“I know nothing about all that,” said van Gulpendam coldly. “I only know that abusive words were uttered and blows were dealt, while you, the superior officer, stood by. That is how the matter stands. Now if I could only have suggested to the authorities that our young hunters were in a state of excitement and that the action was merely one of youthful indiscretion.”
“No, Resident, not so,” exclaimed Verstork, “not at all—not at least under the influence of that particular kind of excitement which you were kind enough to suggest just now.”
“It was done therefore in cold blood! I am obliged, Mr. Verstork, to take notice of that fact; you see even if I were disposed to be lenient, your own words deprive me of the power of hushing the matter up. All this, I fear, is not much in your favour, sir, and your friend, who seems so ready with his fists, will thank you no doubt for your testimony to his sobriety.”
“My friend!” cried Verstork, “what has he got to do with all this?”
“What has he got to do with it? Why he will find that out soon enough I fear. I have here lying before me a formal accusation, which I hoped I might be able quietly to shelve and say no more about; but now, I must forward it to the authorities. You see, Mr. Verstork, you might have avoided all this unpleasantness.”
“Ah, Resident,” replied Verstork very bitterly, “I begin to see that Mr. Mokesuep has not allowed the grass to grow under his feet. Be all that, however, as it may. If you think that this trifling occurrence must be followed up—very well then, let the law have its course! I shall be the very first to appear as a witness.”
The Resident uttered a strange short laugh; but made no reply.
Verstork rose from his seat.
“Have you any further orders, sir?” he said with a formal bow.
“None at present, Mr. Verstork.”