“Tabeh toean, saja harap toean ada baik”—Good-day, sir, I hope you are well.
The doctor raised himself from his comfortable position, stepped forward to take the outstretched hand and pressed it cordially. Availing himself of the brief absence of the Colonel, he whispered to the Chief, “They must be saved, they must not be allowed to fall into the hands of the Dutch.”
Tomonggong cast a penetrating look on him. Used to treason and falsehood the first feeling of an East Indian, however honest he himself may be, is one of distrust. He suspects that a snare is being laid for him.
Hence the surprise of the Tomonggong when he heard the doctor’s words.
“That would be difficult, sir. The Colonel is sure to take [[12]]strong measures and I,”—after a moment’s hesitation, he continued—“I must obey.”
“By Mahatara! Tomonggong, save them, save them, I beseech you. If you think you owe me any gratitude, don’t refuse my prayer. They are my countrymen.”
The doctor stood before the Dayak with his hands pressed together in the attitude of supplication. He had a claim upon the gratitude of Tomonggong of which the Chief was not insensible. Kambang, his eldest and favorite daughter, had some years before been bitten by a very venomous snake. The father sent out for one of the antidotes of the country, but while they were seeking the plant the doctor sucked the poison out of the wound, which he then cauterized with a piece of burning charcoal. His address and promptitude saved the child’s life.
The grateful father now bethought him of this and putting aside all distrust seized the doctor’s hand and muttered something which was rendered inaudible by the return of the Colonel to the room. He brought a well filled cigar case from which he presented each of his guests a full flavored Manilla. He then lit one for himself and resuming his seat addressed the Tomonggong on the subject of the recent deserters.
“And not a soul in the kampong has discovered anything about their flight?”
“No, sir.”