“Well then, gentlemen, chiefs of Bantam-Kidool! let us be glad that our province is so poor. We have a noble work before us. If Allah preserve us alive, we shall take care that prosperity comes. The ground is fertile enough, [[142]]the population willing; if every one is suffered to remain in the enjoyment of the fruits of his labour, there is no doubt that within a short time the population will improve, as well both in the number of souls as in possessions and civilisation, for these things generally go hand in hand. I beg you again to regard me as a friend who will help you where he can, above all where injustice must be prevented. And now I commend myself to your co-operation.
“I will return to you the reports I have received on agriculture, cattle-breeding, police, and justice, with my orders.
“Chiefs of Lebak! I have said. You can return every one to his home. I cordially greet you all.”
He bowed, offered his arm to the old Regent, and conducted him to his house, where Tine awaited him in the gallery.
“Come, Verbrugge, don’t go home yet. Come, a glass of Madeira! And, yes, I must know that——Radeen Djaksa! stop a moment.”
Havelaar said this whilst all the chiefs, bowing low, prepared to return to their homes. Verbrugge, too, was about to take his leave, but returned with the Djaksa.
“Tine, I’ll take some Madeira; so will Verbrugge. I say, Djaksa! tell me what you said about Max to the Kliwon?
“Minta ampong (I beg your pardon), Mr. Assistant [[143]] Resident; I looked at his head, because you had spoken.
“What the deuce has his head to do with that? I have already forgotten what I said.”
“Sir, I said to the Kliwon——” [Tine approached, they spoke about little Max.]