He had scarcely uttered these words when the Tomonggong himself appeared, terribly frightened and out of breath from [[207]]running so fast. The old Chief sank upon the trunk of a tree, and was for some moments quite unable to utter a single word. At last, after having taken a draught of brandy from the flask offered to him by the Colonel,
“The Poenan chief is there.”
Fear and horror were visible on the face of the Tomonggong of Kwala Hiang on hearing these words, though the Colonel was at a loss to account for his perturbation. Presently Nikodemus calmed down a little and related his experience, concluding with the opinion that their position had now become very alarming indeed.
“In what way, Tomonggong?”
“The Poenans are daring men, and I can only express my surprise that the night has passed so quietly. They are unequalled in the execution of night attacks.”
“Oh, Tomonggong! It won’t be so bad as all that,” the Colonel remarked. “I am not at all alarmed.”
“But I am, sir!” was the solemn reply. “I attribute our escape from some great calamity partly to the clear moonlight and partly to some festivities celebrated last night inside the kotta. Did we not hear the boom of their guns at nine, and the yells of the priestesses all night long?”
“It is true, Tomonggong, that your countrymen are unequalled in keeping up festivities. Being once together they will undoubtedly make a second night of it. I therefore believe that we have an admirable opportunity now to risk a well-directed assault on the kotta.”
The old Tomonggong shook his head sadly. [[208]]
“Impossible, sir; to-morrow will be full moon, the night will be like day; we should only cause unnecessary bloodshed.”