“To fit it up?” cried Grenits in surprise; “have you an outfitting store here in this out-of-the-way place?”
“No, no, my worthy disciple of Mercury,” replied Verstork with a laugh, “that kind of establishment would do but a very poor business here. If we can lay our hands upon a few pillows and a couple of mattresses we must think ourselves very lucky.”
“A couple of mattresses for the seven of us,” grumbled van Beneden who was by no means unmindful of his bodily comforts, “that is but a poor allowance I fear.”
“For my part,” said Verstork, “I am quite ready to give up my share. I prefer the baleh baleh. It will not be the first time I have slept on one; and slept very soundly too I can tell you. The others must draw lots. But—”
“But what?” asked van Rheijn.
“Someone just now spoke of seven,” replied Verstork. “It seems to me we are but six—Who is missing? The deuce! where is Mokesuep?”
“Yes,” cried a couple of others, “where has Mokesuep got to?”
“He was off like a shot as soon as he heard the cry of Amokh,” said van Rheijn laughing. “I saw him when we turned for Kaligaweh riding back full speed to Banjoe Pahit.”
“Now, I call that prudence with a vengeance,” remarked Grenits.
“Prudence! Is that the right word do you think?” asked one of the others.