“Did you find that box in the girl’s possession?” asked he, very sternly.
“Yes, I did,” replied Singomengolo, unabashed.
“I have not smuggled opium!” cried poor Dalima, still cowering on the ground. “I have not smuggled anything; they dragged me into the hut and have ill-used me shamefully.”
“But,” asked Verstork, “what brought you here at all?”
“I was on my way to Kaligaweh. Last night some man came to the Residence, he came to tell me that my father was dying. Then I got leave from the njonja and from nonna Anna to go and see him.”
“Leave from the njonja and from nonna Anna, you said?” asked Verstork.
“And from nonna Anna, yes, Kandjeng toean,” said Dalima.
“Then those two ladies will be able to bear witness to that I suppose?” asked Verstork.
“Yes, Kandjeng toean.”
“And I can bring witnesses to swear that this girl had opium in her possession,” interrupted Singo.