“Quite so, Resident.”
“The boat then was large enough to hold those two, eh?”
“Yes, Resident, it might have done so; but there was room for nothing more.”
“But,” asked van Gulpendam, “supposing now that baboe Dalima never was in that boat at all—what would you say to that, Mr. Meidema?”
“Never in the boat at all, Resident!” exclaimed the other, in astonishment.
“In that case,” continued the Resident, “I suppose there might have been room for the opium if carefully stowed away?”
“Well, yes, perhaps,” said Meidema; “but the proof—”
“Oh, yes, the proof—I can find you proof enough. I myself can solemnly declare that, during the whole of that night, baboe Dalima never left my house at all. And not only so, but all the members of my family are ready to declare as much.”
“Well!” said Meidema, “then all I can say is that the case is beginning to assume a very serious aspect.”
“Why! What are you driving at now?” exclaimed van Gulpendam. “Come, man, fire away!”