“But,” exclaimed Grenits, somewhat warmly, “what becomes, at that rate, of the assertion made over and over in Parliament by the Colonial Secretary, that the abuse of opium is in every possible way kept in check? As far as I can make out from your statement, the Government seems, indirectly of course, actually to protect the smuggling by the farmers, and these, equally of course, in order to dispose of their contraband, press the drug by all means, legal or illegal, upon the helpless population.”
“The sum and substance of all I have told you is simply this,” said van Beneden. “No man who has the slightest respect for himself can or will undertake any office for the suppression of opium smuggling, and therefore a lower class of people must be employed, and thence, you see, it becomes possible for the tricks and dodges of such companies as Hok Bie to succeed.”
“By Jove!” cried van Nerekool, “that’s another nice little glimpse into the charming situation which the system of opium-farming has created. Come! now we are about it, we had better exhaust the unsavoury subject as far as we can. Did you not say just now, van Rheijn, that you also had an opium tale to tell?”
“Oh, yes,” replied Edward, “and something else besides that.”
“Indeed!” said Grashuis; “go on then. I thought I was pretty well informed; but every moment I am making fresh discoveries.”
“Now, gentlemen,” said van Nerekool, “are you all furnished with cigars? Van Rheijn, we are waiting to hear you.”
“I have had a letter from Murowski,” began van Rheijn.
“From Murowski?” cried one.
“From our Pole?”
“From our doctor?”