Then turning to the Controller he said, “A foul outrage has been committed here—the way that poor girl has been treated is simply infamous!”
Having thus for the moment taken care of Dalima, the company entered the hut.
There they found Mokesuep smoking a friendly cigar with Lim Ho. The latter’s ear was bandaged.
“So,” said Verstork to Mokesuep without bestowing so much as a look upon the Chinaman. “So you’re here!”
“Yes,” was the reply, “I am here, I lost my way this morning in the ravine and have been wandering about until I came upon this hut. I then sought shelter from the burning sun. Bah, how hot it is in those open fields!”
All this was said with the greatest self-possession. At the last sentence the wretch actually puffed as if he had really been suffering much from the heat.
“You have been here some time then?” asked Verstork.
“Well yes,” was the reply, “about half an hour I should say, if you call that some time.”
“You will be called upon to bear witness,” said the controller.
“Indeed—bear witness to what?”