"What do you know about Captain Van Slyck's dealings with this gang?" he demanded, looking at the young man fixedly.
"I can't say—that is—" Banning took refuge in an embarrassed silence.
"Never mind," Carver answered curtly. "I don't want you to inform against a superior officer. But when we get back to Batavia you'll be called upon to testify to what you know."
Banning made no reply.
Carver was at breakfast when word was brought him that Mynheer Muller, the controlleur, was at the gate and desired to see him. He had left orders that none should be permitted to enter or leave without special permission from the officer of the day. The immediate thought that Muller was come to propose terms of surrender occurred to him, and he flushed darkly. He directed that the controlleur be admitted.
"Goeden-morgen, mynheer kapitein," Muller greeted as he entered. His face was very pale, but he seemed to carry himself with more dignity than customarily, Carver noticed.
"State your mission, mynheer," Carver directed bluntly, transfixing the controlleur with his stern gaze.
"Mynheer kapitein, you must fight for your lives to-day," Muller said. "Ah Sing is here, there are three thousand Dyaks and Malays below." His voice quavered, but he pulled himself together quickly. "I see you are prepared. Therefore what I have told you is no news to you." He paused.
"Proceed," Carver directed curtly.
"Mynheer kapitein, I am here to fight and die with you," the controlleur announced.