Sambir saw the lights shining about "Almayer's
Folly." These were the lanterns of the boats hung up by the seamen under
the verandah where the two officers were holding a court of inquiry into
the truth of the story related to them by Babalatchi. Babalatchi had
regained all his importance. He was eloquent and persuasive, calling
Heaven and Earth to witness the truth of his statements. There were also
other witnesses. Mahmat Banjer and a good many others underwent a close
examination that dragged its weary length far into the evening. A
messenger was sent for Abdulla, who excused himself from coming on the
score of his venerable age, but sent Reshid. Mahmat had to produce the
bangle, and saw with rage and mortification the lieutenant put it in his
pocket, as one of the proofs of Dain's death, to be sent in with the
official report of the mission. Babalatchi's ring was also impounded for
the same purpose, but the experienced statesman was resigned to that loss
from the very beginning. He did not mind as long as he was sure, that
the white men believed. He put that question to himself earnestly as he
left, one of the last, when the proceedings came to a close. He was not
certain. Still, if they believed only for a night, he would put Dain
beyond their reach and feel safe himself. He walked away fast, looking
from time to time over his shoulder in the fear of being followed, but he
saw and heard nothing.

"Ten o'clock," said the lieutenant, looking at his watch and yawning. "I
shall hear some of the captain's complimentary remarks when we get back.
Miserable business, this."

"Do you think all this is true?" asked the younger man.

"True! It is just possible. But if it isn't true what can we do? If we
had a dozen boats we could patrol the creeks; and that wouldn't be much
good. That drunken madman was right; we haven't enough hold on this
coast. They do what they like. Are our hammocks slung?"

"Yes, I told the coxswain. Strange couple over there," said the sub,
with a wave of his hand towards Almayer's house.

"Hem! Queer, certainly. What have you been telling her? I was
attending to the father most of the time."

"I assure you I have been perfectly civil," protested the other warmly.

"All right. Don't get excited. She objects to civility, then, from what
I understand. I thought you might have been tender. You know we are on
service."

"Well, of course. Never forget that. Coldly civil