“So much the better,” said the Major. “But what about that other fellow—what’s his name?—Hamet?”
“Ah–h!” ejaculated the Resident, expiring his breath rather sharply, almost in a hiss. “I am rather doubtful about that fellow. I’m afraid he’s an intriguer.”
“Why, there’s nothing to intrigue about in this jungle.”
“Don’t you make any mistake, Major. There’s as much intriguing going on in this half-savage country as there is in Europe. That fellow Hamet, on the strength of his European education, is very anxious to be friends with me, and his civility covers a good deal.”
“Good deal of what?” said the Major.
“Politics.”
“Politics! Rubbish!”
“Oh no, my dear sir; not rubbish. This long, narrow Malay Peninsula is cut up into countries each ruled over by a petty Rajah, and these half-savage potentates are all as jealous of one another as can be. Each Rajah is spoiling for a fight so as to get possession of his neighbour’s territory, and if we were not here one or the other of them would swallow up Suleiman’s patch, and he, knowing this, submits as pleasantly as he can to the rule and protection of England, which keeps them safe.”
“Do you think, then, that this young fellow Hamet has any of these grasping ideas?”
“Think? I am sure of it. He wants to be very friendly with me; and what for?”