The Consul in his generous endeavors went still further. Having found four substitutes to replace the deserters in the Dutch army he wrote to Batavia and obtained their papers with a formal discharge from military service. This took some time to accomplish, but during the three months occupied in its execution Wienersdorf was occupied in preparing his wife for the amenities of western life. His first step was in the direction of her costume. With the aid of one of the principal drapery stores he soon transformed her into a real European lady. He did his work tastefully and well, and Hamadoe looked most lovely in her new toilet. For the rest, being naturally gifted and possessing the rare capacity of adapting herself to any condition, her transformation cost her but little trouble.
At length the papers arrived from Batavia and there was nothing to prevent the Europeans from returning to their fatherland. Before leaving they paid a final visit to the Dutch Consul who had so generously aided them. They thanked him again and again, and as a parting gift offered him the manuscript book received from Harimaoung Boekit at kotta Rangan Hanoengoh, which had presumably belonged to George Muller, massacred in 1825. The Consul gratefully accepted the journal and announced his intention of presenting it to the “Museum voor land en volkenkunde,” an institution devoted to the study of countries and their population. The following morning the four friends were [[371]]standing together for the last time on one of the quays of New Harbor, Singapore—the starting point of the ocean mail steamers. The mail boat Hydaspe of the French messageries imperiales was under steam and ready to sail.
The parting between Johannes and his companions was most affecting. Silently and tearfully they pressed each other’s hands. When the boat had steamed into the straits which separate Singapore from Poeloe Pandjang, the three friends were still looking back to the shore and fancied that they saw a handkerchief waving in the distance. Long stood Johannes on the quay gazing at the departing ship, and when she disappeared from view, with a loud sob he cried out after them, “May God be their guide! they were brave men.” [[372]]
VOCABULARY OF DAYAK WORDS.
Akar pahit.—“Bitter root,” is the root of a creeper largely found in the marshy lower country of Borneo, and until now the best substitute for quinine.
Alier.—The hole through which the slag is drawn off in the process of smelting ore.
Amai.—Means father, and is the title of the chiefs of the upper country.
Antoeën.—The power of changing into an evil spirit in order to steal a man’s soul. See page 254.
Baba and Kee.—Are used to designate the Chinese in the Dutch Indies. The former is the more complimentary. Kee is humiliating and almost a nickname.