“That’s a queer story of yours, Mr. Meidema.”
Such was the only remark which Mr. van Gulpendam thought proper to make when Meidema had most indignantly given him a full account of what had occurred. While he spoke, the Resident had been sitting most attentively listening to his words; but the expression of his countenance showed no sign of sympathy. Now and then there was even a slight motion of impatience and an incredulous smile. That studied indifference and almost insolent smile exasperated the already over-wrought Assistant Resident to such a degree that, when at length his superior officer made his most unfeeling remark, he could not help crying out with indignation:
“A queer story you call it, Resident. You mean, I suppose, a most infamous business!”
“He, he, he! Mr. Meidema, not quite so fast if you please.”
“But, Resident, what do you mean—Do you not then think it a most infamous business?”
“Oh, yes, most certainly I do; but the question is for whom?”
“For whom? Is that the question, Resident? Then it appears to me you do not believe me.”
“Don’t be in a hurry, Mr. Meidema, just listen quietly to me.”
“But, Resident, this is a matter which demands an instant explanation. If you do not take my word—”