“Yes, he has a very large family.”
“And do they build Medjiets[3] in the province?” Havelaar continued, again in a tone which, quite in contradiction with the words, seemed to express his belief that there was some connexion between these mosques and the large family of the Regent.
Verbrugge answered that indeed much labour was bestowed on the mosques.
“Yes, yes, just as I thought,” replied Havelaar. “And now tell me if they are much in arrear with their land-taxes?”
“Yes, there is room for improvement——”
“Exactly so, and above all things in the district ‘Parang-Koodjang,’ ”[4] added Havelaar, as if he thought it easier to reply himself.
“What does the taxation of this year amount to?” he continued; and Verbrugge hesitating a moment, as if to consider his reply, Havelaar anticipated him in the same breath—
“Very well, very well, I know it already—sixty-eight thousand and a few hundreds—fifteen thousand more than last year—but only six thousand more than in the year 1845—we have made since 1843 an augmentation of eight thousand—and the population too is very thin—yes, in [[102]]twelve years we have had an increase of only eleven per cent., and even this statement is questionable, for the statistics were formerly very inexactly kept—and farther!—from 1850 to 1851 there is even a diminution—and the cattle market does not flourish—that is a bad omen * * * What the deuce! look how that horse jumps and rears——come here, Max!”
Verbrugge saw that he would not have much to teach the new Assistant Resident, and that there was no question of ascendency arising from “local acquaintance,” an advantage which the good fellow had not desired.
“But it is a matter of course,” continued Havelaar, taking Max in his arms; “in Tjikandi and Bolang they like it—and so do the rebels in the Lampoons.[5] I recommend myself to your co-operation, Mr. Verbrugge; the Regent is a man old in years——his son-in-law is still district-chief? All things considered, I think him to be a person who deserves indulgence——I mean the Regent——I am very glad that there is so much poverty here——I hope to remain here a long time.”