With bent body and
outstretched arm she appeared to be listening to some noise behind the
shed.
"There are strange sounds," she whispered, with evident alarm. "I have
heard in the air the sounds of grief, as of a sigh and weeping. That was
by the riverside. And now again I heard--"
"Where?" asked Babalatchi, in an altered voice. "What did you hear?"
"Close here. It was like a breath long drawn. I wish I had burnt the
paper over the body before it was buried."
"Yes," assented Babalatchi. "But the white men had him thrown into a
hole at once. You know he found his death on the river," he added
cheerfully, "and his ghost may hail the canoes, but would leave the land
alone."
Mrs. Almayer, who had been craning her neck to look round the corner of
the shed, drew back her head.
"There is nobody there," she said, reassured. "Is it not time for the
Rajah war-canoe to go to the clearing?"
"I have been waiting for it here, for I myself must go," explained
Babalatchi. "I think I will go over and see what makes them late. When
will you come? The Rajah gives you refuge."
"I shall paddle over before the break of day. I cannot leave my dollars
behind," muttered Mrs. Almayer.
They separated.
Pages:
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215