“If that be so,” remarked van Beneden, “we ought to search in the neighbourhood of Karang Anjer.”
“I have done so,” was van Nerekool’s reply, “I have most minutely searched the entire district. I have questioned everybody whom I considered in the least likely to know anything about her movements; but all my inquiries have ended in nothing.”
“Well, Charles,” said Grashuis, “in that case I can see nothing for it than to leave the solution of the mystery to time.”
“To time!” sighed van Nerekool, “I suppose you are right; but, my dear friends, I am most wretched and most miserable.”
“You must get to business and, by hard work, seek to divert your thoughts,” said van Beneden. “I can assure you that your absence has not diminished the arrears of work at the Court of Justice. At all events, brooding over your troubles can do no good whatever.”
“Well,” replied van Nerekool, “to work then. God grant that hard work may have the effect you anticipate.”
“That reminds me,” remarked Grenits, “that to-morrow I shall have to appear in court.”
“You? what for?”
“Don’t you remember Mokesuep’s business?”
“Oh, aye, for the cuffs you administered to that scoundrel!”