In our present ignorance of the resources of the island such a question is difficult to answer. But as far as we know, we may safely say, yes; for wherever the Dutch are established numerous and valuable coal veins have been developed.
The coal debate might have lasted all night but for Harimaoung Boekit who now approached to join his friends. He held in his hands a tarodjok—a small pair of scales to which he drew Johannes’ attention. [[244]]
“Well, Amai, did you weigh it?”
“Yes,” responded the Poenan grinning,—“it weighs just one ‘boea kajoe.’ ”
“And what may that be worth?”
This question was too difficult for the Poenan to answer. He scratched his head and looked at the company one by one. At last, addressing his future brother-in-law, he asked him:
“If one thaël costs thirty reals, what is the value of a boea kajoe?”
Wienersdorf stared, his face looking so blank that his companions could not refrain from bursting out into laughter. He had not the remotest idea of what his interrogator wished to know. Harimaoung pointed to the scales, in one of which there was a fine metallic powder of a dark yellow hue, greatly resembling dirty copper filings, while the opposite scale contained a small brass plate representing a weight. Even now Wienersdorf did not know what was required of him and he consequently shrugged his shoulders.
“People coming from Bandjermasin always boast of knowing more than others,” said the Poenan, “and now this blockhead cannot tell the value of one boea kadjoe when a thaël costs thirty reals.”
“But what costs thirty reals? What? Which?” asked the Swiss, somewhat offended.