"You had no business eavesdropping. If you heard something unpleasant you have only yourself to blame."
Koyala's eyes sparkled with anger.
"Eavesdropping, kapitein? I came here with a message of great importance to mynheer the controlleur. Even the birds cock their ears to listen when they hear the hunter approach, kapitein."
Turning her back with scornful indifference on Van Slyck, she crossed over to Muller and placed both her hands on his shoulder. Another fit of trembling seized the acting resident and his eyes swam.
"You will forgive me, will you not, mynheer, for taking such liberties in your house?"
"Of—of course," Muller stammered.
"I heard a little of what was said," Koyala said; "enough to show me that I have a good friend here, a friend on whom I can always rely."
Van Slyck caught the emphasis on the word "friend" and smiled sardonically.
"Well, Sister Koyala," he remarked mockingly, "if you and Brother Muller will be seated we will hear your important message."
Muller plumped heavily into a chair. Things had been going too rapidly for him, his heavy wits were badly addled, and he needed time to compose himself and get a fresh grip on the situation. There was only one other chair on the veranda. Perceiving this, Van Slyck sprang forward and placed it for Koyala, smiling satirically as he did so. Koyala frowned with annoyance, hesitated a moment, then accepted it. Van Slyck swung a leg over the veranda rail.