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。