“Well, but what did he propose?” said Long, eagerly.
“I got to know afterwards from Captain Smithers,” continued Bob, “that he said he had been thinking very seriously about his position in connexion with the English, and that he saw how a strong alliance would be best for all; that it would settle him in his government, and make it a very excellent match for the English, who would be able to get tin and rice from the sultan’s people, and gold.”
“You’re as prosy as an old woman,” said Tom Long, impatiently.
“Yes, it’s an accomplishment of mine,” said Bob coolly. “Well, as I was telling you, he said the proper thing was a very strong alliance; and the resident said we had already made one. He said he wanted a stronger one; and he thought the best thing would be for him to marry Miss Linton and her cousin, and then it would be all right.”
“Why, confound his insolence!” said Tom Long, starting up.
“No, no, you must say something else,” cried Bob. “I said that as soon as I heard it.”
“Did not Mr Linton knock him down?” cried Tom Long.
“No, he did not. He heard him out, and said it must be a matter of consideration; and then we came away.”
“But it’s monstrous!” cried Tom Long.
“Of course it is,” said Bob, coolly; “but don’t you see it was of no use to break with the fellow at once. It was a case of diplomacy. We don’t want to quarrel with Master Sultan Hamet: we want to keep friends.”