“The whole of this business seems to me to be a very serious game.”
“How so?” exclaimed van Gulpendam, “do you think I am afraid of burning my hands in cold water?”
“What I mean, Resident, is this. It is a very lucky chance indeed that Mr. Zuidhoorn happened to disregard your injunction and that he was thus compelled to adjourn the court for another week.”
“Well!” cried van Gulpendam impatiently, “cut it short.”
“If he had not done so,” continued the secretary, “you would this day have presided—would you not?”
“Certainly, and then we should have settled matters by this time.”
The secretary scratched his ear.
“Resident,” said he thoughtfully, “are you sure of Mr. Meidema?”
“Sure of Meidema? what has he to do with it?”
“The opium-haul they made at Moeara Tjatjing,” continued the secretary, “is a pretty valuable one. I fancy that Meidema is rather looking forward to reaping some benefit from the confiscation which must follow the sentence of the court.”