“Lim Ho,” was the fellow’s insolent reply.
“Lim Ho!” exclaimed van Nerekool in amazement.
“And Dalima in that condition! Now I understand all about it!”
“Lim Ho has terribly ill-used me,” sobbed the poor girl “and—” but she could not utter another word.
“And?” persisted Verstork.
“He and that man there held me fast.”
“You villainous brute!” shouted van Nerekool as he shook his clenched fist in the wretch’s face.
“She has smuggled opium,” replied the spy without flinching. “She has smuggled opium, and I found it upon her—that is all. The gentlemen must try not to lose their tempers. The girl is simply telling a parcel of lies.”
“I do not lie,” cried Dalima, “I have not smuggled—my condition shows plainly enough how they have treated me.”
At a gesture from the controller a couple of oppassers lifted up the young girl from the ground. Van Nerekool assisted them, and called for another covering to wrap around her.