Such was to be this evening's programme, though as the sequel will show, the music was to serve quite another purpose.
When the "Oppas" had, in minute detail, reported all he had learnt to know about poor Ardjan, and how he had conveyed the Javanese who was in a burning fever, to the hospital to be there further taken care of--the countenance of his chief brightened up wonderfully.
"The deuce, the deuce," he muttered between his teeth, "that bit of a joke with the devil-nettle may come to cost Lim Ho's worthy papa a pretty penny!"
From a distance Mrs. van Gulpendam was eagerly watching the emotions which were pretty clearly reflected on her husband's countenance. But the good humour of the Resident rose to absolute satisfaction when the man went on reporting to him that his people, with the assistance of the inhabitants of the dessa, had discovered certain small casks and tins carefully stowed away in the dense underwood, and which, in all probability, contained opium.
"Who, do you say, found these things?" asked the Resident.
"What," fell in van Gulpendam, somewhat taken aback, "did the dessa folk see them as well as you?"
"Engèh (yes), Kandjeng toean," replied the man, who was seated cross-legged in front of his master.
The reply evidently did not please his excellency at all, and his displeasure was plainly reflected in his face.
"And where did you make this haul?" he continued. "Have you brought it along with you?"
"Pardon me, Kandjeng toean," replied the Oppas, "I had the things taken to the chief inspector of police."
"Stupid ass!" muttered van Gulpendam almost inaudibly.
"Engèh, Kandjeng toean," was the stolid reply--the man did not understand the epithet.
The word "Engèh" is always in the mouth of a Javanese whenever he addresses a European. He will give that answer even when he has not understood a word of what has been said to him, and it must not be taken to express any opinion of his own, but it is simply a meaningless and polite kind of consent to whatever his superior may choose to say to him. Van Gulpendam thoroughly knew the Javanese character, and was therefore not the least surprised at his man's answer.
"Go," said he, "to the inspector and tell him that I want him to come to me at once." The servant still retaining his posture, pushed himself backward for a few paces, then sprang up and hurried off to carry out his master's order. A few moments later, after the usual greetings and compliments had been exchanged, the conversation became general.
