossomssendingdownontheirheadsashowerofgreatdew-sparklingpetalsthatdescendedrotatingslowlyinacontinuousandperfumedstream；andoverthem，underthem，inthesleepingwater；allaroundtheminaringofluxuriantvegetationbathedinthewarmairchargedwithstrongandharshperfumes，theintenseworkoftropicalnaturewenton：
　　plantsshootingupward，entwined，interlacedininextricableconfusion，climbingmadlyandbrutallyovereachotherintheterriblesilenceofadesperatestruggletowardsthelife-givingsunshineabove——asifstruckwithsuddenhorrorattheseethingmassofcorruptionbelow，atthedeathanddecayfromwhichtheysprang。
　　"Wemustpartnow，"saidDain，afteralongsilence。"Youmustreturnatonce，Nina。Iwillwaittillthebrigdriftsdownhere，andshallgetonboardthen。"
　　"Andwillyoubelongaway，Dain？"askedNina，inalowvoice。
　　"Long！"exclaimedDain。"Wouldamanwillinglyremainlonginadarkplace？WhenIamnotnearyou，Nina，Iamlikeamanthatisblind。Whatislifetomewithoutlight？"
　　Ninaleanedover，andwithaproudandhappysmiletookDain'sfacebetweenherhands，lookingintohiseyeswithafondyetquestioninggaze。Apparentlyshefoundtheretheconfirmationofthewordsjustsaid，forafeelingofgratefulsecuritylightenedforhertheweightofsorrowatthehourofparting。Shebelievedthathe，thedescendantofmanygreatRajahs，thesonofagreatchief，themasteroflifeanddeath，knewthesunshineoflifeonlyinherpresence。Animmensewaveofgratitudeandlovewelledforthoutofherhearttowardshim。Howcouldshemakeanoutwardandvisiblesignofallshefeltforthemanwhohadfilledherheartwithsomuchjoyandsomuchpride？Andinthegreattumultofpassion，likeaflashoflightningcametoherthereminiscenceofthatdespisedandalmostforgottencivilisationshehadonlyglancedatinherdaysofrestraint，ofsorrow，andofanger。Inthecoldashesofthathatefulandmiserablepastshewouldfindthesignoflove，thefittingexpressionoftheboundlessfelicityofthepresent，thepledgeofabrightandsplendidfuture。ShethrewherarmsaroundDain'sneckandpressedherlipstohisinalongandburningkiss。Heclosedhiseyes，surprisedandfrightenedatthestormraisedinhisbreastbythestrangeandtohimhithertounknowncontact，andlongafterNinahadpushedhercanoeintotheriverheremainedmotionless，withoutdaringtoopenhiseyes，afraidtolosethesensationofintoxicatingdelighthehadtastedforthefirsttime。
　　Nowhewantedbutimmortality，hethought，tobetheequalofgods，andthecreaturethatcouldopensothegatesofparadisemustbehis——soonwouldbehisforever！
　　Heopenedhiseyesintimetoseethroughthearchwayofcreepersthebowsofhisbrigcomeslowlyintoview，asthevesseldriftedpastonitswaydowntheriver。Hemustgoonboardnow，hethought；yethewaslothtoleavetheplacewherehehadlearnedtoknowwhathappinessmeant。"Timeyet。Letthemgo，"hemutteredtohimself；andheclosedhiseyesagainundertheredshowerofscentedpetals，tryingtorecallthescenewithallitsdelightandallitsfear。
　　Hemusthavebeenabletojoinhisbrigintime，afterall，andfoundmuchoccupationoutside，foritwasinvainthatAlmayerlookedforhisfriend'sspeedyreturn。Thelowerreachoftheriverwherehesooftenandsoimpatientlydirectedhiseyesremaineddeserted，savefortherapidflittingofsomefishingcanoe；butdowntheupperreachescameblackcloudsandheavyshowersheraldingthefinalsettinginoftherainyseasonwithitsthunderstormsandgreatfloodsmakingtheriveralmostimpossibleofascentfornativecanoes。
　　Almayer，strollingalongthemuddybeachbetweenhishouses，watcheduneasilytheriverrisinginchbyinch，creepingslowlynearertotheboats，nowreadyandhauledupinarowunderthecoverofdrippingKajang-mats。Fortuneseemedtoeludehisgrasp，andinhiswearytrampbackwardsandforwardsunderthesteadyrainfallingfromtheloweringsky，asortofdespairingindifferencetookpossessionofhim。Whatdiditmatter？
　　Itwasjusthisluck！Thosetwoinfernalsavages，LakambaandDain，inducedhim，withtheirpromisesofhelp，tospendhislastdollarinthefittingoutofboats，andnowoneofthemwasgonesomewhere，andtheothershutupinhisstockadewouldgivenosignoflife。No，noteventhescoundrellyBabalatchi，thoughtAlmayer，wouldshowhisfacenearhim，nowtheyhadsoldhimalltherice，brassgongs，andclothnecessaryforhisexpedition。
　　Theyhadhisverylastcoin，anddidnotcarewhetherhewentorstayed。AndwithagestureofabandoneddiscouragementAlmayerwouldclimbupslowlytotheverandahofhisnewhousetogetoutoftherain，andleaningonthefrontrailwithhisheadsunkbetweenhisshouldershewouldabandonhimselftothecurrentofbitterthoughts，obliviousoftheflightoftimeandthepangsofhunger，deaftotheshrillcriesofhiswifecallinghimtotheeveningmeal。When，rousedfromhissadmeditationsbythefirstrolloftheeveningthunderstorm，hestumbledslowlytowardstheglimmeringlightofhisoldhouse，hishalf-deadhopemadehisearspreternaturallyacutetoanysoundontheriver。Severalnightsinsuccessionhehadheardthesplashofpaddlesandhadseentheindistinctformofaboat，butwhenhailingtheshadowyapparition，hisheartboundingwithsuddenhopeofhearingDain'svoice，hewasdisappointedeachtimebythesulkyanswerconveyingtohimtheintelligencethattheArabswereontheriver，boundonavisittothehome-stayingLakamba。Thiscausedhimmanysleeplessnights，spentinspeculatinguponthekindofvillainythoseestimablepersonageswerehatchingnow。Atlast，whenallhopeseemeddead，hewasoverjoyedonhearingDain'svoice；butDainalsoappearedveryanxioustoseeLakamba，andAlmayerfeltuneasyowingtoadeepandineradicabledistrustastothatruler'sdispositiontowardshimself。Still，Dainhadreturnedatlast。Evidentlyhemeanttokeeptohisbargain。
　　Hoperevived，andthatnightAlmayersleptsoundly，whileNinawatchedtheangryriverunderthelashofthethunderstormsweepingonwardtowardsthesea。
　　chapter06
　　CHAPTERVI。
　　DainwasnotlongincrossingtheriverafterleavingAlmayer。
　　Helandedatthewater-gateofthestockadeenclosingthegroupofhouseswhichcomposedtheresidenceoftheRajahofSambir。
　　Evidentlysomebodywasexpectedthere，forthegatewasopen，andmenwithtorcheswerereadytoprecedethevisitoruptheinclinedplaneofplanksleadingtothelargesthousewhereLakambaactuallyresided，andwhereallthebusinessofstatewasinvariablytransacted。Theotherbuildingswithintheenclosureservedonlytoaccommodatethenumeroushouseholdandthewivesoftheruler。
　　Lakamba'sownhousewasastrongstructureofsolidplanks，raisedonhighpiles，withaverandahofsplitbamboossurroundingitonallsides；thewholewascoveredinbyanimmenselyhigh-pitchedroofofpalm-leaves，restingonbeamsblackenedbythesmokeofmanytorches。
　　Thebuildingstoodparalleltotheriver，oneofitslongsidesfacingthewater-gateofthestockade。Therewasadoorintheshortsidelookinguptheriver，andtheinclinedplank-wayledstraightfromthegatetothatdoor。Bytheuncertainlightofsmokytorches，Dainnoticedthevagueoutlinesofagroupofarmedmeninthedarkshadowstohisright。FromthatgroupBabalatchisteppedforwardtoopenthedoor，andDainenteredtheaudiencechamberoftheRajah'sresidence。Aboutone-thirdofthehousewascurtainedoff，byheavystuffofEuropeanmanufacture，forthatpurpose；closetothecurtaintherewasabigarm-chairofsomeblackwood，muchcarved，andbeforeitaroughdealtable。Otherwisetheroomwasonlyfurnishedwithmatsingreatprofusion。Totheleftoftheentrancestoodarudearm-rack，withthreerifleswithfixedbayonetsinit。Bythewall，intheshadow，thebody-guardofLakamba——allfriendsorrelations——sleptinaconfusedheapofbrownarms，legs，andmulti-colouredgarments，fromwhenceissuedanoccasionalsnoreorasubduedgroanofsomeuneasysleeper。AnEuropeanlampwithagreenshadestandingonthetablemadeallthisindistinctlyvisibletoDain。
　　"Youarewelcometoyourresthere，"saidBabalatchi，lookingatDaininterrogatively。
　　"ImustspeaktotheRajahatonce，"answeredDain。
　　Babalatchimadeagestureofassent，and，turningtothebrassgongsuspendedunderthearm-rack，strucktwosharpblows。
　　Theear-splittingdinwokeuptheguard。Thesnoresceased；
　　outstretchedlegsweredrawnin；thewholeheapmoved，andslowlyresolveditselfintoindividualforms，withmuchyawningandrubbingofsleepyeyes；behindthecurtainstherewasaburstoffemininechatter；thenthebassvoiceofLakambawasheard。
　　"IsthattheArabtrader？"
　　"No，Tuan，"answeredBabalatchi；"Dainhasreturnedatlast。Heishereforanimportanttalk，bitcharra——ifyoumercifullyconsent。"
　　EvidentlyLakamba'smercywentsofar——forinashortwhilehecameoutfrombehindthecurtain——butitdidnotgotothelengthofinducinghimtomakeanextensivetoilet。Ashortredsarongtightenedhastilyroundhishipswashisonlygarment。ThemercifulrulerofSambirlookedsleepyandrathersulky。Hesatinthearm-chair，hiskneeswellapart，hiselbowsonthearm-rests，hischinonhisbreast，breathingheavilyandwaitingmalevolentlyforDaintoopentheimportanttalk。
　　ButDaindidnotseemanxioustobegin。HedirectedhisgazetowardsBabalatchi，squattingcomfortablyatthefeetofhismaster，andremainedsilentwithaslightlybentheadasifinattentiveexpectationofcomingwordsofwisdom。
　　Babalatchicougheddiscreetly，and，leaningforward，pushedoverafewmatsforDaintositupon，thenliftinguphissqueakyvoiceheassuredhimwitheagervolubilityofeverybody'sdelightatthislong-looked-forreturn。HishearthadhungeredforthesightofDain'sface，andhisearswerewitheringforthewantoftherefreshingsoundofhisvoice。Everybody'sheartsandearswereinthesamesadpredicament，accordingtoBabalatchi，asheindicatedwithasweepinggesturetheotherbankoftheriverwherethesettlementslumberedpeacefully，unconsciousofthegreatjoyawaitingitonthemorrowwhenDain'spresenceamongstthemwouldbedisclosed。"For"——wentonBabalatchi——"whatisthejoyofapoormanifnottheopenhandofageneroustraderorofagreat——"
　　Herehecheckedhimselfabruptlywithacalculatedembarrassmentofmanner，andhisrovingeyesoughtthefloor，whileanapologeticsmiledweltforamomentonhismisshapenlips。OnceortwiceduringthisopeningspeechanamusedexpressionflittedacrossDain'sface，soontogiveway，however，toanappearanceofgraveconcern。OnLakamba'sbrowaheavyfrownhadsettled，andhislipsmovedangrilyashelistenedtohisPrimeMinister'soratory。InthesilencethatfellupontheroomwhenBabalatchiceasedspeakingaroseachorusofvariedsnoresfromthecornerwherethebody-guardhadresumedtheirinterruptedslumbers，butthedistantrumbleofthunderfillingthenNina'sheartwithapprehensionforthesafetyofherloverpassedunheededbythosethreemenintenteachontheirownpurposes，forlifeordeath。
　　Afterashortsilence，Babalatchi，discardingnowtheflowersofpoliteeloquence，spokeagain，butinshortandhurriedsentencesandinalowvoice。Theyhadbeenveryuneasy。WhydidDainremainsolongabsent？Themendwellingonthelowerreachesoftheriverheardthereportsofbiggunsandsawafire-shipoftheDutchamongsttheislandsoftheestuary。Sotheywereanxious。RumoursofadisasterhadreachedAbdullaafewdaysago，andsincethentheyhadbeenwaitingforDain'sreturnundertheapprehensionofsomemisfortune。Fordaystheyhadclosedtheireyesinfear，andwokeupalarmed，andwalkedabroadtrembling，likemenbeforeanenemy。AndallonaccountofDain。
　　Wouldhenotallaytheirfearsforhissafety，notforthemselves？Theywerequietandfaithful，anddevotedtothegreatRajahinBatavia——mayhisfateleadhimevertovictoryforthejoyandprofitofhisservants！"Andhere，"wentonBabalatchi，"Lakambamymasterwasgettingthininhisanxietyforthetraderhehadtakenunderhisprotection；andsowasAbdulla，forwhatwouldwickedmennotsayifperchance-"
　　"Besilent，fool！"growledLakamba，angrily。
　　Babalatchisubsidedintosilencewithasatisfiedsmile，whileDain，whohadbeenwatchinghimasiffascinated，turnedwithasighofrelieftowardstherulerofSambir。Lakambadidnotmove，and，withoutraisinghishead，lookedatDainfromunderhiseyebrows，breathingaudibly，withpoutedlips，inanairofgeneraldiscontent。
　　"Speak！ODain！"hesaidatlast。"Wehaveheardmanyrumours。
　　ManynightsinsuccessionhasmyfriendReshidcomeherewithbadtidings。Newstravelsfastalongthecoast。Buttheymaybeuntrue；therearemoreliesinmen'smouthsinthesedaysthanwhenIwasyoung，butIamnoteasiertodeceivenow。"
　　"Allmywordsaretrue，"saidDain，carelessly。"Ifyouwanttoknowwhatbefellmybrig，thenlearnthatitisinthehandsoftheDutch。Believeme，Rajah，"hewenton，withsuddenenergy，"theOrangBlandahavegoodfriendsinSambir，orelsehowdidtheyknowIwascomingthence？"
　　LakambagaveDainashortandhostileglance。Babalatchirosequietly，and，goingtothearm-rack，struckthegongviolently。
　　Outsidethedoortherewasashuffleofbarefeet；inside，theguardwokeupandsatstaringinsleepysurprise。
　　"Yes，youfaithfulfriendofthewhiteRajah，"wentonDain，scornfully，turningtoBabalatchi，whohadreturnedtohisplace，"Ihaveescaped，andIamheretogladdenyourheart。WhenIsawtheDutchshipIranthebriginsidethereefsandputherashore。Theydidnotdaretofollowwiththeship，sotheysenttheboats。Wetooktooursandtriedtogetaway，buttheshipdroppedfireballsatus，andkilledmanyofmymen。ButIamleft，OBabalatchi！TheDutcharecominghere。Theyareseekingforme。TheyarecomingtoasktheirfaithfulfriendLakambaandhisslaveBabalatchi。Rejoice！"
　　Butneitherofhishearersappearedtobeinajoyfulmood。
　　Lakambahadputonelegoverhisknee，andwentongentlyscratchingitwithameditativeair，whileBabalatchi，sittingcross-legged，seemedsuddenlytobecomesmallerandverylimp，staringstraightbeforehimvacantly。Theguardevincedsomeinterestintheproceedings，stretchingthemselvesfulllengthonthematstobenearerthespeaker。Oneofthemgotupandnowstoodleaningagainstthearm-rack，playingabsentlywiththefringesofhissword-hilt。
　　Dainwaitedtillthecrashofthunderhaddiedawayindistantmutteringsbeforehespokeagain。
　　"Areyoudumb，OrulerofSambir，oristhesonofagreatRajahunworthyofyournotice？Iamcomeheretoseekrefugeandtowarnyou，andwanttoknowwhatyouintenddoing。"
　　"Youcameherebecauseofthewhiteman'sdaughter，"retortedLakamba，quickly。"Yourrefugewaswithyourfather，theRajahofBali，theSonofHeaven，the'AnakAgong'himself。WhatamI
　　toprotectgreatprinces？OnlyyesterdayIplantedriceinaburntclearing；to-dayyousayIholdyourlifeinmyhand。"
　　Babalatchiglancedathismaster。"Nomancanescapehisfate，"
　　hemurmuredpiously。"Whenloveentersaman'sheartheislikeachild——withoutanyunderstanding。Bemerciful，Lakamba，"headded，twitchingthecorneroftheRajah'ssarongwarningly。
　　Lakambasnatchedawaytheskirtofthesarongangrily。UnderthedawningcomprehensionofintolerableembarrassmentscausedbyDain'sreturntoSambirhebegantolosesuchcomposureashehadbeen，tillthen，abletomaintain；andnowheraisedhisvoiceloudlyabovethewhistlingofthewindandthepatterofrainontheroofinthehardsquallpassingoverthehouse。
　　"Youcameherefirstasatraderwithsweetwordsandgreatpromises，askingmetolooktheotherwaywhileyouworkedyourwillonthewhitemanthere。AndIdid。Whatdoyouwantnow？
　　WhenIwasyoungIfought。NowIamold，andwantpeace。
　　ItiseasierformetohaveyoukilledthantofighttheDutch。Itisbetterforme。"
　　Thesquallhadnowpassed，and，intheshortstillnessofthelullinthestorm，Lakambarepeatedsoftly，asiftohimself，"Mucheasier。Muchbetter。"
　　DaindidnotseemgreatlydiscomposedbytheRajah'sthreateningwords。WhileLakambawasspeakinghehadglancedoncerapidlyoverhisshoulder，justtomakesurethattherewasnobodybehindhim，and，tranquillisedinthatrespect，hehadextractedasiri-boxoutofthefoldsofhiswaist-cloth，andwaswrappingcarefullythelittlebitofbetel-nutandasmallpinchoflimeinthegreenleaftenderedhimpolitelybythewatchfulBabalatchi。Heacceptedthisasapeace-offeringfromthesilentstatesman——akindofmuteprotestagainsthismaster'sundiplomaticviolence，andasanomenofapossibleunderstandingtobearrivedatyet。OtherwiseDainwasnotuneasy。AlthoughrecognisingthejusticeofLakamba'ssurmisethathehadcomebacktoSambironlyforthesakeofthewhiteman'sdaughter，yethewasnotconsciousofanychildishlackofunderstanding，assuggestedbyBabalatchi。Infact，DainknewverywellthatLakambawastoodeeplyimplicatedinthegunpowdersmugglingtocareforaninvestigationtheDutchauthoritiesintothatmatter。
　　Whensentoffbyhisfather，theindependentRajahofBali，atthetimewhenthehostilitiesbetweenDutchandMalaysthreatenedtospreadfromSumatraoverthewholearchipelago，Dainhadfoundallthebigtradersdeaftohisguardedproposals，andabovethetemptationofthegreatpriceshewasreadytogiveforgunpowder。HewenttoSambirasalastandalmosthopelessresort，havingheardinMacassarofthewhitemanthere，andoftheregularsteamertradingfromSingapore——alluredalsobythefactthattherewasnoDutchresidentontheriver，whichwouldmakethingseasier，nodoubt。HishopesgotnearlywreckedagainstthestubbornloyaltyofLakambaarisingfromwell-understoodself-interest；butatlasttheyoungman'sgenerosity，hispersuasiveenthusiasm，theprestigeofhisfather'sgreatname，overpoweredtheprudenthesitationoftherulerofSambir。Lakambawouldhavenothingtodohimselfwithanyillegaltraffic。HealsoobjectedtotheArabsbeingmadeuseofinthatmatter；buthesuggestedAlmayer，sayingthathewasaweakmaneasilypersuaded，andthathisfriend，theEnglishcaptainofthesteamer，couldbemadeveryuseful——verylikelyevenwouldjoininthebusiness，smugglingthepowderinthesteamerwithoutAbdulla'sknowledge。ThereagainDainmetinAlmayerwithunexpectedresistance；LakambahadtosendBabalatchioverwiththesolemnpromisethathiseyeswouldbeshutinfriendshipforthewhiteman，DainpayingforthepromiseandthefriendshipingoodsilverguildersofthehatedOrangBlanda。Almayer，atlastconsenting，saidthepowderwouldbeobtained，butDainmusttrusthimwithdollarstosendtoSingaporeinpaymentforit。HewouldinduceFordtobuyandsmuggleitinthesteameronboardthebrig。Hedidnotwantanymoneyforhimselfoutofthetransaction，butDainmusthelphiminhisgreatenterpriseaftersendingoffthebrig。AlmayerhadexplainedtoDainthathecouldnottrustLakambaaloneinthatmatter；hewouldbeafraidoflosinghistreasureandhislifethroughthecupidityoftheRajah；yettheRajahhadtobetold，andinsistedontakingashareinthatoperation，orelsehiseyeswouldremainshutnolonger。TothisAlmayerhadtosubmit。
　　HadDainnotseenNinahewouldhaveprobablyrefusedtoengagehimselfandhismenintheprojectedexpeditiontoGunongMas——themountainofgold。Asitwasheintendedtoreturnwithhalfofhismenassoonasthebrigwasclearofthereefs，butthepersistentchasegivenhimbytheDutchfrigatehadforcedhimtorunsouthandultimatelytowreckanddestroyhisvesselinordertopreservehislibertyorperhapsevenhislife。Yes，hehadcomebacktoSambirforNina，althoughawarethattheDutchwouldlookforhimthere，buthehadalsocalculatedhischancesofsafetyinLakamba'shands。Forallhisferocioustalk，themercifulrulerwouldnotkillhim，forhehadlongagobeenimpressedwiththenotionthatDainpossessedthesecretofthewhiteman'streasure；neitherwouldhegivehimuptotheDutch，forfearofsomefataldisclosureofcomplicityinthetreasonabletrade。SoDainfelttolerablysecureashesatmeditatingquietlyhisanswertotheRajah'sbloodthirstyspeech。
　　Yes，hewouldpointouttohimtheaspectofhispositionshouldhe——Dain——fallintothehandsoftheDutchandshouldhespeakthetruth。Hewouldhavenothingmoretolosethen，andhewouldspeakthetruth。AndifhedidreturntoSambir，disturbingtherebyLakamba'speaceofmind，whatthen？Hecametolookafterhisproperty。DidhenotpourastreamofsilverintoMrs。
　　Almayer'sgreedylap？Hehadpaid，forthegirl，apriceworthyofagreatprince，althoughunworthyofthatdelightfullymaddeningcreatureforwhomhisuntamedsoullongedinanintensityofdesirefarmoretormentingthanthesharpestpain。
　　Hewantedhishappiness。HehadtherighttobeinSambir。
　　Herose，and，approachingthetable，leanedbothhiselbowsonit；Lakambaresponsivelyedgedhisseatalittlecloser，whileBabalatchiscrambledtohisfeetandthrusthisinquisitiveheadbetweenhismaster'sandDain's。Theyinterchangedtheirideasrapidly，speakinginwhispersintoeachother'sfaces，veryclosenow，Dainsuggesting，Lakambacontradicting，Babalatchiconciliatingandanxiousinhisvividapprehensionofcomingdifficulties。Hespokemost，whisperingearnestly，turninghisheadslowlyfromsidetosidesoastobringhissolitaryeyetobearuponeachofhisinterlocutorsinturn。Whyshouldtherebestrife？saidhe。LetTuanDain，whomhelovedonlylessthanhismaster，gotrustfullyintohiding。Thereweremanyplacesforthat。Bulangi'shouseawayintheclearingwasbest。
　　Bulangiwasasafeman。Inthenetworkofcrookedchannelsnowhitemancouldfindhisway。Whitemenwerestrong，butveryfoolish。Itwasundesirabletofightthem，butdeceptionwaseasy。Theywerelikesillywomen——theydidnotknowtheuseofreason，andhewasamatchforanyofthem——wentonBabalatchi，withalltheconfidenceofdeficientexperience。ProbablytheDutchwouldseekAlmayer。Maybetheywouldtakeawaytheircountrymaniftheyweresuspiciousofhim。Thatwouldbegood。
　　AftertheDutchwentawayLakambaandDainwouldgetthetreasurewithoutanytrouble，andtherewouldbeonepersonlesstoshareit。Didhenotspeakwisdom？WillTuanDaingotoBulangi'shousetillthedangerisover，goatonce？
　　DainacceptedthissuggestionofgoingintohidingwithacertainsenseofconferringafavouruponLakambaandtheanxiousstatesman，buthemettheproposalofgoingatoncewithadecidedno，lookingBabalatchimeaninglyintheeye。Thestatesmansighedasamanacceptingtheinevitablewoulddo，andpointedsilentlytowardstheotherbankoftheriver。Dainbenthisheadslowly。
　　"Yes，Iamgoingthere，"hesaid。
　　"Beforethedaycomes？"askedBabalatchi。
　　"Iamgoingtherenow，"answeredDain，decisively。"TheOrangBlandawillnotbeherebeforeto-morrownight，perhaps，andI
　　musttellAlmayerofourarrangements。"
　　"No，Tuan。No；saynothing，"protestedBabalatchi。"Iwillgoovermyselfatsunriseandlethimknow。"
　　"Iwillsee，"saidDain，preparingtogo。
　　Thethunderstormwasrecommencingoutside，theheavycloudshanginglowoverheadnow。
　　Therewasaconstantrumbleofdistantthunderpunctuatedbythenearersharpcrashes，andinthecontinuousplayofbluelightningthewoodsandtherivershowedfitfully，withalltheelusivedistinctnessofdetailcharacteristicofsuchascene。
　　OutsidethedooroftheRajah'shouseDainandBabalatchistoodontheshakingverandahasifdazedandstunnedbytheviolenceofthestorm。TheystoodthereamongstthecoweringformsoftheRajah'sslavesandretainersseekingshelterfromtherain，andDaincalledaloudtohisboatmen，whorespondedwithanunanimous"Ada！Tuan！"whiletheylookeduneasilyattheriver。
　　"Thisisagreatflood！"shoutedBabalatchiintoDain'sear。