“A company, madam,” was the reply.
“A company! What? of Chinamen?” cried Laurentia impatiently.
“I did not say so, madam,” replied the deputy clerk with a smile and a slight bow.
“What company then?”
“Of Europeans, madam.”
“Oh ho! you know them. You need not deny it; I see it in your face.”
“Hush, madam,” whispered Thomasz, “there are a couple of ladies coming near,” and then aloud he added: “Yes this is the very kris with which the deed was done—you see the wavy blade is stained with blood—that black spot—”
Mrs. van Gulpendam seized the weapon.
“Give me their names,” she whispered as she stooped forward over the table to take it up.
“I know but one of them—van Nerekool.”