“Then, without doubt, my brother will sell me a portion for the market at Singapore.”
“Alas! that the worthy Prabu did not express such a desire when last here, for it is impossible; it has been gathered for the Chinese merchant Lin, whose junk is even now in the western bay.”
“This is indeed unfortunate,” replied Prabu; “for the prahu is large, and the bird’s-nests less plentiful than we expected to find them.”
Then, evidently uneasy and desirous of changing the subject, the “weak one” said:
“Our brother has not heard the good news—we have discovered”—
“Another nest-cave!” interrupted Prabu, eagerly.
“Not so, my brother; nothing so fortunate for his highness the Pangeran; yet good, perhaps, for us and thou, who art to be the husband of our sister.”
“In Allah’s name, then, what is this thing you have discovered?”
“A mine of the metal timah” (tin), replied the “strong one.”
“A mine of timah!” repeated Prabu in astonishment; “God is great!—where?”