Thereupon Dalima gave her mistress a detailed account of her forcible abduction by Ong Kwat, of which we have made mention above. We ought here to add that “sienjo Leo” just mentioned was the son of the Resident’s brother, and that the boy had been staying for a considerable time at the residence, his father at that time having his home at Billiton.
“And where did they take you to?” enquired Mrs. van Gulpendam. There was in her voice some little emotion, called forth no doubt by the young girl’s graphic description.
“They took me on board a big ship,” said Dalima.
“Whose ship was that?”
“I don’t know,” replied Dalima. “I had not, however, been on board long before Lim Ho came—”
“Lim Ho,” cried Mrs. van Gulpendam now thoroughly roused!—“Lim Ho, the son of the rich opium farmer!”
“That is the man,” replied Dalima trembling as in utter confusion she still was crouching at the feet of her Nonna Anna.
A very peculiar smile began to play upon Mrs. van Gulpendam’s lips, and a very peculiar fire began to sparkle in her eyes. “Anna,” said she to her daughter, “I wish you would just go and ask your father if he would like a cup of coffee, and, if he does, get it him; will you?”
The young girl at once took the hint and disappeared.
As soon as she was gone Laurentia in feverish haste and with heaving bosom turned to Dalima and said: