Babalatchi subsided into silence with a satisfied smile, while Dain, who
had been watching him as if fascinated, turned with a sigh of relief
towards the ruler of Sambir. Lakamba did not move, and, without raising
his head, looked at Dain from under his eyebrows, breathing audibly, with
pouted lips, in an air of general discontent.
"Speak! O Dain!" he said at last. "We have heard many rumours. Many
nights in succession has my friend Reshid come here with bad tidings.
News travels fast along the coast. But they may be untrue; there are
more lies in men's mouths in these days than when I was young, but I am
not easier to deceive now."
"All my words are true," said Dain, carelessly. "If you want to know
what befell my brig, then learn that it is in the hands of the Dutch.
Believe me, Rajah," he went on, with sudden energy, "the Orang Blanda
have good friends in Sambir, or else how did they know I was coming
thence?"
Lakamba gave Dain a short and hostile glance. Babalatchi rose quietly,
and, going to the arm-rack, struck the gong violently.
Outside the door there was a shuffle of bare feet; inside, the guard woke
up and sat staring in sleepy surprise.
"Yes, you faithful friend of the white Rajah," went on Dain, scornfully,
turning to Babalatchi, who had returned to his place, "I have escaped,
and I am here to gladden your heart.
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