“The whiches?” said Bob.
“The Sakais—the wild people of the hills and jungle. Naked—wear no clothes.”
“Yes,” said Bob drily. “I knew naked meant wearing no clothes. So you Malay folks are not savages, but have got savages somewhere near.”
“Savages? wild people,” said the young man, with a little flush appearing through his tawny skin. “The Malay chiefs are gentlemen. We only are simple in our ways and living.”
“Oh! that’s it, is it?” said Bob. “Well, come and have this drop of Bass. I can’t stand fizz.”
“Fizz?” said the visitor; “what is fizz?”
“Champagne.”
“Oh, yes! I know; frothing, bubbling wine, with a pop cork.”
“Yes, that’s it,” said Bob, grinning, “with a pop cork;” and leading the way below, he got a bottle of Bass and a couple of glasses, which they sat down and discussed.
“Have a cigar?” said the young Malay, producing a handsome French-made case.