“Have they been seized by the rajah’s orders?”
“I do not know. The rajah, our master, is king, and does what seems good to him.”
Mr Braine made an impatient gesture, but masking his anger, he said appealingly:
“Tumongong, you have always been my friend, and the friend of my boy. I am in agony about his fate. He and his young friend have disappeared since we left the rajah’s to-night. Tell me where he is.”
“I do not know.”
“Is he safe?”
“I do not know.”
“You do know, and you will not speak,” cried Mr Braine passionately. “The rajah has had them seized.”
“The rajah is my master, and does what is good in his own eyes. If he has done this thing, it is wise and good. I do not know.”
“Then I will go to the rajah himself, and he shall tell me.—Ah!”