And going up to the crouching wretch, who was still crying in an imploring tone of voice “Pardon, kandjeng toean,” he said:
“Have you been running Amokh, Setrosmito?”
“Sir,” cried the latter, “I have killed a bandoelan who was acting disgracefully towards my child. Yes, I have done that. I have also wounded a policeman who was helping him in it. Who would have protected my child if I had not done so? But I have harmed no one else. The whole dessa will tell you so!”
Verstork looked towards the crowd.
All stood breathless around; not a word of protest was spoken.
“You confess to having killed a bandoelan and wounded an officer?” asked Verstork, sternly.
“Yes, kandjeng toean,” said the poor Javanese, almost inaudibly.
“Wedono,” said Verstork, “have this man bound.”
“Pardon, kandjeng toean, pardon!” cried the wretched man, when he heard the order. “Pardon! I have only protected my daughter from disgusting ill-treatment.”
“You have resisted the authorities, nobody has a right to do that,” replied the Controller in a firm and impressive voice. “But, Setrosmito,” he continued, “the matter will be investigated by the proper tribunal, and if, as you say, your child has suffered ill-usage—no doubt that will be taken into consideration, and your punishment will be lessened accordingly.”