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。