As soon as poor Dalima had been properly attended to, and under escort of a policeman, had been sent off in a tandoe as a prisoner to Santjoemeh, the Controller had told Mokesuep, in pretty plain language, that, after what had taken place between him and Grenits, his company could very well be dispensed2 with.
“It seems to me,” had been Mokesuep’s reply, “that the person who inflicted3 the insult is the one that ought to stand aside.”
“Such, no doubt would, under ordinary circumstances, have been my opinion also,” returned Verstork, with icy coolness; “but before I can consent to receive you as my guest, you will have to explain to me, in a satisfactory way, how you came to be in this hut, so far from the hunting-ground, and just at the time when the young girl was so shamefully5 ill-used.”
“She has not been—” interrupted Mokesuep.
“Now, pray do not mistake me,” resumed Verstork, “I said ill-used, at the present moment I make use of no stronger expression. We found her here half-naked and bleeding, and she was calling upon us for help. She had, therefore, evidently been ill-treated, at present I say nothing more than that. She suffered this ill-treatment in your presence—in your presence, who pretend to be a gentleman; and I repeat what I said just now, you will have to give me satisfactory proof that it was not in your power to assist or defend this poor young girl before I will consent to receive you under my roof.”
“But, Mr. Verstork—!”
“If you can clear yourself of the suspicion which, perhaps very unjustly, at present rests upon you, I can assure you that nothing will give me greater pleasure than to hold out my hand to you, indeed you will find me the first to do so, unless my friend Grenits should forestall8 me.”
“In that case,” said Grenits, “Mr. Mokesuep will find me perfectly9 prepared to give him any satisfaction he may require.”
“Satisfaction!” sneered10 Mokesuep, “never you mind about that, I know well enough how to get satisfaction!”
“You refuse then,” continued Verstork coldly, “to furnish me with the explanations I require?”
“I owe you no explanations whatever, Mr. Verstork,” cried Mokesuep, “I intend to reserve my explanations for the Resident’s ear.” [242]
“Very well, sir, just as you please,” replied Verstork. “In that case I have nothing further to say to you,” and with a stiff, formal bow he added: “Pray let me not detain you any longer.”
Mokesuep ground his teeth with rage at this direct dismissal; he flung his rifle over his shoulder, and, accompanied by Lim Ho and Singomengolo, who had stood by as silent spectators of the scene, without understanding much of what was going on, he hurried away in the direction of Santjoemeh.
As he went he cried, “You shall pay for this, Mr. Verstork. I shall have my revenge!”
It was a terrible threat, no doubt; but it did not take away the appetite of our friends; and so, as we have said before, a few hours after found them seated at the table in the pandoppo of the Controller at Banjoe Pahit.
The pandoppo of the Controller’s house could not, in size or extent, be compared with the splendid gallery in the stately residential13 mansion14 at Santjoemeh. But, for that very reason, it was more homely15 and more comfortable. It lacked the vast empty spaces between the columns, reminding one of a big market-hall, and it had not the lofty roof which made one think of a cathedral. It was, in fact, much more like a cosy16 sitting-room17, and to this air of homely comfort, the tasteful manner in which Verstork had furnished it, contributed not a little. Indeed, this pandoppo was Verstork’s ordinary sitting-room, and a very pleasant retreat it was. The big windows, all of them furnished with venetian blinds, gave free access to the breeze, while, on the sunny side, they could be closed so as to exclude the heat; and thus within that gallery it was always deliciously cool. The entire house moreover was surrounded by trees encircling it as with a crown of verdure, and their pleasant shade tempered the glaring light of the tropical day.
There, William Verstork used to sit whenever his presence was not required in his office. There, at sunrise, he sipped18 his early cup of coffee, there he breakfasted and used to dine. There again he was wont19 to enjoy his papers and periodicals as in the afternoon he took a cup of tea, and used to dream away the evenings musing20 within himself, and often wondering whether, in such a place, it was well for a man to be alone.
At any time of the day this pandoppo was a pleasant retreat, and specially21 gay and comfortable did it look now when the host had gathered his friends around his table. [243]
The very table itself contributed to the gaiety and brightness of the scene.
On that board were displayed the inevitable22 bowls of rice, cooked by steaming in conical baskets of bamboo, every grain snow-white, distinct and separate. And with this standing12 dish of rice were served up in small saucers, an endless variety of soups, vegetables, sauces, pickles23, and condiments24 of all kinds. There were chicken-broth, fish-soup, and other thicker kinds of soup. Then a variety of dishes flavoured with Spanish pepper, among which devilled shrimps25, devilled eggs, the celebrated26 little red-fish of Macassar, the bean of the Paskia speciosa and the famous “pirate pepper,” so called no doubt on account of its extreme pungency27. The more substantial dishes consisted of meat and fish, such as jerked beef, smoked venison, roast or boiled joints28, boiled and braised fowl29, and a delicious fresh water fish, the Olfromeus Olfax. These and other dishes, too numerous to mention, are generally served up at a complete and well appointed dinner—or as they call it in Java—rice table.
But the object which specially attracted the attention of our Luculluses as they entered the pandoppo, and which made them smack30 their lips in anticipation31 of a rare feast, was a sucking pig which stood conspicuous32 in the centre of the table in a capacious dish. It was roasted whole, was standing upright on its four legs, and had a lemon in its snout. It was a product of the day’s hunting, one of the first victims, in fact, which had fallen, and had at once been taken home by one of Verstork’s servants to play a prominent part in the entertainment.
Every one of the guests did full justice to the good fare, and all proved themselves to be right valiant33 trenchermen; but though the grinders were kept busily at work, and though the palates fully6 appreciated the highly flavoured and succulent dishes, yet the tongues were by no means allowed to remain idle, nor was the conversation suffered to flag around the hospitable34 board. The reader may well believe there was plenty to talk about.
“That confounded Muizenkop!” quoth Theodoor Grenits, “why, the fellow very nearly made me lose my temper.”
“Come, come, don’t mention him,” replied van Rheijn, “his very name would take away one’s appetite.”
“Very nice, indeed,” remarked van Rheijn. “But, how many of those chaps have we bowled over I wonder?”
“That I cannot tell you,” said Verstork.
“But,” resumed van Beneden, “we ought to know the number in order that we may be able to judge in how far our expedition may be called successful. How shall we find out?”
“Patience, August, patience,” said Verstork with a smile.
“All right, William,” continued van Beneden, “you know I have no great stock of that commodity. I wonder how many of those beasts we have knocked over. I saw a good number of them sprawling36 about.”
“The wedono will be here presently with his report,” replied Verstork.
“The wedono! Yes, he has disappeared—where can he have got to?”
“Well,” said Verstork, “I ordered him and the two loerahs to make a careful search in the Djoerang Pringapoes. He will no doubt soon be here to tell us the result of our day’s work.”
The words were scarcely spoken, before one of the oppassers came in to announce the arrival of the dessa-chief.
“Show him in!” cried Verstork.
“Well, Wedono,” he continued with a smile, “I see you come to share our rice-table, that is very kind of you, I am glad to see you.”
The Javanese chief, however, had recoiled38 in terror. Had the conscientious39 Mohammedan been a Roman Catholic he would most assuredly have crossed himself. As it was he merely muttered in the direst confusion, “Excuse me, Kandjeng toean! You know that we are not allowed to eat pork.”
“But, you can take something else, Wedono—there is beef on the table and fowl and duck and fish—anything you like in fact.”
“Thank you, Kandjeng toean, thank you; but all these things have been cooked in the same kitchen as the sucking pig, and, you know our religion forbids us—”
“I am sorry for it, Wedono,” replied Verstork.
“I came here, Kandjeng toean,” continued the chief, “to give you my report of the day’s hunting.”
“Very well, Wedono!”
“Seventeen pigs great and small have been killed. The Chinamen at Kaligaweh and at Banjoe Pahit have bought the carcases from the village people and are now busy carting them away.” [245]
“Ah, Wedono, those Chinamen know what is good,” said Verstork.
“I suppose so, Kandjeng toean,” replied the dessa-chief with a forced smile.
“That is a pretty good number I think—is it not, Wedono?” remarked van Rheijn. “Do you think,” he continued, “that we have pretty well exterminated40 them?”
“Pretty nearly,” answered the wedono. “A number of our people have gone after the pigs that broke away and have dispatched several of them. There are but a very few left and they have sought for refuge in the high mountain land, so that I do not think that we shall be troubled any more by that mischievous41 brood.”
“Well then, my friends,” cried Verstork elated at the success of his expedition, “we may say that we have done a good morning’s work. Here’s good luck to Banjoe Pahit and the dessa-folk!”
All the guests sprang to their feet and raised their glasses. Van Rheijn thrust a tumbler of beer into the wedono’s hand—and with a joyous42 “hip43, hip, hip, hurrah44!” a toast was drunk to the inhabitants of the district who had been delivered from their troublesome visitors.
“Has the Kandjeng toean any further orders for me?” asked the wedono. “If not I will beg leave to retire.”
“Yes, Wedono—there is something else. In the entrance of the Djoerang Pringapoes there lies a very big old boar, you will know him by his long tusks—I very much wish to have the head.”
“Excellent, excellent,” exclaimed van Beneden, “Une hure de sanglier à la sauce piquante, that will be a rare treat!”
“Hush, August!” said Verstork and, turning again to the wedono he continued, “Then further, I want you at once to open the inquiry45 in the matter of Dalima.”
“Certainly, Kandjeng toean.”
“And come to me presently—I must have some talk with you about that affair.”
“Very good, Kandjeng toean.”
“Presently,” cried van Beneden, “presently why—” and then he struck up
“We won’t go home till morning …
Till daylight doth appear.”
The entire company joined in the well-known old tune46. When the noise had somewhat subsided47, Verstork continued; [246]
“Duty, my friends, before pleasure. You will presently go and have your afternoon nap, then you will take a bath. I shall pursue this inquiry with the help of the wedono. This evening it is my intention to return to Santjoemeh with you; for the first thing to-morrow morning I must have an interview with the Resident. You have understood me, Wedono, have you not?”
“Yes, Kandjeng toean.”
“Very good then, I will not detain you.”
The dinner went on; but the mention of Dalima had somewhat dashed the high spirits of the guests. The recollection of the sad event of the morning seemed to cast a chill over them all and to sober down even the merriest of the party.
“Poor little Dalima!” sighed Grashuis, after a few moments’ silence during which he had been discussing a duck’s wing, “Poor little Dalima! could she be guilty of smuggling49 opium50?”
“Take care, August,” said van Rheijn with a laugh, “a lawyer ought not to allow himself to be influenced by outward appearance. Am I not right, Charles?”
Van Nerekool was not there and then ready with an answer to this appeal; he was in fact busily employed in removing the bones from a splendid slice of fish. But after a moment’s pause he said:
“But,” remarked van Rheijn, “the thing that puzzles me is that the opium was found upon her.”
“Do you believe that?” asked another.
“What! would you take that scoundrel’s word?”
“Aye, aye,” said Verstork very seriously, “the whole business looks ugly enough.”
“As far as I can see,” said Grashuis, “there is but one hope left, and that is that nonna Anna may have influence enough with her father to get the affair hushed up.”
A bitter smile curled van Nerekool’s lip, but he uttered not a word. [247]
“Now if Lim Ho, the son of the opium farmer, were not mixed up in the matter,” said Verstork musingly54, “why then you might have some reason for that hope—yes—then I think things might be squared; but now—”
“But,” exclaimed van Beneden interrupting his friend, “can you for a moment suspect that the judicial55 power—?”
“My dear friend—my good August,” replied Verstork, “a highly placed judicial functionary56 here in Dutch India once spoke37 these words: ‘The opium trade lies upon this country as a heavy curse—it has impressed its stamp upon everything, alas57, even upon our courts of justice.’ I think I am right, Charles?”
Van Nerekool nodded affirmatively.
“Well,” said van Rheijn, “all that is very sad, a very sad state of things indeed; but the worst of it is that the use of opium makes opium-farming a necessary evil.”
“What nonsense you do talk!” cried Grenits impatiently.
“But Theodoor!”
“But Edward!”—
“If the abuse of opium did not exist, then surely there would at once be an end of opium-farming. You will allow that I think?”
“Oh yes,” replied Grenits, “that sounds very plausible58 no doubt; but now supposing I were to retort by saying if there were no opium-monopoly then the abuse of the drug would never have assumed its present proportions? That does not perhaps sound so pleasant; but it is a statement which is more easily verified.”
“Oh yes, yes, we heard all about that last night; unfortunately however, the proof was not forthcoming.”
“Well,” said Grenits, “what does history say?”
“History,” replied the other, “what you call history is neither more nor less than the personal opinion and utterance59 of the historian. One man contends that Europeans brought opium into the country, and another holds a different view—so much for history.”
“But Edward, I hope you do not distrust the Council of India?”
“Well what does the Council say, Theodoor?”
“If my memory serves me, it says this, or words to this effect: ‘The opium monopoly has always been most anxiously watched by the Government as one of the most important sources of public revenue, and every means of enhancing the productiveness of that source of income has been most eagerly adopted.’?” [248]
“Aye, aye,” returned van Rheijn; “but is all this true?”
“Why,” said Grenits, “I hope, Edward, you do not doubt my word?”
“Not in the least, my dear fellow, not in the least. I am quite ready to admit that your quotation60 is accurate; but was the Council properly informed when it gave that opinion?”
“Well,” replied Grenits, “if you go on like that, then we shall not be able to trust anybody or anything. Those people are paid, and most handsomely paid, to get the best and most trustworthy information. But independently altogether of the Council’s opinion, in which you seem to have but little faith, tell me, does not the constantly rising revenue from the farming of opium afford proof absolute of the truth of the Council’s word? Every successive year the estimate is higher and higher.”
“I know that,” said van Rheijn, “but estimate and actual produce are widely different things.”
“True enough, they are sometimes widely different; but in this particular case they are not. Heaven and earth are moved to reach the figure at which the minister has estimated the revenue, and means the most unfair, even the most criminal, are employed in order, if possible, to surpass the sum at which the revenue has been placed. How many a Netherland’s Lion has been given away because, in this district or in that, the produce of the opium contract has exceeded the figure at which the minister put it! How proudly must the ‘Virtus Nobilitat’ thus earned glitter upon the breast of its possessor!”
“But I want to know,” remarked August van Beneden, “is the use of opium really as injurious to the body as men say it is? We saw with our own eyes last night that as far as morality is concerned it has not much to recommend it; but how about its influence upon the material body? We sometimes hear the word poisoning used; that very term indeed was made use of last night, but it seems to me that it is a system of poisoning under which a man may attain61 to a very good old age, just as a man may grow old who drinks a glass or two of grog.”
“Listen to me,” said Verstork in a most serious tone. “We are sitting here together, all, I hope, honest trustworthy men I can therefore speak my mind freely and fearlessly before you, and I may without reserve give you the conclusion to which a long and richly varied62 experience has led me on the subject of opium.
“The habitual63 use of opium, even in comparatively moderate doses, invariably leads to vitiation of the blood and [249]constriction of the vessels64. This again gives rise to an asthmatic condition and to a permanent and wasting and almost always incurable65 dysentery. These are accompanied by the most distressing66 symptoms and intolerable suffering. Upon the opium smoker67, moreover, medicines begin gradually to lose their effect, excepting the narcotic68 poisons in ever increasing quantities. Hence the sufferer is driven to seek relief in augmented69 doses of the poison, and if he cannot obtain these, his condition becomes utterly70 unbearable71. Yet to this suffering he is doomed72, unless he can pass from one fit of intoxication73 to the other. Opium smoking is the only thing to alleviate74 the miseries75 of the collapse76 which follows an opium debauch77, and but few can afford the continual drain of so expensive a remedy. Where a sufficient quantity of good wholesome78 food is taken, these lamentable79 results may be slow in showing themselves; and a generous and strengthening diet has preserved many a man, for an entire lifetime, from the most serious consequences of his pernicious habit. But even in these cases, the state of the blood and the general condition of health are so bad, that trifling80 ailments81, such as an ordinary boil or a slight wound, assume a most malignant82 character and often lead to fatal results; and who can venture to say how many diseases, which depend upon cachexia and which are so common in this country, are caused, or, at all events, are greatly aggravated83 by the habitual use of opium?
“I spoke just now of a sufficient quantity of nutritive food; but we know too well—and the Government also knows it—that but very few of the natives can afford a supply of food which can be called either sufficient or nutritious84. It is well known how exceedingly meagre the diet of the Javanese is, even among those who are in tolerably good circumstances; and it is well known also that, even when he can afford it, he very seldom makes use of food which is really strengthening. And that diet, be it more or less generous, must of necessity become more and more meagre when every day a considerable, and ever more considerable portion of the wages is squandered85 in the purchase of opium. Thus the enjoyment86 itself tends to make impossible the only condition under which it might be indulged in with anything like impunity87.
“But, you will doubtless object—in such cases lack of money must compel these people to limit themselves to a very moderate consumption, and they will thus be preserved from the fatal effects of excessive indulgence. Such, however, is not [250]always the case. There are men, and their number is by no means small, who in the days of their prosperity have gradually accustomed themselves to a very considerable consumption of the drug; and who, when all their worldly possessions have vanished in clouds of intoxicating88 smoke, have been compelled either to satisfy themselves with diminished doses of opium or else to abstain89 from smoking altogether. It is difficult to fathom90 the hopeless misery91 of such poor creatures. Further, experience has proved, that very many whose daily consumption is strictly92 moderate, yet at forty years of age and upwards93 suffer frightfully from the ill effects of opium, especially of the most painful and incurable dysentery. I myself have at Berbek, at Trengalek, at Santjoemeh, here at Banjoe Pahit and elsewhere, cured a great number of such sufferers with a certain remedy, and thus I have had ample opportunity to make myself personally acquainted with the facts.
“Now, if with these unfortunate creatures we compare the thousands who, at home, drink their couple of glasses of beer or of spirits, then it will appear at a glance how much more pernicious is the use of opium than the use of alcohol. The former indeed, is infinitely95 more stupefying and deadening, and thus, very much more rapidly than alcohol, it destroys the appetite; so that, even when plenty of wholesome food is at hand, it either cannot be taken at all or else loses much of its nutritive value. Confirmed opium smokers96 have repeatedly told me that, in consequence of their pernicious habit, they could eat only a few pinches of rice a day, whereas, when, by the help of a remedy with which I supplied them, they were able gradually to diminish their daily dose of opium, they could take ten times the amount of nourishment97.
“Then comes another point, and that is the extreme fascination98 and seductiveness of opium, which causes the most pleasurable bodily sensations, which fills the mind with glorious dreams, which, for a while, removes all pain and suffering, while it, at the same time, deadens much more effectually than strong drink, the mental faculties99, in this depressed100 race already sufficiently101 dormant102, and thus the use of opium holds its victim much more securely bound in the fetters103 of his fatal passion, than the moderate use of alcohol enslaves anyone at home.
“Having thus, by degrees, come to the influence of opium upon the mind and the character, I must certainly not omit to draw your attention to the selfishness and self-indulgence which [251]it develops in the smoker; to the ever-growing indifference104 to all his surroundings, even to his own wife and children; to the listless indolence and aversion to work, to care, to trouble in fact of any kind, which at length, by night or day, allows him to think of nothing but of his master-passion and all its concomitant cravings, to the gratification of which everything must be sacrificed, and everybody must become subservient106. A gin drinker, for the indulgence in his ignoble107 passion, demands no other service than that now and then someone is sent out to fetch him his dram; but the opium smoker, if he can afford the luxury of attendance at all, monopolises the services of his entire household. One must work hard to earn the means of satisfying his expensive craving105, another must go and purchase his opium, a third must stand by in readiness to fill his pipe, a fourth must prepare his coffee and the other refreshments108 he requires. It is true, no doubt, that he is not so violent and not so noisy in his debauch as one who is under the influence of liquor; but, when the effects of the narcotic begin to wear off and his pains and ailments again begin to make themselves felt, then, unless the whole family is at his beck and call and ready once more to minister to his passion, he fills the house with invectives and threatening—then he utters moanings and lamentations most pitiful and heartrending. If to this we add the bodily and mental debility which the opium slave transmits as a legacy109 to his wretched offspring, though the majority of smokers cease at an early age to have children at all, then we cannot help wondering what kind of miserable110 stunted111 race will be the second or third generation from the present one.
“And then,” continued Verstork, after a pause, “and then the poverty and destitution112 which the use of opium entails113! What an amount of prosperity and welfare has already been,—and is daily being—swallowed up by the use of that baneful114 drug! Among the lower classes, an opium smoker, even though he smokes in strict moderation, very soon arrives at the point when he must devote his entire earnings115 to the purchase of the drug, while at the same time his craving for refreshing116 and stimulating117 dainties must likewise be satisfied. The families are legion in which the wife, assisted perhaps by one or two of her children, is the only breadwinner. Should she happen to be in delicate health, should she be disabled by sickness or childbed, why then the misery of such a household is unfathomable. And, believe me, such cases of extreme [252]misery are much more frequent out here than similar cases of destitution in Europe occasioned by the abuse of drink.
“Now all these powers, bodily, mental, and moral; and all that prosperity, which at present opium saps and destroys, might be devoted118 to industry and agriculture. If such use were made of them, how much greater would be both production and consumption, and how much more considerable would be the profit to the exchequer—a profit earned in a fair and legitimate119 way—than any revenue which the accursed system of opium farming can produce! Thousands upon thousands of the natives here have neither the energy, nor the means, nor the inclination120 to work or to learn how they may profitably cultivate their gardens and fields, neither do they care to progress in any branch of industry whatever; because they have offered up—and are continually offering—all they possess in the world to opium. But, are not industry and agriculture the very life-blood of a State? Yet here, the state itself does all it possibly can to poison that life-blood, and thus to bring about its own destruction.”
William Verstork here paused for awhile, after so long an oration121, he felt the necessity of quenching122 his thirst with a glass of beer. All his guests sat silently waiting for what he might further have to say. His words had evidently made a very deep impression upon his hearers, for the language to which they had listened was the simple and unvarnished tale of actual experience; and, however young and heedless some of them might be, yet the speech of their friend had awakened124 their interest, and had gone straight to their hearts. At length, after having drawn125 a long breath, the Controller went on to say:
“You know, my friends, that my official career has not been passed entirely126 at Santjoemeh. My probationary127 time I spent in the capital of the Kediri residence. As second-class controller I was some time at Berbek and at Trenggalek. I know, therefore, from personal experience how matters stand in those residencies also. Now listen to me. Kediri has a population of about 700,000 souls—the vast majority of them very poor people. In that place the opium contract produces eighteen hundred thousand guilders. If to that sum we add the price paid for the drug delivered to the farmer, and the profits which he makes on the sale then, I think, we shall be well within the mark if we put down two and a half millions of guilders as the sum which those poor people, of their own free will, pay annually128 to purchase a few hours a day of enjoyment and oblivion. I [253]say nothing now about the cost of smuggled129 opium; the amount paid for it is not known, and every one must, therefore, form his own opinion of that. How is it possible for a population so poor to find so large a sum of money, in addition, mind you, to all their other burdens, such as compulsory130 labour, salt-tax, rent, licenses131, import duties, &c.? That is a mystery to me—but then you should see what kind of a life is that of a poor Javanese family.
“Their house is generally very small, built of bamboo and covered with straw. Furniture they have none whatever; a mat spread out on a bamboo bench, and a coarse pillow is what they sleep on. They cook their food on the ground in pots and pans of the commonest earthenware132; they eat it on pisang leaves with their fingers; they drink water out of an earthenware pitcher133. They seldom, we may say never, wash their clothes which, such as they are, they continue to wear until they fall in rags from their bodies. The children run about naked, and grow up in the mud among the bullocks. At five o’clock in the morning they rise and go to work so as to be present in time for roll-call at six. They work for their masters, in the rice-fields, at road-making, in the coffee plantations134, or in the osier-beds. Should a man get a day off, he may go and work on his own account, and then he can earn about 40 or 50 cents (10 pence) for ten hours’ labour. When they get home in the evening, they have their morsel of food and fully half the day’s earning is spent on opium. At eight o’clock all are fast asleep, and up to eight o’clock the only lamp they have in the hut is a saucer with a cotton wick in a little stinking135 oil. Such is the faithful picture of the daily life of a Javanese opium smoker. Nothing—absolutely nothing to make the slightest break in this weary monotony. Nothing but work, hard work; mostly for insufficient136 wages, very frequently compulsory labour for no wages at all. And then, behind their backs to be called a pack of lazy scoundrels! That is a little too bad. Tell me, have we Dutch any feeling at all for our fellow-creatures? Is it not at length high time that all that compulsory and unpaid137 labour should be done away with and that the opium-curse should be banished138 from the land? Every right-minded Dutchman ought to do his best according to the utmost of his power to attain that end, because every Dutchman is personally and individually responsible for so frightful94 a state of things, and every Dutchman ought to be heartily139 ashamed of himself while the poor patient Javanese [254]are being so shamefully imposed upon. All that the poor native can earn either by his work for his masters or in his own free time, he must, in one shape or other, offer up to that insatiable Moloch, the public treasury140. There is but one thing left for him, and that is a little rice; and of that he has not enough to last him for the whole year.”
“Yes,” observed Grenits, when Verstork had finished speaking, “yes, William, you are perfectly right, and that is the reason why he seeks for consolation141 and temporary oblivion in the opium den7, just as in Holland a poor man in similar circumstances flies for relief to the bottle. Thus cause and effect act and react upon one another; misery suggests opium or drink, and drink and opium in their turn engender142 misery. It requires a very powerful effort of the will to shake off either bad habit, and drink and opium are the very things which deprive a man of whatever power of will he may have. Therefore it is perfectly hopeless to expect the people to take the initiative in any such reforms as Verstork has mentioned; the evil keeps on spreading and is daily striking deeper roots. The ruling power ought to exercise its authority and drag these poor degraded people out of the slough143 of despond in which so many of them are wallowing. It ought to do this, I say, regardless of cost and trouble; and regardless also of the pain it may for the moment inflict4. Every right-minded citizen ought, according as he is able, to assist the government in that arduous144 task, and whoever would, for selfish motives145, strive to retard146 or to frustrate147 this plan of rescue ought at once to be put aside and rendered harmless. If Holland and Dutch India cannot continue to exist, or to speak more correctly, cannot continue to pay their way without screwing a revenue out of such immoral148 sources as abuse of opium, abuse of drink and unpaid compulsory labour—why then for honour of the country it were better that it should do like the man who is no longer able to maintain, by honest means, a separate home of his own, and go and live as a boarder in the house of another.”
For a few moments all sat silent. They all felt the truth, the undeniable truth of Theodoor’s words, though his concluding sentence had most deeply wounded their patriotic149 pride. At length van Beneden started up from his seat, and going up to Verstork he took his hand and pressed it cordially.
“I thank you,” said he in a tone of deep emotion, “I thank you heartily for the insight you have given me into the fatal effects of opium. I am but a young lawyer and have, as yet, [255]had no opportunity of appearing as counsel in any case connected with the traffic. I have read much about the abuse of the drug, and I learned much last night under the Wariengien tree on the green at Kaligaweh; but your manly150 and vigorous words have awakened my conscience, and here, in the presence of you all, I solemnly promise that I will, on the very first opportunity that may present itself, make the very best use I can of what your experience has taught me.”
“Hurrah!” cried Leendert Grashuis. “William, your excellent speech has thus had not only a practical, but it will have an immediate151 effect. Aye, my friends, I say an immediate effect; for I have a proposition to make to you—”
“Out with it!” they cried, “let us hear it.”
“Yesterday, we all but witnessed the Amokh which took place at Kaligaweh; this morning we were within a few minutes of witnessing another and no less terrible crime. It is not my intention to analyse the feelings to which these scenes have given rise in our hearts—the father a manslayer, and the daughter dishonoured152. Both these events, however, are intimately and immediately connected with the infamous153 system of opium-farming. We have heard the testimony of our superior officer. In the name of all assembled here, I thank him for his noble sentiments; and now my friends let us not be behind him in generosity154. Dalima and her father must have an advocate in the trial which awaits them, and that advocate we have found. Both the accused parties will, in our friend August van Beneden, find a defender155 who will take up their cause with zeal156 and ability. Methinks, I can hear his maiden157 speech—it will be a splendid one.”
“Thank you, Leendert,” said van Beneden with much emotion, “I can assure my friends that they have not misjudged me.”
“Aye, aye,” continued Grashuis, “I know that well; but we all of us intend to participate in the good work, do we not?”
“By all means!” was the general cry.
“Well then, listen to me, for now I come to the proposal I have to make. In this case there can be no question of offering our friend van Beneden any honorarium—that would deprive his labour of love of its chief merit. But in carrying on this defence many expenses will necessarily be incurred158 and many fees will have to be paid in advance. We all know that Dame159 Justice is in India an expensive—a most expensive hussy. Well then, let us all join hands and undertake to find the funds that [256]may be required—then August will be able to carry on both cases in the most effectual and vigorous manner.”
“Agreed, agreed!” they all exclaimed. “Now, August, do your best!”
“Now that we have arranged that business,” resumed Grenits, “I have a question to put to our host.”
“By all means, Theodoor,” said Verstork, “what is it?”
“I am a merchant,” said Grenits, “and as such, I am bound to be very inquisitive160. In trade I not only need all the information I can obtain about any article of commerce; but I find a little chemistry uncommonly161 useful—”
“Come to the point,” cried several of the guests; “we don’t want any lectures on chemistry and commerce!”
But Grenits, without paying any heed123 to the interruption, went on: “Just now in your speech you made mention of a certain remedy which I think you said you found useful in curing some unhappy slaves to opium. Is that, may I ask, a secret remedy?”
“A secret remedy?” asked Verstork, with a laugh. “What do you mean—do you take me for a quack-doctor?”
“Not by any means,” replied Grenits. “Since this remedy then is not a secret one, will you tell me what it is?”
“With pleasure,” said Verstork; “they are pills which were given me by a missionary162. They are composed of opium and radix rhei or rhubarb, in the following proportions: Twelve of these pills contain three grains of opium and twelve grains of rhubarb. They are to be administered every five days; the first time twelve have to be taken, the next time nine, the third time six, but it is very seldom indeed that the third dose is required, for by that time the patients are generally cured.”
“To be sure I can,” replied Verstork. “In my study you will find a kind of trophy164 consisting of a dozen bedoedans or opium-pipes which the smokers have deposited with me with the solemn promise that they would never touch the pipe again. The missionary who gave me the pills can speak most positively165 of upwards of seventy cures.”
“Now,” asked Grenits, “you will not be offended if I give you a bit of advice in your own interest and in the interest also of the missionary?”
“Certainly not,” said Verstork, “let us hear it, by all means.”
“Well, my advice is this: keep that prescription166 strictly to [257]yourself and don’t say a word about it to anybody. The colonial secretary who has but one object in view, and that is, to raise the opium revenue as much as possible, might look upon your remedy as an attack made upon the golden calf167; and missionaries168 have before this been impeded169 in their Gospel work, and men have been expelled from the colonies, and official functionaries170 have been suspended or pensioned off for the commission of much more venial171 offences than bringing such pills as yours to the opium-smoker.”
Verstork turned slightly pale as he heard his friend’s well-meant advice. For a single moment his thoughts flew to those dear ones who so greatly needed his assistance and support. Did he repent172 of having thus honestly spoken his mind? Who can say!—He put his hand to his forehead as if to wipe away some unpleasant reflection. “Oh,” said he, “it is not quite so bad as that, I hope.”
“Perhaps not,” said Grenits, with a smile, “but your pills will not earn you the Netherlands’ Lion.”
“That may be,” said the Controller, “however, Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra, that is my motto. For all that I shall not give the poor souls one pill the less.”
Then, allowing his eye to wander over the table which by this time had been pretty well cleared, for our friends had sat down to dinner as hungry as hunters, he continued—
“My friends, our dinner is over. After yesterday’s jaunt173 and this morning’s exertion174, and after the very short rest we had last night, you must all need repose175. My servants will show you to your rooms. I am going to work and, as I told you just now, this evening I am off with you to Santjoemeh. I wish you all a pleasant siesta176.”
A few minutes later the pandoppo was deserted177 and towards evening the five friends were galloping178 along the road to the capital.
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1
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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dispensed
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| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
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inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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shamefully
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| 可耻地； 丢脸地； 不体面地； 羞耻地 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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8
forestall
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| vt.抢在…之前采取行动；预先阻止 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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10
sneered
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| 讥笑，冷笑( sneer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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dire
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| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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13
residential
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| adj.提供住宿的；居住的；住宅的 | |
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14
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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15
homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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16
cosy
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| adj.温暖而舒适的，安逸的 | |
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17
sitting-room
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| n.（BrE）客厅，起居室 | |
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18
sipped
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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19
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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20
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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21
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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22
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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23
pickles
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| n.腌菜( pickle的名词复数 )；处于困境；遇到麻烦；菜酱 | |
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24
condiments
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| n.调味品 | |
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25
shrimps
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| n.虾，小虾( shrimp的名词复数 )；矮小的人 | |
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26
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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27
pungency
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| n.（气味等的）刺激性；辣；（言语等的）辛辣；尖刻 | |
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28
joints
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| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
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29
fowl
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| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
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30
smack
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| vt.拍，打，掴；咂嘴；vi.含有…意味；n.拍 | |
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31
anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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32
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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33
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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34
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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35
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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36
sprawling
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| adj.蔓生的，不规则地伸展的v.伸开四肢坐[躺]( sprawl的现在分词 )；蔓延；杂乱无序地拓展；四肢伸展坐着（或躺着） | |
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37
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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38
recoiled
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| v.畏缩( recoil的过去式和过去分词 )；退缩；报应；返回 | |
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39
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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40
exterminated
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| v.消灭，根绝( exterminate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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41
mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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42
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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43
hip
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| n.臀部，髋；屋脊 | |
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44
hurrah
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| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
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45
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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46
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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47
subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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48
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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49
smuggling
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| n.走私 | |
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50
opium
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| n.鸦片；adj.鸦片的 | |
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51
smuggler
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| n.走私者 | |
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52
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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53
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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54
musingly
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| adv.沉思地，冥想地 | |
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55
judicial
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| adj.司法的，法庭的，审判的，明断的，公正的 | |
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56
functionary
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| n.官员；公职人员 | |
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57
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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58
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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59
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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60
quotation
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| n.引文，引语，语录；报价，牌价，行情 | |
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61
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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62
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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63
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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64
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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65
incurable
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| adj.不能医治的，不能矫正的，无救的；n.不治的病人，无救的人 | |
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66
distressing
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| a.使人痛苦的 | |
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67
smoker
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| n.吸烟者，吸烟车厢，吸烟室 | |
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68
narcotic
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| n.麻醉药，镇静剂；adj.麻醉的，催眠的 | |
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69
Augmented
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| adj.增音的 动词augment的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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70
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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71
unbearable
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| adj.不能容忍的；忍受不住的 | |
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72
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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73
intoxication
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| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
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74
alleviate
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| v.减轻，缓和，缓解(痛苦等) | |
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75
miseries
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| n.痛苦( misery的名词复数 )；痛苦的事；穷困；常发牢骚的人 | |
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76
collapse
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| vi.累倒；昏倒；倒塌；塌陷 | |
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77
debauch
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| v.使堕落，放纵 | |
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78
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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79
lamentable
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| adj.令人惋惜的，悔恨的 | |
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80
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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81
ailments
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| 疾病（尤指慢性病），不适( ailment的名词复数 ) | |
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82
malignant
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| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
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83
aggravated
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| 使恶化( aggravate的过去式和过去分词 )； 使更严重； 激怒； 使恼火 | |
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84
nutritious
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| adj.有营养的，营养价值高的 | |
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85
squandered
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| v.（指钱，财产等）浪费，乱花( squander的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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86
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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87
impunity
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| n.(惩罚、损失、伤害等的)免除 | |
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88
intoxicating
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| a. 醉人的,使人兴奋的 | |
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89
abstain
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| v.自制，戒绝，弃权，避免 | |
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90
fathom
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| v.领悟，彻底了解 | |
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91
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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92
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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93
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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94
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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95
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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96
smokers
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| 吸烟者( smoker的名词复数 ) | |
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97
nourishment
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| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
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98
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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99
faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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100
depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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101
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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102
dormant
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| adj.暂停活动的；休眠的；潜伏的 | |
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103
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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104
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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105
craving
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| n.渴望,热望 | |
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106
subservient
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| adj.卑屈的，阿谀的 | |
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107
ignoble
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| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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108
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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109
legacy
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| n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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111
stunted
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| adj.矮小的；发育迟缓的 | |
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112
destitution
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| n.穷困，缺乏，贫穷 | |
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113
entails
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| 使…成为必要( entail的第三人称单数 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
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114
baneful
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| adj.有害的 | |
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115
earnings
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| n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得 | |
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116
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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117
stimulating
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| adj.有启发性的，能激发人思考的 | |
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118
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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119
legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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120
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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121
oration
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| n.演说，致辞，叙述法 | |
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122
quenching
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| 淬火，熄 | |
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123
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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124
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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125
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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126
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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127
probationary
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| 试用的，缓刑的 | |
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128
annually
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| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
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129
smuggled
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| 水货 | |
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130
compulsory
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| n.强制的，必修的；规定的，义务的 | |
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131
licenses
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| n.执照( license的名词复数 )v.批准，许可，颁发执照( license的第三人称单数 ) | |
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132
earthenware
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| n.土器，陶器 | |
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133
pitcher
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| n.(有嘴和柄的)大水罐；(棒球)投手 | |
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plantations
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| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
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135
stinking
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| adj.臭的，烂醉的，讨厌的v.散发出恶臭( stink的现在分词 )；发臭味；名声臭；糟透 | |
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136
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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137
unpaid
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| adj.未付款的，无报酬的 | |
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138
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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140
treasury
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| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
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141
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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142
engender
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| v.产生，引起 | |
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143
slough
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| v.蜕皮，脱落，抛弃 | |
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arduous
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| adj.艰苦的，费力的，陡峭的 | |
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motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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146
retard
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| n.阻止，延迟；vt.妨碍，延迟，使减速 | |
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frustrate
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| v.使失望；使沮丧；使厌烦 | |
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148
immoral
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| adj.不道德的，淫荡的，荒淫的，有伤风化的 | |
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patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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150
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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151
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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152
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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153
infamous
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| adj.声名狼藉的，臭名昭著的，邪恶的 | |
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154
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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155
defender
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| n.保卫者，拥护者，辩护人 | |
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156
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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157
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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158
incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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159
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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160
inquisitive
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| adj.求知欲强的，好奇的，好寻根究底的 | |
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161
uncommonly
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| adv. 稀罕(极，非常) | |
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162
missionary
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| adj.教会的，传教(士)的；n.传教士 | |
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163
vouch
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| v.担保；断定；n.被担保者 | |
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164
trophy
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| n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品 | |
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165
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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166
prescription
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| n.处方，开药；指示，规定 | |
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167
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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168
missionaries
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| n.传教士( missionary的名词复数 ) | |
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169
impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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170
functionaries
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| n.公职人员，官员( functionary的名词复数 ) | |
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171
venial
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| adj.可宽恕的；轻微的 | |
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172
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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173
jaunt
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| v.短程旅游；n.游览 | |
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174
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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175
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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176
siesta
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| n.午睡 | |
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177
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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178
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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