“The native members—of the council, sir—have received a letter from the Resident—” he managed to stammer.
“A letter—!” exclaimed Mr. Zuidhoorn—“from the Resident! What in the world about?”
“It was a letter, sir, forbidding them to attend this session.”
“Forbidding them to attend!” exclaimed Mr. Zuidhoorn, now fairly astonished. “Why, Mr. Thomasz, have you taken leave of your senses?”
“No, sir, indeed I have not,” replied the recorder with a painful smile. “You question me and I am obliged to answer—and further—”
“Well, what else? Out with it!”
“The Chinese assessors and the head-djaksa have received similar communications—so that—”
“So that what?” cried the president impatiently.
“So that there will be no court held to-day since you will be the only member present.”
“Is it possible?” exclaimed the president. “I tell you what, Mr. Thomasz, my carriage is still at the door, you jump into it and drive off at once to all the native members, and also to the Chinese assessors, and to the djaksa, and tell them that I order them to come here without delay. To-day is the assize-day, and I am determined that the cases shall be heard.”