“Suppose the Prince has caused him to be seized, Martin.” But at the same moment the door of the hut flew open, and Prabu stood before us, not only free and unharmed, but with every mark of satisfaction upon his countenance.
“Thank God, you are safe!” exclaimed my brother.
“Allah be praised for all things!” he replied. “But,” he added, “what harm could happen to the son of Surapati in the palace of the Pangeran of Pugar and Marang?”
“Then his Highness is still thy friend?” I said.
“He is more, Sahib—he is a true-hearted Javanese; for which Allah be forever praised!”
“Yet,” said Martin, incredulously, “he is giving a warm welcome to the envoy of his greatest enemies.”
“Sahib,” he replied, “there are some things that may not be poured into every ear—this is one of them.”
“A satisfactory reply, truly,” replied Martin. “I tell you what,” he added, “this Prince has been found out, and is thus compelled to make terms with the Dutch.”
“It matters not—it matters not,” replied Prabu, “the storm has passed over, yet the thunder is still in the air, the bolt ready to fall. But,” he added, as if anxious to get rid of an unpleasant subject, “has the sahib Martin forgotten his cousin?”
“Prabu,” replied my brother firmly, “you know I have not. Placing full reliance upon your promise to restore her to us, I have not since mentioned her name. But why that question? You are not one to utter idle words. Is she in this city? In Heaven’s name, tell me.”