“A professional story-teller, then?” said I.
“The noble youth has divined aright: his servant, Si-Ling, is of the noble profession of story-tellers.”
“More likely of the ignoble profession of rogues, if there be any truth in physiognomy,” whispered Martin—adding: “Well, Mr. Si-Ling, get in, and stow yourself away in the stern; and as we float down the stream—for, as the tide having turned, we don’t want the oars—you may give us a taste of your quality.”
“May the bones of the noble youths rest with those of their ancestors, and their descendants ever piously keep their tombs well swept, and strewn with fresh flowers!” replied the Chinese, getting into the sampan.
“Much obliged,” replied Martin, laughing. “You are kind, and we are grateful; nevertheless, we are in no hurry for anything half so good.”
When, however, we had put off, and were floating down the stream, he said:
“Now, my friend, for a ‘taste of your quality.’ Tell us a story.”
“The noble youths are of the American Republic?” said the Chinese, interrogatively.
“Oh, yes; so go on, and abuse the Dutch as much as you like.”
“The story thy servant will tell is truth, and shows even how early the Dutch influence in Java began to change the Javanese princes from lions into wolves. The great Susunan Mangkorat, having entered into a treaty with the Dutch, greatly to the injury of his people and nobles, a certain chief, named Truna Jaya, rose in rebellion against him, with the hope only of being able to rescue his royal master from his false friends, the Hollanders; but Truna, being unfortunate, was defeated, and compelled to fly to the mountains of Antang. There he remained with a few of his faithful followers, until, reduced by want, he was glad to make overtures of surrender. These were accepted; but Truna, doubtful of the Susunan’s good faith while under the influence of the Dutch, refused to leave his fastness until better assurance of his safety had been given. Accordingly, his own uncle, the Prince of Madura, accompanied by a Dutch officer, was sent to beguile him. The unhappy prince then appeared before the monarch, bound with cords, and with his wives, who were the Susunan’s own sisters. The Susunan, pretending to be affected by the agony of his sisters, pardoned his brother-in-law, and promised to give him preferment; and great was the joy of the family of Truna, while he went to change his garment for one in which alone he could receive favors from his sovereign. But guess, oh, noble youths, the horror of the princesses, when, upon their husband’s return into the royal presence, the Susunan cried: