disclosure of complicity in
the treasonable trade. So Dain felt tolerably secure as he sat
meditating quietly his answer to the Rajah's bloodthirsty speech. Yes,
he would point out to him the aspect of his position should he--Dain--fall
into the hands of the Dutch and should he speak the truth. He would have
nothing more to lose then, and he would speak the truth. And if he did
return to Sambir, disturbing thereby Lakamba's peace of mind, what then?
He came to look after his property. Did he not pour a stream of silver
into Mrs. Almayer's greedy lap? He had paid, for the girl, a price
worthy of a great prince, although unworthy of that delightfully
maddening creature for whom his untamed soul longed in an intensity of
desire far more tormenting than the sharpest pain. He wanted his
happiness. He had the right to be in Sambir.

He rose, and, approaching the table, leaned both his elbows on it;
Lakamba responsively edged his seat a little closer, while Babalatchi
scrambled to his feet and thrust his inquisitive head between his
master's and Dain's. They interchanged their ideas rapidly, speaking in
whispers into each other's faces, very close now, Dain suggesting,
Lakamba contradicting, Babalatchi conciliating and anxious in his vivid
apprehension of coming difficulties. He spoke most, whispering
earnestly, turning his head slowly from side to side so as to bring his
solitary eye to bear upon each of his interlocutors in turn. Why should
there be strife? said he. Let Tuan Dain, whom he loved only less than
his master, go trustfully into hiding. There were many places for that.
Bulangi's house away in the clearing was best.

Bulangi was a safe man. In the network of crooked channels no white man
could find his way. White men were strong, but very foolish. It was
undesirable to fight them, but deception was easy. They were like silly
women--they did not know the use of reason, and he was a match for any of
them--went on Babalatchi, with all the confidence of deficient
experience. Probably the Dutch would seek Almayer. Maybe they would
take away their countryman if they were suspicious of him. That would be
good. After the Dutch went away Lakamba and Dain would get the treasure
without any trouble, and there would be one person less to share it. Did
he not speak wisdom? Will Tuan Dain go to Bulangi's house till the
danger is over, go at once?

Dain accepted this suggestion of going into hiding with a