"Yes," said De Haan.
"And that's true; they do rot it. I always thought this place was clean, just as you claim, because so few whites pass through—a plain, decent, wholesome race that keeps its self-respect and harms none till trod upon."
"Yes."
Nivin leaned across at him. "But the rotters are in. They're at their slimy work, grubbin' for profit through muck. And after that what's to be trusted?"
"What do you mean?" demanded De Haan.
"Such people as that rat Van Goor over there—" He jerked a thumb toward the bulbous-eyed man.
"We watch zem. Zat is what we are here for. Meanwhile zey bring development. If zey misbehave, we sling zem out quick."
"And the coolies they bring—scum of the earth. Do you watch them?"
"Of course."
"And you never caught them yet at their slave trade planted right in the heart of your people?"