From a distance Mrs. van Gulpendam was eagerly watching the emotions which were pretty clearly reflected on her husband’s countenance. But the good humour of the Resident rose to absolute satisfaction when the man went on reporting to him that his people, with the assistance of the inhabitants of the dessa, had discovered certain small casks and tins carefully stowed away in the dense underwood, and which, in all probability, contained opium.
“Who, do you say, found these things?” asked the Resident.
“Oh!” said the Oppas, “all of us.”
“What,” fell in van Gulpendam, somewhat taken aback, “did the dessa folk see them as well as you?”
“Engèh (yes), Kandjeng toean,” replied the man, who was seated cross-legged in front of his master.
The reply evidently did not please his excellency at all, and his displeasure was plainly reflected in his face.
“And where did you make this haul?” he continued. “Have you brought it along with you?”
“Pardon me, Kandjeng toean,” replied the Oppas, “I had the things taken to the chief inspector of police.”
“Stupid ass!” muttered van Gulpendam almost inaudibly.
“Engèh, Kandjeng toean,” was the stolid reply—the man did not understand the epithet.