"Theriverisveryangry。Look！Lookatthedriftinglogs！Canyougo？"
　　Dainglanceddoubtfullyonthelividexpanseofseethingwaterboundedfarawayontheothersidebythenarrowblacklineoftheforests。Suddenly，inavividwhiteflash，thelowpointoflandwiththebendingtreesonitandAlmayer'shouse，leapedintoview，flickeredanddisappeared。DainpushedBabalatchiasideandrandowntothewater-gatefollowedbyhisshiveringboatmen。
　　Babalatchibackedslowlyinandclosedthedoor，thenturnedroundandlookedsilentlyuponLakamba。TheRajahsatstill，glaringstonilyuponthetable，andBabalatchigazedcuriouslyattheperplexedmoodofthemanhehadservedsomanyyearsthroughgoodandevilfortune。Nodoubttheone-eyedstatesmanfeltwithinhissavageandmuchsophisticatedbreasttheunwontedfeelingsofsympathywith，andperhapsevenpityfor，themanhecalledhismaster。Fromthesafepositionofaconfidentialadviser，hecould，inthedimvistaofpastyears，seehimself——acasualcut-throat——findingshelterunderthatman'sroofinthemodestrice-clearingofearlybeginnings。Thencamealongperiodofunbrokensuccess，ofwisecounsels，anddeepplottingsresolutelycarriedoutbythefearlessLakamba，tillthewholeeastcoastfromPouloLauttoTanjongBatulistenedtoBabalatchi'swisdomspeakingthroughthemouthoftherulerofSambir。Inthoselongyearshowmanydangersescaped，howmanyenemiesbravelyfaced，howmanywhitemensuccessfullycircumvented！Andnowhelookedupontheresultofsomanyyearsofpatienttoil：thefearlessLakambacowedbytheshadowofanimpendingtrouble。Therulerwasgrowingold，andBabalatchi，awareofanuneasyfeelingatthepitofhisstomach，putbothhishandstherewithasuddenlyvividandsadperceptionofthefactthathehimselfwasgrowingoldtoo；thatthetimeofrecklessdaringwaspastforbothofthem，andthattheyhadtoseekrefugeinprudentcunning。Theywantedpeace；theyweredisposedtoreform；theywerereadyeventoretrench，soastohavethewherewithaltobribetheevildaysaway，ifbribedawaytheycouldbe。Babalatchisighedforthesecondtimethatnightashesquattedagainathismaster'sfeetandtenderedhimhisbetel-nutboxinmutesympathy。Andtheysatthereincloseyetsilentcommunionofbetel-nutchewers，movingtheirjawsslowly，expectoratingdecorouslyintothewide-mouthedbrassvesseltheypassedtooneanother，andlisteningtotheawfuldinofthebattlingelementsoutside。
　　"Thereisaverygreatflood，"remarkedBabalatchi，sadly。
　　"Yes，"saidLakamba。"DidDaingo？"
　　"Hewent，Tuan。HerandowntotheriverlikeamanpossessedoftheSheitanhimself。"
　　Therewasanotherlongpause。
　　"Hemaygetdrowned，"suggestedLakambaatlast，withsomeshowofinterest。
　　"Thefloatinglogsaremany，"answeredBabalatchi，"butheisagoodswimmer，"headdedlanguidly。
　　"Heoughttolive，"saidLakamba；"heknowswherethetreasureis。"
　　Babalatchiassentedwithanill-humouredgrunt。Hiswantofsuccessinpenetratingthewhiteman'ssecretastothelocalitywherethegoldwastobefoundwasasorepointwiththestatesmanofSambir，astheonlyconspicuousfailureinanotherwisebrilliantcareer。
　　Agreatpeacehadnowsucceededtheturmoilofthestorm。Onlythelittlebelatedclouds，whichhurriedpastoverheadtocatchupthemainbodyflashingsilentlyinthedistance，sentdownshortshowersthatpatteredsoftlywithasoothinghissoverthepalm-leafroof。
　　Lakambarousedhimselffromhisapathywithanappearanceofhavinggraspedthesituationatlast。
　　"Babalatchi，"hecalledbriskly，givinghimaslightkick。
　　"AdaTuan！Iamlistening。"
　　"IftheOrangBlandacomehere，Babalatchi，andtakeAlmayertoBataviatopunishhimforsmugglinggunpowder，whatwillhedo，youthink？"
　　"Idonotknow，Tuan。"
　　"Youareafool，"commentedLakamba，exultingly。"Hewilltellthemwherethetreasureis，soastofindmercy。Hewill。"
　　Babalatchilookedupathismasterandnoddedhisheadwithbynomeansajoyfulsurprise。Hehadnotthoughtofthis；therewasanewcomplication。
　　"Almayermustdie，"saidLakamba，decisively，"tomakeoursecretsafe。Hemustdiequietly，Babalatchi。Youmustdoit。"
　　Babalatchiassented，androsewearilytohisfeet。"To-morrow？"
　　heasked。
　　"Yes；beforetheDutchcome。Hedrinksmuchcoffee，"answeredLakamba，withseemingirrelevancy。
　　Babalatchistretchedhimselfyawning，butLakamba，intheflatteringconsciousnessofaknottyproblemsolvedbyhisownunaidedintellectualefforts，grewsuddenlyverywakeful。
　　"Babalatchi，"hesaidtotheexhaustedstatesman，"fetchtheboxofmusicthewhitecaptaingaveme。Icannotsleep。"
　　AtthisorderadeepshadeofmelancholysettleduponBabalatchi'sfeatures。Hewentreluctantlybehindthecurtainandsoonreappearedcarryinginhisarmsasmallhand-organ，whichheputdownonthetablewithanairofdeepdejection。
　　Lakambasettledhimselfcomfortablyinhisarm-chair。
　　"Turn，Babalatchi，turn，"hemurmured，withclosedeyes。
　　Babalatchi'shandgraspedthehandlewiththeenergyofdespair，andasheturned，thedeepgloomonhiscountenancechangedintoanexpressionofhopelessresignation。ThroughtheopenshutterthenotesofVerdi'smusicfloatedoutonthegreatsilenceovertheriverandforest。Lakambalistenedwithclosedeyesandadelightedsmile；Babalatchiturned，attimesdozingoffandswayingover，thencatchinghimselfupinagreatfrightwithafewquickturnsofthehandle。Naturesleptinanexhaustedreposeafterthefierceturmoil，whileundertheunsteadyhandofthestatesmanofSambirtheTrovatorefitfullywept，wailed，andbadegood-byetohisLeonoreagainandagaininamournfulroundoftearfulandendlessiteration。
　　chapter07
　　CHAPTERVII。
　　Thebrightsunshineoftheclearmistlessmorning，afterthestormynight，floodedthemainpathofthesettlementleadingfromthelowshoreofthePantaibranchoftherivertothegateofAbdulla'scompound。Thepathwasdesertedthismorning；itstretcheditsdarkyellowsurface，hardbeatenbythetrampofmanybarefeet，betweentheclustersofpalmtrees，whosetalltrunksbarreditwithstrongblacklinesatirregularintervals，whilethenewlyrisensunthrewtheshadowsoftheirleafyheadsfarawayovertheroofsofthebuildingsliningtheriver，evenovertheriveritselfasitflowedswiftlyandsilentlypastthedesertedhouses。Forthehousesweredesertedtoo。Onthenarrowstripoftroddengrassinterveningbetweentheiropendoorsandtheroad，themorningfiressmouldereduntended，sendingthinflutedcolumnsofsmokeintothecoolair，andspreadingthethinnestveilofmysteriousbluehazeoverthesunlitsolitudeofthesettlement。Almayer，justoutofhishammock，gazedsleepilyattheunwontedappearanceofSambir，wonderingvaguelyattheabsenceoflife。Hisownhousewasveryquiet；hecouldnothearhiswife'svoice，northesoundofNina'sfootstepsinthebigroom，openingontheverandah，whichhecalledhissitting-room，whenever，inthecompanyofwhitemen，hewishedtoasserthisclaimstothecommonplacedecenciesofcivilisation。Nobodyeversatthere；therewasnothingtheretositupon，forMrs。Almayerinhersavagemoods，whenexcitedbythereminiscencesofthepiraticalperiodofherlife，hadtornoffthecurtainstomakesarongsfortheslave-girls，andhadburnttheshowyfurniturepiecemealtocookthefamilyrice。
　　ButAlmayerwasnotthinkingofhisfurniturenow。HewasthinkingofDain'sreturn，ofDain'snocturnalinterviewwithLakamba，ofitspossibleinfluenceonhislong-maturedplans，nownearingtheperiodoftheirexecution。Hewasalsouneasyatthenon-appearanceofDainwhohadpromisedhimanearlyvisit。"Thefellowhadplentyoftimetocrosstheriver，"hemused，"andtherewassomuchtobedoneto-day。Thesettlingofdetailsfortheearlystartonthemorrow；thelaunchingoftheboats；thethousandandonefinishingtouches。Fortheexpeditionmuststartcomplete，nothingshouldbeforgotten，nothingshould——"
　　Thesenseoftheunwontedsolitudegrewuponhimsuddenly，andintheunusualsilencehecaughthimselflongingevenfortheusuallyunwelcomesoundofhiswife'svoicetobreaktheoppressivestillnesswhichseemed，tohisfrightenedfancy，toportendtheadventofsomenewmisfortune。"Whathashappened？"
　　hemutteredhalfaloud，asheshuffledinhisimperfectlyadjustedslipperstowardsthebalustradeoftheverandah。"Iseverybodyasleepordead？"
　　Thesettlementwasaliveandverymuchawake。Itwasawakeeversincetheearlybreakofday，whenMahmatBanjer，inafitofunheard-ofenergy，aroseand，takinguphishatchet，steppedoverthesleepingformsofhistwowivesandwalkedshiveringtothewater'sedgetomakesurethatthenewhousehewasbuildinghadnotfloatedawayduringthenight。
　　ThehousewasbeingbuiltbytheenterprisingMahmatonalargeraft，andhehadsecurelymooreditjustinsidethemuddypointoflandatthejunctionofthetwobranchesofthePantaisoastobeoutofthewayofdriftinglogsthatwouldnodoubtstrandonthepointduringthefreshet。Mahmatwalkedthroughthewetgrasssayingbourrouh，andcursingsoftlytohimselfthehardnecessitiesofactivelifethatdrovehimfromhiswarmcouchintothecoldofthemorning。Aglanceshowedhimthathishousewasstillthere，andhecongratulatedhimselfonhisforesightinhaulingitoutofharm'sway，fortheincreasinglightshowedhimaconfusedwrackofdrift-logs，half-strandedonthemuddyflat，interlockedintoashapelessraftbytheirbranches，tossingtoandfroandgrindingtogetherintheeddycausedbythemeetingcurrentsofthetwobranchesoftheriver。Mahmatwalkeddowntothewater'sedgetoexaminetherattanmooringsofhishousejustasthesunclearedthetreesoftheforestontheoppositeshore。
　　Ashebentoverthefasteningsheglancedagaincarelesslyattheunquietjumbleoflogsandsawtheresomethingthatcausedhimtodrophishatchetandstandup，shadinghiseyeswithhishandfromtheraysoftherisingsun。Itwassomethingred，andthelogsrolledoverit，attimesclosingroundit，sometimeshidingit。Itlookedtohimatfirstlikeastripofredcloth。
　　ThenextmomentMahmathadmadeitoutandraisedagreatshout。
　　"Ahya！There！"yelledMahmat。"There'samanamongstthelogs。"
　　Heputthepalmsofhishandtohislipsandshouted，enunciatingdistinctly，hisfaceturnedtowardsthesettlement："There'sabodyofamanintheriver！Comeandsee！Adead——stranger！"
　　Thewomenofthenearesthousewerealreadyoutsidekindlingthefiresandhuskingthemorningrice。Theytookupthecryshrilly，andittravelledsofromhousetohouse，dyingawayinthedistance。Themenrushedoutexcitedbutsilent，andrantowardsthemuddypointwheretheunconsciouslogstossedandgroundandbumpedandrolledoverthedeadstrangerwiththestupidpersistencyofinanimatethings。Thewomenfollowed，neglectingtheirdomesticdutiesanddisregardingthepossibilitiesofdomesticdiscontent，whilegroupsofchildrenbroughtuptherear，warblingjoyously，inthedelightofunexpectedexcitement。
　　Almayercalledaloudforhiswifeanddaughter，butreceivingnoresponse，stoodlisteningintently。Themurmurofthecrowdreachedhimfaintly，bringingwithittheassuranceofsomeunusualevent。HeglancedattheriverjustashewasgoingtoleavetheverandahandcheckedhimselfatthesightofasmallcanoecrossingoverfromtheRajah'slanding-place。Thesolitaryoccupant（inwhomAlmayersoonrecognisedBabalatchi）effectedthecrossingalittlebelowthehouseandpaddleduptotheLingardjettyinthedeadwaterunderthebank。Babalatchiclamberedoutslowlyandwentonfasteninghiscanoewithfastidiouscare，asifnotinahurrytomeetAlmayer，whomhesawlookingathimfromtheverandah。ThisdelaygaveAlmayertimetonoticeandgreatlywonderatBabalatchi'sofficialget-up。ThestatesmanofSambirwascladinacostumebefittinghishighrank。Aloudlycheckeredsarongencircledhiswaist，andfromitsmanyfoldspeepedoutthesilverhiltofthekrissthatsawthelightonlyongreatfestivalsorduringofficialreceptions。OvertheleftshoulderandacrosstheotherwiseuncladbreastoftheageddiplomatistglistenedapatentleatherbeltbearingabrassplatewiththearmsofNetherlandsundertheinscription，"SultanofSambir。"Babalatchi'sheadwascoveredbyaredturban，whosefringedendsfallingovertheleftcheekandshouldergavetohisagedfacealudicrousexpressionofjoyousrecklessness。Whenthecanoewasatlastfastenedtohissatisfactionhestraightenedhimselfup，shakingdownthefoldsofhissarong，andmovedwithlongstridestowardsAlmayer'shouse，swingingregularlyhislongebonystaff，whosegoldheadornamentedwithpreciousstonesflashedinthemorningsun。
　　Almayerwavedhishandtotherighttowardsthepointofland，tohiminvisible，butinfullviewfromthejetty。
　　"Oh，Babalatchi！oh！"hecalledout；"whatisthematterthere？
　　canyousee？"
　　Babalatchistoppedandgazedintentlyatthecrowdontheriverbank，andafteralittlewhiletheastonishedAlmayersawhimleavethepath，gatheruphissaronginonehand，andbreakintoatrotthroughthegrasstowardsthemuddypoint。Almayer，nowgreatlyinterested，randownthestepsoftheverandah。Themurmurofmen'svoicesandtheshrillcriesofwomenreachedhimquitedistinctlynow，andassoonasheturnedthecornerofhishousehecouldseethecrowdonthelowpromontoryswayingandpushingroundsomeobjectofinterest。HecouldindistinctlyhearBabalatchi'svoice，thenthecrowdopenedbeforetheagedstatesmanandclosedafterhimwithanexcitedhum，endinginaloudshout。
　　AsAlmayerapproachedthethrongamanranoutandrushedpasthimtowardsthesettlement，unheedinghiscalltostopandexplainthecauseofthisexcitement。OntheveryoutskirtsofthecrowdAlmayerfoundhimselfarrestedbyanunyieldingmassofhumanity，regardlessofhisentreatiesforapassage，insensibletohisgentlepushesashetriedtoworkhiswaythroughittowardstheriverside。
　　Inthemidstofhisgentleandslowprogresshefanciedsuddenlyhehadheardhiswife'svoiceinthethickestofthethrong。HecouldnotmistakeverywellMrs。Almayer'shigh-pitchedtones，yetthewordsweretooindistinctforhimtounderstandtheirpurport。Hepausedinhisendeavourstomakeapassageforhimself，intendingtogetsomeintelligencefromthosearoundhim，whenalongandpiercingshriekrenttheair，silencingthemurmursofthecrowdandthevoicesofhisinformants。ForamomentAlmayerremainedasifturnedintostonewithastonishmentandhorror，forhewascertainnowthathehadheardhiswifewailingforthedead。HerememberedNina'sunusualabsence，andmaddenedbyhisapprehensionsastohersafety，hepushedblindlyandviolentlyforward，thecrowdfallingbackwithcriesofsurpriseandpainbeforehisfranticadvance。
　　Onthepointoflandinalittleclearspacelaythebodyofthestrangerjusthauledoutfromamongstthelogs。OnonesidestoodBabalatchi，hischinrestingontheheadofhisstaffandhisoneeyegazingsteadilyattheshapelessmassofbrokenlimbs，tornflesh，andbloodstainedrags。AsAlmayerburstthroughtheringofhorrifiedspectators，Mrs。Almayerthrewherownhead-veilovertheupturnedfaceofthedrownedman，and，squattingbyit，withanothermournfulhowl，sentashiverthroughthenowsilentcrowd。Mahmat，drippingwet，turnedtoAlmayer，eagertotellhistale。
　　InthefirstmomentofreactionfromtheanguishofhisfearthesunshineseemedtowaverbeforeAlmayer'seyes，andhelistenedtowordsspokenaroundhimwithoutcomprehendingtheirmeaning。
　　When，byastrongeffortofwill，heregainedthepossessionofhissenses，Mahmatwassaying——
　　"Thatistheway，Tuan。Hissarongwascaughtinthebrokenbranch，andhehungwithhisheadunderwater。WhenIsawwhatitwasIdidnotwantithere。Iwantedittogetclearanddriftaway。Whyshouldweburyastrangerinthemidstofourhousesforhisghosttofrightenourwomenandchildren？Havewenotenoughghostsaboutthisplace？"
　　Amurmurofapprovalinterruptedhimhere。MahmatlookedreproachfullyatBabalatchi。
　　"ButtheTuanBabalatchiorderedmetodragthebodyashore"——hewentonlookingroundathisaudience，butaddressinghimselfonlytoAlmayer——"andIdraggedhimbythefeet；inthroughthemudIhavedraggedhim，althoughmyheartlongedtoseehimfloatdowntherivertostrandperchanceonBulangi'sclearing——mayhisfather'sgravebedefiled！"
　　Therewassubduedlaughteratthis，fortheenmityofMahmatandBulangiwasamatterofcommonnotorietyandofundyinginteresttotheinhabitantsofSambir。InthemidstofthatmirthMrs。
　　Almayerwailedsuddenlyagain。
　　"Allah！Whatailsthewoman！"exclaimedMahmat，angrily。
　　"Here，Ihavetouchedthiscarcasswhichcamefromnobodyknowswhere，andhavemostlikelydefiledmyselfbeforeeatingrice。ByordersofTuanBabalatchiIdidthisthingtopleasethewhiteman。Areyoupleased，OTuanAlmayer？Andwhatwillbemyrecompense？TuanBabalatchisaidarecompensetherewillbe，andfromyou。Nowconsider。Ihavebeendefiled，andifnotdefiledImaybeunderthespell。Lookathisanklets！Whoeverheardofacorpseappearingduringthenightamongstthelogswithgoldankletsonitslegs？Thereiswitchcraftthere。However，"
　　addedMahmat，afterareflectivepause，"Iwillhavetheankletifthereispermission，forIhaveacharmagainsttheghostsandamnotafraid。Godisgreat！"
　　AfreshoutburstofnoisygrieffromMrs。AlmayercheckedtheflowofMahmat'seloquence。Almayer，bewildered，lookedinturnathiswife，atMahmat，atBabalatchi，andatlastarrestedhisfascinatedgazeonthebodylyingonthemudwithcoveredfaceinagrotesquelyunnaturalcontortionofmangledandbrokenlimbs，onetwistedandlaceratedarm，withwhitebonesprotrudinginmanyplacesthroughthetornflesh，stretchedout；thehandwithoutspreadfingersnearlytouchinghisfoot。
　　"Doyouknowwhothisis？"heaskedofBabalatchi，inalowvoice。
　　Babalatchi，staringstraightbeforehim，hardlymovedhislips，whileMrs。Almayer'spersistentlamentationsdrownedthewhisperofhismurmuredreplyintendedonlyforAlmayer'sear。
　　"Itwasfate。Lookatyourfeet，whiteman。IcanseearingonthosetornfingerswhichIknowwell。"
　　Sayingthis，Babalatchisteppedcarelesslyforward，puttinghisfootasifaccidentallyonthehandofthecorpseandpressingitintothesoftmud。Heswunghisstaffmenacinglytowardsthecrowd，whichfellbackalittle。
　　"Goaway，"hesaidsternly，"andsendyourwomentotheircookingfires，whichtheyoughtnottohavelefttorunafteradeadstranger。Thisismen'sworkhere。ItakehimnowinthenameoftheRajah。LetnomanremainherebutTuanAlmayer'sslaves。
　　Nowgo！"
　　Thecrowdreluctantlybegantodisperse。Thewomenwentfirst，draggingawaythechildrenthathungbackwithalltheirweightonthematernalhand。Themenstrolledslowlyafterthemineverformingandchanginggroupsthatgraduallydissolvedastheynearedthesettlementandeverymanregainedhisownhousewithstepsquickenedbythehungryanticipationofthemorningrice。
　　Onlyontheslightelevationwherethelandslopeddowntowardsthemuddypointafewmen，eitherfriendsorenemiesofMahmat，remainedgazingcuriouslyforsometimelongeratthesmallgroupstandingaroundthebodyontheriverbank。
　　"Idonotunderstandwhatyoumean，Babalatchi，"saidAlmayer。
　　"Whatistheringyouaretalkingabout？Whoeverheis，youhavetroddenthepoorfellow'shandrightintothemud。Uncoverhisface，"hewenton，addressingMrs。Almayer，who，squattingbytheheadofthecorpse，rockedherselftoandfro，shakingfromtimetotimeherdishevelledgreylocks，andmutteringmournfully。
　　"Hai！'exclaimedMahmat，whohadlingeredcloseby。"Look，Tuan；
　　thelogscametogetherso，"andherehepressedthepalmsofhishandstogether，"andhisheadmusthavebeenbetweenthem，andnowthereisnofaceforyoutolookat。Therearehisfleshandhisbones，thenose，andthelips，andmaybehiseyes，butnobodycouldtelltheonefromtheother。Itwaswrittenthedayhewasbornthatnomancouldlookathimindeathandbeabletosay，'Thisismyfriend'sface。'"
　　"Silence，Mahmat；enough！"saidBabalatchi，"andtakethyeyesoffhisanklet，thoueaterofpigsflesh。TuanAlmayer，"hewenton，loweringhisvoice，"haveyouseenDainthismorning？"
　　Almayeropenedhiseyeswideandlookedalarmed。"No，"hesaidquickly；"haven'tyouseenhim？IshenotwiththeRajah？
　　Iamwaiting；whydoeshenotcome？"
　　Babalatchinoddedhisheadsadly。
　　"Heiscome，Tuan。Heleftlastnightwhenthestormwasgreatandtheriverspokeangrily。Thenightwasveryblack，buthehadwithinhimalightthatshowedthewaytoyourhouseassmoothasanarrowbackwater，andthemanylogsnobiggerthanwispsofdriedgrass。Thereforehewent；andnowhelieshere。"
　　AndBabalatchinoddedhisheadtowardsthebody。
　　"Howcanyoutell？"saidAlmayer，excitedly，pushinghiswifeaside。Hesnatchedthecoveroffandlookedattheformlessmassofflesh，hair，anddryingmud，wherethefaceofthedrownedmanshouldhavebeen。"Nobodycantell，"headded，turningawaywithashudder。
　　Babalatchiwasonhiskneeswipingthemudfromthestiffenedfingersoftheoutstretchedhand。HerosetohisfeetandflashedbeforeAlmayer'seyesagoldringsetwithalargegreenstone。
　　"Youknowthiswell，"hesaid。"ThisneverleftDain'shand。
　　I
　　hadtotearthefleshnowtogetitoff。Doyoubelievenow？"
　　Almayerraisedhishandstohisheadandletthemfalllistlesslybyhissideintheutterabandonmentofdespair。Babalatchi，lookingathimcuriously，wasastonishedtoseehimsmile。A
　　strangefancyhadtakenpossessionofAlmayer'sbrain，distractedbythisnewmisfortune。Itseemedtohimthatformanyyearshehadbeenfallingintoadeepprecipice。Dayafterday，monthaftermonth，yearafteryear，hehadbeenfalling，falling，falling；itwasasmooth，round，blackthing，andtheblackwallshadbeenrushingupwardswithwearisomerapidity。Agreatrush，thenoiseofwhichhefanciedhecouldhearyet；andnow，withanawfulshock，hehadreachedthebottom，andbehold！hewasaliveandwhole，andDainwasdeadwithallhisbonesbroken。Itstruckhimasfunny。AdeadMalay；hehadseenmanydeadMalayswithoutanyemotion；andnowhefeltinclinedtoweep，butitwasoverthefateofawhitemanheknew；amanthatfelloveradeepprecipiceanddidnotdie。Heseemedsomehowtohimselftobestandingononeside，alittlewayoff，lookingatacertainAlmayerwhowasingreattrouble。Poor，poorfellow！Whydoesn'thecuthisthroat？Hewishedtoencouragehim；hewasveryanxioustoseehimlyingdeadoverthatothercorpse。Whydoeshenotdieandendthissuffering？Hegroanedaloudunconsciouslyandstartedwithaffrightatthesoundofhisownvoice。Washegoingmad？Terrifiedbythethoughtheturnedawayandrantowardshishouserepeatingtohimself，Iamnotgoingmad；ofcoursenot，no，no，no！Hetriedtokeepafirmholdoftheidea。
　　Notmad，notmad。Hestumbledasheranblindlyupthestepsrepeatingfastandeverfasterthosewordswhereinseemedtoliehissalvation。HesawNinastandingthere，andwishedtosaysomethingtoher，butcouldnotrememberwhat，inhisextremeanxietynottoforgetthathewasnotgoingmad，whichhestillkeptrepeatingmentallyasheranroundthetable，tillhestumbledagainstoneofthearm-chairsanddroppedintoitexhausted。HesatstaringwildlyatNina，stillassuringhimselfmentallyofhisownsanityandwonderingwhythegirlshrankfromhiminopen-eyedalarm。Whatwasthematterwithher？Thiswasfoolish。Hestruckthetableviolentlywithhisclenchedfistandshoutedhoarsely，"Givemesomegin！Run！"Then，whileNinaranoff，heremainedinthechair，verystillandquiet，astonishedatthenoisehehadmade。
　　Ninareturnedwithatumblerhalffilledwithgin，andfoundherfatherstaringabsentlybeforehim。Almayerfeltverytirednow，asifhehadcomefromalongjourney。Hefeltasifhehadwalkedmilesandmilesthatmorningandnowwantedtorestverymuch。Hetookthetumblerwithashakinghand，andashedrankhisteethchatteredagainsttheglasswhichhedrainedandsetdownheavilyonthetable。HeturnedhiseyesslowlytowardsNinastandingbesidehim，andsaidsteadily——
　　"Nowallisover，Nina。Heisdead，andImayaswellburnallmyboats。"
　　Hefeltveryproudofbeingabletospeaksocalmly。Decidedlyhewasnotgoingmad。Thiscertitudewasverycomforting，andhewentontalkingaboutthefindingofthebody，listeningtohisownvoicecomplacently。Ninastoodquietly，herhandrestinglightlyonherfather'sshoulder，herfaceunmoved，buteverylineofherfeatures，theattitudeofherwholebodyexpressingthemostkeenandanxiousattention。
　　"AndsoDainisdead，"shesaidcoldly，whenherfatherceasedspeaking。
　　Almayer'selaboratelycalmdemeanourgavewayinamomenttoanoutburstofviolentindignation。
　　"Youstandthereasifyouwereonlyhalfalive，andtalktome，"
　　heexclaimedangrily，"asifitwasamatterofnoimportance。
　　Yes，heisdead！Doyouunderstand？Dead！Whatdoyoucare？
　　Younevercared；yousawmestruggle，andwork，andstrive，unmoved；andmysufferingyoucouldneversee。No，never。
　　Youhavenoheart，andyouhavenomind，oryouwouldhaveunderstoodthatitwasforyou，foryourhappinessIwasworking。Iwantedtoberich；Iwantedtogetawayfromhere。Iwantedtoseewhitemenbowinglowbeforethepowerofyourbeautyandyourwealth。OldasIamIwishedtoseekastrangeland，acivilisationtowhichIamastranger，soastofindanewlifeinthecontemplationofyourhighfortunes，ofyourtriumphs，ofyourhappiness。ForthatIborepatientlytheburdenofwork，ofdisappointment，ofhumiliationamongstthesesavageshere，andI
　　haditallnearlyinmygrasp。"
　　Helookedathisdaughter'sattentivefaceandjumpedtohisfeetupsettingthechair。
　　"Doyouhear？Ihaditallthere；so；withinreachofmyhand。"
　　Hepaused，tryingtokeepdownhisrisinganger，andfailed。
　　"Haveyounofeeling？"hewenton。"Haveyoulivedwithouthope？"Nina'ssilenceexasperatedhim；hisvoicerose，althoughhetriedtomasterhisfeelings。
　　"Areyoucontenttoliveinthismiseryanddieinthiswretchedhole？Saysomething，Nina；haveyounosympathy？Haveyounowordofcomfortforme？Ithatlovedyouso。"
　　Hewaitedforawhileforananswer，andreceivingnoneshookhisfistinhisdaughter'sface。
　　"Ibelieveyouareanidiot！"heyelled。
　　Helookedroundforthechair，pickeditupandsatdownstiffly。
　　Hisangerwasdeadwithinhim，andhefeltashamedofhisoutburst，yetrelievedtothinkthatnowhehadlaidclearbeforehisdaughtertheinnermeaningofhislife。Hethoughtsoinperfectgoodfaith，deceivedbytheemotionalestimateofhismotives，unabletoseethecrookednessofhisways，theunrealityofhisaims，thefutilityofhisregrets。Andnowhisheartwasfilledonlywithagreattendernessandloveforhisdaughter。
　　Hewantedtoseehermiserable，andtosharewithherhisdespair；buthewanteditonlyasallweaknatureslongforacompanionshipinmisfortunewithbeingsinnocentofitscause。
　　Ifshesufferedherselfshewouldunderstandandpityhim；butnowshewouldnot，orcouldnot，findonewordofcomfortorloveforhiminhisdireextremity。Thesenseofhisabsolutelonelinesscamehometohisheartwithaforcethatmadehimshudder。Heswayedandfellforwardwithhisfaceonthetable，hisarmsstretchedstraightout，extendedandrigid。Ninamadeaquickmovementtowardsherfatherandstoodlookingatthegreyhead，onthebroadshouldersshakenconvulsivelybytheviolenceoffeelingsthatfoundreliefatlastinsobsandtears。
　　Ninasigheddeeplyandmovedawayfromthetable。Herfeatureslosttheappearanceofstonyindifferencethathadexasperatedherfatherintohisoutburstofangerandsorrow。Theexpressionofherface，nowunseenbyherfather，underwentarapidchange。
　　ShehadlistenedtoAlmayer'sappealforsympathy，foronewordofcomfort，apparentlyindifferent，yetwithherbreasttornbyconflictingimpulsesraisedunexpectedlybyeventsshehadnotforeseen，oratleastdidnotexpecttohappensosoon。WithherheartdeeplymovedbythesightofAlmayer'smisery，knowingitinherpowertoenditwithaword，longingtobringpeacetothattroubledheart，sheheardwithterrorthevoiceofheroverpoweringlovecommandinghertobesilent。Andshesubmittedafterashortandfiercestruggleofheroldselfagainstthenewprincipleofherlife。Shewrappedherselfupinabsolutesilence，theonlysafeguardagainstsomefataladmission。Shecouldnottrustherselftomakeasign，tomurmurawordforfearofsayingtoomuch；andtheveryviolenceofthefeelingsthatstirredtheinnermostrecessesofhersoulseemedtoturnherpersonintoastone。Thedilatednostrilsandtheflashingeyesweretheonlysignsofthestormragingwithin，andthosesignsofhisdaughter'semotionAlmayerdidnotsee，forhissightwasdimmedbyself-pity，byanger，andbydespair。
　　HadAlmayerlookedathisdaughterassheleantoverthefrontrailoftheverandahhecouldhaveseentheexpressionofindifferencegivewaytoalookofpain，andthatagainpassaway，leavingthegloriousbeautyofherfacemarredbydeep-drawnlinesofwatchfulanxiety。Thelonggrassintheneglectedcourtyardstoodverystraightbeforehereyesinthenoondayheat。Fromtheriver-banktherewerevoicesandashuffleofbarefeetapproachingthehouse；BabalatchicouldbeheardgivingdirectionstoAlmayer'smen，andMrs。Almayer'ssubduedwailingbecameaudibleasthesmallprocessionbearingthebodyofthedrownedmanandheadedbythatsorrowfulmatronturnedthecornerofthehouse。Babalatchihadtakenthebrokenankletofftheman'sleg，andnowhelditinhishandashemovedbythesideofthebearers，whileMahmatlingeredbehindtimidly，inthehopesofthepromisedreward。
　　"Layhimthere，"saidBabalatchitoAlmayer'smen，pointingtoapileofdryingplanksinfrontoftheverandah。"Layhimthere。
　　HewasaKaffirandthesonofadog，andhewasthewhiteman'sfriend。Hedrankthewhiteman'sstrongwater，"headded，withaffectedhorror。"ThatIhaveseenmyself。"
　　Themenstretchedoutthebrokenlimbsontwoplankstheyhadlaidlevel，whileMrs。Almayercoveredthebodywithapieceofwhitecottoncloth，andafterwhisperingforsometimewithBabalatchidepartedtoherdomesticduties。Almayer'smen，afterlayingdowntheirburden，dispersedthemselvesinquestofshadyspotswhereintoidlethedayaway。Babalatchiwasleftalonebythecorpsethatlaidrigidunderthewhiteclothinthebrightsunshine。
　　NinacamedownthestepsandjoinedBabalatchi，whoputhishandtohisforehead，andsquatteddownwithgreatdeference。
　　"Youhaveabanglethere，"saidNina，lookingdownonBabalatchi'supturnedfaceandintohissolitaryeye。
　　"Ihave，MemPutih，"returnedthepolitestatesman。ThenturningtowardsMahmathebeckonedhimcloser，callingout，"Comehere！"
　　Mahmatapproachedwithsomehesitation。HeavoidedlookingatNina，butfixedhiseyesonBabalatchi。
　　"Now，listen，"saidBabalatchi，sharply。"Theringandtheankletyouhaveseen，andyouknowtheybelongedtoDainthetrader，andtonoother。Dainreturnedlastnightinacanoe。
　　HespokewiththeRajah，andinthemiddleofthenightlefttocrossovertothewhiteman'shouse。Therewasagreatflood，andthismorningyoufoundhimintheriver。"
　　"ByhisfeetIdraggedhimout，"mutteredMahmatunderhisbreath。"TuanBabalatchi，therewillbearecompense！"heexclaimedaloud。
　　BabalatchiheldupthegoldbanglebeforeMahmat'seyes。"WhatI
　　havetoldyou，Mahmat，isforallears。WhatIgiveyounowisforyoureyesonly。Take。"
　　Mahmattookthebangleeagerlyandhiditinthefoldsofhiswaist-cloth。"AmIafooltoshowthisthinginahousewiththreewomeninit？"hegrowled。"ButIshalltellthemaboutDainthetrader，andtherewillbetalkenough。"
　　Heturnedandwentaway，increasinghispaceassoonashewasoutsideAlmayer'scompound。
　　Babalatchilookedafterhimtillhedisappearedbehindthebushes。"HaveIdonewell，MemPutih？"heasked，humblyaddressingNina。
　　"Youhave，"answeredNina。"Theringyoumaykeepyourself。"
　　Babalatchitouchedhislipsandforehead，andscrambledtohisfeet。HelookedatNina，asifexpectinghertosaysomethingmore，butNinaturnedtowardsthehouseandwentupthesteps，motioninghimawaywithherhand。
　　Babalatchipickeduphisstaffandpreparedtogo。Itwasverywarm，andhedidnotcareforthelongpulltotheRajah'shouse。
　　YethemustgoandtelltheRajah——telloftheevent；ofthechangeinhisplans；ofallhissuspicions。Hewalkedtothejettyandbegancastingofftherattanpainterofhiscanoe。
　　Thebroadexpanseofthelowerreach，withitsshimmeringsurfacedottedbytheblackspecksofthefishingcanoes，laybeforehiseyes。Thefishermenseemedtoberacing。Babalatchipausedinhiswork，andlookedonwithsuddeninterest。Themanintheforemostcanoe，nowwithinhailofthefirsthousesofSambir，laidinhispaddleandstoodupshouting——
　　"Theboats！theboats！Theman-of-war'sboatsarecoming！Theyarehere！"
　　Inamomentthesettlementwasagainalivewithpeoplerushingtotheriverside。Themenbegantounfastentheirboats，thewomenstoodingroupslookingtowardsthebenddowntheriver。Abovethetreesliningthereachaslightpuffofsmokeappearedlikeablackstainonthebrilliantblueofthecloudlesssky。
　　Babalatchistoodperplexed，thepainterinhishand。Helookeddownthereach，thenuptowardsAlmayer'shouse，andbackagainattheriverasifundecidedwhattodo。Atlasthemadethecanoefastagainhastily，andrantowardsthehouseandupthestepsoftheverandah。
　　"Tuan！Tuan！"hecalled，eagerly。"Theboatsarecoming。
　　Theman-of-war'sboats。Youhadbettergetready。Theofficerswillcomehere，Iknow。"
　　Almayerliftedhisheadslowlyfromthetable，andlookedathimstupidly。
　　"MemPutih！"exclaimedBabalatchitoNina，"lookathim。Hedoesnothear。Youmusttakecare，"headdedmeaningly。
　　Ninanoddedtohimwithanuncertainsmile，andwasgoingtospeak，whenasharpreportfromthegunmountedinthebowofthesteamlaunchthatwasjustthencomingintoviewarrestedthewordsonherpartedlips。Thesmilediedout，andwasreplacedbytheoldlookofanxiousattention。Fromthehillsfarawaytheechocamebacklikealong-drawnandmournfulsigh，asifthelandhadsentitinanswertothevoiceofitsmasters。
　　chapter08
　　CHAPTERVIII。
　　ThenewsastotheidentityofthebodylyingnowinAlmayer'scompoundspreadrapidlyoverthesettlement。Duringtheforenoonmostoftheinhabitantsremainedinthelongstreetdiscussingthemysteriousreturnandtheunexpecteddeathofthemanwhohadbecomeknowntothemasthetrader。Hisarrivalduringthenorth-eastmonsoon，hislongsojournintheirmidst，hissuddendeparturewithhisbrig，and，aboveall，themysteriousappearanceofthebody，saidtobehis，amongstthelogs，weresubjectstowonderatandtotalkoverandoveragainwithundiminishedinterest。Mahmatmovedfromhousetohouseandfromgrouptogroup，alwaysreadytorepeathistale：howhesawthebodycaughtbythesaronginaforkedlog；howMrs。Almayercoming，oneofthefirst，athiscries，recognisedit，evenbeforehehadithauledonshore；howBabalatchiorderedhimtobringitoutofthewater。"BythefeetIdraggedhimin，andtherewasnohead，"exclaimedMahmat，"andhowcouldthewhiteman'swifeknowwhoitwas？Shewasawitch，itwaswellknown。
　　Anddidyouseehowthewhitemanhimselfranawayatthesightofthebody？Likeadeerheran！"AndhereMahmatimitatedAlmayer'slongstrides，tothegreatjoyofthebeholders。Andforallhistroublehehadnothing。TheringwiththegreenstoneTuanBabalatchikept。"Nothing！Nothing！"Hespatdownathisfeetinsignofdisgust，andleftthatgrouptoseekfurtheronafreshaudience。
　　ThenewsspreadingtothefurthermostpartsofthesettlementfoundoutAbdullainthecoolrecessofhisgodown，wherehesatoverlookinghisArabclerksandthemenloadingandunloadingtheup-countrycanoes。Reshid，whowasbusyonthejetty，wassummonedintohisuncle'spresenceandfoundhim，asusual，verycalmandevencheerful，butverymuchsurprised。TherumourofthecaptureordestructionofDain'sbrighadreachedtheArab'searsthreedaysbeforefromthesea-fishermenandthroughthedwellersonthelowerreachesoftheriver。Ithadbeenpassedup-streamfromneighbourtoneighbourtillBulangi，whoseclearingwasnearesttothesettlement，hadbroughtthatnewshimselftoAbdullawhosefavourhecourted。ButrumouralsospokeofafightandofDain'sdeathonboardhisownvessel。
　　AndnowallthesettlementtalkedofDain'svisittotheRajahandofhisdeathwhencrossingtheriverinthedarktoseeAlmayer。
　　Theycouldnotunderstandthis。Reshidthoughtthatitwasverystrange。Hefeltuneasyanddoubtful。ButAbdulla，afterthefirstshockofsurprise，withtheoldage'sdislikeforsolvingriddles，showedabecomingresignation。Heremarkedthatthemanwasdeadnowatallevents，andconsequentlynomoredangerous。
　　WherewastheusetowonderatthedecreesofFate，especiallyiftheywerepropitioustotheTrueBelievers？AndwithapiousejaculationtoAllahtheMerciful，theCompassionate，Abdullaseemedtoregardtheincidentasclosedforthepresent。
　　NotsoReshid。Helingeredbyhisuncle，pullingthoughtfullyhisneatlytrimmedbeard。
　　"Therearemanylies，"hemurmured。"Hehasbeendeadoncebefore，andcametolifetodieagainnow。TheDutchwillbeherebeforemanydaysandclamourfortheman。ShallInotbelievemyeyessoonerthanthetonguesofwomenandidlemen？"
　　"TheysaythatthebodyisbeingtakentoAlmayer'scompound，"
　　saidAbdulla。"IfyouwanttogothereyoumustgobeforetheDutcharrivehere。Golate。Itshouldnotbesaidthatwehavebeenseeninsidethatman'senclosurelately。"
　　Reshidassentedtothetruthofthislastremarkandlefthisuncle'sside。Heleanedagainstthelintelofthebigdoorwayandlookedidlyacrossthecourtyardthroughtheopengateontothemainroadofthesettlement。Itlayempty，straight，andyellowunderthefloodoflight。Inthehotnoontidethesmoothtrunksofpalmtrees，theoutlinesofthehouses，andawaythereattheotherendoftheroadtheroofofAlmayer'shousevisibleoverthebushesonthedarkbackgroundofforest，seemedtoquiverintheheatradiatingfromthesteamingearth。Swarmsofyellowbutterfliesrose，andsettledtoriseagaininshortflightsbeforeReshid'shalf-closedeyes。Fromunderhisfeetarosethedullhumofinsectsinthelonggrassofthecourtyard。
　　Helookedonsleepily。
　　Fromoneofthesidepathsamongstthehousesawomansteppedoutontheroad，aslightgirlishfigurewalkingundertheshadeofalargetraybalancedonitshead。TheconsciousnessofsomethingmovingstirredReshid'shalf-sleepingsensesintoacomparativewakefulness。HerecognisedTaminah，Bulangi'sslave-girl，withhertrayofcakesforsale——anapparitionofdailyrecurrenceandofnoimportancewhatever。ShewasgoingtowardsAlmayer'shouse。Shecouldbemadeuseful。Herousedhimselfupandrantowardsthegatecallingout，"TaminahO！"Thegirlstopped，hesitated，andcamebackslowly。
　　Reshidwaited，signingtoherimpatientlytocomenearer。
　　WhennearReshidTaminahstoodwithdowncasteyes。Reshidlookedatherawhilebeforeheasked——
　　"AreyougoingtoAlmayer'shouse？TheysayinthesettlementthatDainthetrader，hethatwasfounddrownedthismorning，islyinginthewhiteman'scampong。"
　　"Ihaveheardthistalk，"whisperedTaminah；"andthismorningbytheriversideIsawthebody。WhereitisnowIdonotknow。"
　　"Soyouhaveseenit？"askedReshid，eagerly。"IsitDain？
　　Youhaveseenhimmanytimes。Youwouldknowhim。"
　　Thegirl'slipsquiveredandsheremainedsilentforawhile，breathingquickly。
　　"Ihaveseenhim，notalongtimeago，"shesaidatlast。"Thetalkistrue；heisdead。Whatdoyouwantfromme，Tuan？
　　I
　　mustgo。"
　　Justthenthereportofthegunfiredonboardthesteamlaunchwasheard，interruptingReshid'sreply。Leavingthegirlherantothehouse，andmetinthecourtyardAbdullacomingtowardsthegate。
　　"TheOrangBlandaarecome，"saidReshid，"andnowweshallhaveourreward。"
　　Abdullashookhisheaddoubtfully。"Thewhitemen'srewardsarelongincoming，"hesaid。"Whitemenarequickinangerandslowingratitude。Weshallsee。"
　　Hestoodatthegatestrokinghisgreybeardandlisteningtothedistantcriesofgreetingattheotherendofthesettlement。
　　AsTaminahwasturningtogohecalledherback"Listen，girl，"hesaid："therewillbemanywhitemeninAlmayer'shouse。Youshallbetheresellingyourcakestothemenofthesea。Whatyouseeandwhatyouhearyoumaytellme。
　　ComeherebeforethesunsetsandIwillgiveyouabluehandkerchiefwithredspots。Nowgo，andforgetnottoreturn。"
　　Hegaveherapushwiththeendofhislongstaffasshewasgoingawayandmadeherstumble。
　　"Thisslaveisveryslow，"heremarkedtohisnephew，lookingafterthegirlwithgreatdisfavour。
　　Taminahwalkedon，hertrayonthehead，hereyesfixedontheground。Fromtheopendoorsofthehouseswereheard，asshepassed，friendlycallsinvitingherwithinforbusinesspurposes，butsheneverheededthem，neglectinghersalesinthepreoccupationofintensethinking。Sincetheveryearlymorningshehadheardmuch，shehadalsoseenmuchthatfilledherheartwithajoymingledwithgreatsufferingandfear。Beforethedawn，beforesheleftBulangi'shousetopaddleuptoSambirshehadheardvoicesoutsidethehousewhenallinitbutherselfwereasleep。Andnow，withherknowledgeofthewordsspokeninthedarkness，sheheldinherhandalifeandcarriedinherbreastagreatsorrow。Yetfromherspringystep，erectfigure，andfaceveiledoverbytheeverydaylookofapatheticindifference，nobodycouldhaveguessedofthedoubleloadshecarriedunderthevisibleburdenofthetraypileduphighwithcakesmanufacturedbythethriftyhandsofBulangi'swives。Inthatsupplefigurestraightasanarrow，sogracefulandfreeinitswalk，behindthosesofteyesthatspokeofnothingbutofunconsciousresignation，theresleptallfeelingsandallpassions，allhopesandallfears，thecurseoflifeandtheconsolationofdeath。Andsheknewnothingofitall。Shelivedlikethetallpalmsamongstwhomshewaspassingnow，seekingthelight，desiringthesunshine，fearingthestorm，unconsciousofeither。Theslavehadnohope，andknewofnochange。Sheknewofnoothersky，nootherwater，nootherforest，nootherworld，nootherlife。Shehadnowish，nohope，nolove，nofearexceptofablow，andnovividfeelingbutthatofoccasionalhunger，whichwasseldom，forBulangiwasrichandricewasplentifulinthesolitaryhouseinhisclearing。Theabsenceofpainandhungerwasherhappiness，andwhenshefeltunhappyshewassimplytired，morethanusual，aftertheday'slabour。Theninthehotnightsofthesouth-westmonsoonshesleptdreamlesslyunderthebrightstarsontheplatformbuiltoutsidethehouseandovertheriver。Insidetheyslepttoo：Bulangibythedoor；