Van Slyck's eyes twinkled.
"Catch Koyala," he replied.
The captain's meaning sank into Muller's mind slowly. But as comprehension began to dawn upon him, his face darkened. The veins showed purple under the ruddy skin.
"You are too clever this morning, kapitein," he snarled. "Let me remind you that this is your duty. The controlleur sits as judge, he does not hunt the accused."
Van Slyck laughed.
"And let me remind you, mynheer, that I haven't received the governor's orders as yet, although they reached you more than a week ago." Ironically he added: "You must not let your friendship with Koyala blind you to your public duties, mynheer."
Muller's face became darker still. He had not told any one, and the fact that the orders seemed to be public property both alarmed and angered him.
"How did you hear of it?" he demanded.
"Not from you, mynheer," Van Slyck mocked. "I really do not remember who told me." (As a matter of fact it was Wang Fu, the Chinese merchant.)
Muller reflected that officers from the gun-boat which carried Van Schouten's mandate might have told more than they should have at the stockade. But Koyala had received his warning a full week before, so she must be safely hidden in the jungle by now, he reasoned. Pulling himself together, he replied urbanely: