“Yes, sir! The inhabitants of the kotta will see no danger in admitting the three of us unarmed inside their walls, and once there, we will find no difficulty in persuading Amai Kotong to deliver up the Europeans. The Chief will never risk the lives and property of the whole of his tribe, in order to protect four deserters.”
“And yet their influence seems considerable, judging by our reception,” was the bitter reply of the officer.
“I must own that it looks very suspicious; but who knows what tale they have told those ignorant upper countrymen?”
“But will Amai Kotong be able to read the letter?”
“No, sir, he cannot read himself; but undoubtedly some one will be found inside the kotta capable of deciphering it.”
“Did you know that the kotta was so heavily armed?”
“So heavily armed?” the Tomonggong asked in surprise.
“Certainly; I have just now observed through my glasses that the battery carries six pieces of cannon, while, when I was here last year, as you must remember, no sign of a gun could be discerned.”
“I certainly do remember it; but you seem to forget the guns of Kwala Hiang, which the deserters must have carried away with them.”
“But at Kwala Hiang there were only two guns, while here I can count at least six.” [[194]]