“Really, Mrs. van Gulpendam has too much luck,” said the old colonel, as he sat ruefully looking at the few scattered counters he had before him.
Presently all had taken their leave and the Resident was standing looking out at the departing guests when he heard a subdued voice saying behind him:
“May I be allowed to say something, Kandjeng toean?”
Van Gulpendam turned and saw his chief servant seated cross-legged beside him.
“What have you got to tell me?” asked he, abruptly.
“I made a mistake just now, Kandjeng toean,” was the man’s reply.
“A mistake,” said the Resident; “what do you mean?”
“When I told the inspector toean that the opium was found on Ardjan.”
“Brute!” roared van Gulpendam. “If you dare to retract your words I give you the sack—I shall have you clapped into prison. Do you hear me?”
“Engèh, Kandjeng toean,” said the poor native with his usual drawl, and placing his folded hands upon his forehead he respectfully and submissively made his “sembah” (salaam).