March 21, 2025 • 21 mins
Almayer’s Folly is a dramatic tale of ambition, greed, and personal downfall. European trader Kaspar Almayer, obsessed with finding gold in Malaysia, watches his dreams crumble as his family and fortune slip away. A haunting study of colonialism and failure.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Chapter four. That year, towards the breaking up of the
Southwest monsoon, disquieting rumors reached Szamvir. Captain Ford, coming up
to Almyer's house for an evening's chat, brought late numbers
of the Straits times, giving the news of a keen
war and of the unsuccessful Dutch expedition. The Nakhodas of
(00:23):
the rare trading prows ascending the river paid visits to Lakamba,
discussing with that cotentate the unsteadled state of affairs, and
wagged their heads greatly over the recital of Oranglanda exaction,
severity and general tyranny, as exemplified in the total stoppage
of gunpowder trade and the rigorous visiting of all suspicious
craft trading in the streets of Makassa. Even the loyal
(00:47):
soul of Lakamba was stirred into a state of inward
discontent by the withdrawal of his license for powder and
by the abrupt confiscation of one hundred and fifty barrels
of that commodity by the gunboat Prince Amelia, when, after
a hazardous voyage it had almost reached the mouth of
the river. The unpleasant news was given him by Rashid, who,
(01:09):
after the unsuccessful issue of his matrimonial projects, had made
a long voyage amongst the islands for trading purposes, had
brought the powder for his friend, and was overhauled and
deprived of it on his return. When actually congratulating himself
on his acuteness in avoiding detection, Rashid's wrath was principally
directed against all Meyer, whom he suspected of having notified
(01:32):
the Dutch authorities of the desultory warfare carried on by
the Arabs and the Raja with the up River Dyak tribes.
To Rashid's great surprise, the Rajah received his complaints very
coldly and showed no signs of vengeful disposition towards the
white man. In truth, the Kamba knew very well that
(01:52):
all Meyer was perfectly innocent of any meddling in state affairs,
and besides, his attitude towards that much persecuted individual was
wholly changed in consequence of a reconciliation effected between him
and his old enemy by Allmyer's newly found friend, Dane Marula.
Almeyer now had a friend. Shortly after Rashid's departure on
(02:15):
his commercial journey. Nina, drifting slowly with the tide in
the canoe on her return home after one of her
solitary excursions, heard in one of the small creeks a splashing,
as if of heavy ropes dropping in the water, and
a prolonged sound of melee seamen when some heavy pulling
is to be done. Through the thick fringe of bushes
hiding the mouth of the creek, she saw the tall
(02:38):
spars of some European rigged sailing vessel overtopping the summits
of the Nepot palms. A brig was being hauled out
of the small creek into the mainstream. The sun had set,
and during the short moments of twilight, Nina saw the brig,
aided by the evening breeze and the flowing tide, head
towards Zambier. Under her set for sail, the girl turned
(03:00):
a canoe out of the main river into one of
the many narrow channels amongst the wooded islets, and paddled
vigorously over the black and sleepy back waters towards sam Beer.
Her canoe brushed the water palms skirt at the short
spaces of muddy bank, where sedate alligators looked at her
with lazy, young concern, and just as darkness was setting in,
shot out into the broad junction of the two main
(03:22):
branches of the river, where the brig was already at anchor,
with sails furled, yards squared, and decks seemingly untented by
any human being. Nina had to cross the river and
pass pretty close to the brig in order to reach
home of the low promonatory between the two branches of
the Pantai up both branches, in the houses building the banks,
(03:43):
and over the water. The lights twinkled already reflected in
the still waters below, the hum of voices, the occasional
cry of a child, the rapid and abruptly interrupted roll
of a wooden drum, together with some distant hailing in
the darkness by the returning fishermen, reached her over the
broad expanse of the river. She hesitated a little before
crossing the sight of such an unusual object as a
(04:06):
European rigged vessel, causing her some uneasiness. But the river,
in its wide expansion was dark enough to render a
small canoe invisible. She urged her small craft with swiss
strokes of her paddle, kneeling in the bottom and bending
forward to catch any suspicious sound, while she steered towards
the little jetty of Lingard and Company, to which the
strong light of the paraffin lamp shining on the whitewashed
(04:28):
veranda of all Meyer's bungalow, served as a convenient guide.
The jetty itself, under the shadow of the bank, overgrown
by drooping bushes, was hidden in darkness. Before even she
could see it, she heard the hollow thumping of a
large boat against its rotten post, and heard also the
murmur of whispered conversation in that boat, whose white paint
(04:49):
and great dimensions, faintly visible on nearer approach, made her
rightly guess that it belonged to the brig just anchored.
Stopping her course by a rapid motion of her paddle.
With another swift stroke, she sent it whirling away from
the wharf and steered for a little rivulet which gave
access to the back courtyard of the house. She landed
at the muddy head of the creek and made her
(05:11):
way towards the house o'er the trodden grass of the
courtyard to the left from the cooking shed, shown a
red glare through the banana plantation. She skirted, and the
noise of feminine laughter reached her from there in the
silent evening. She rightly judged her mother was not near laughter,
and missus Almyer not being close neighbors, she must be
(05:32):
in the house, thought Nina, as she ran lightly up
the inclined plane of shaky planks leading to the back
door of the narrow passage dividing the house in two.
Outside the doorway, in the black shadow, stood the faithful Ali.
Who is there, asked Nina. A great Malay man has come,
answered Ali, in a tone of suppressed excitement. He is
(05:53):
a rich man. There are six men with lances, real
so that you understand. And his dress is very brave.
I have seen his dress. It shines. What jewels? Don't
go there, mem Nina. Twan said not, But the old
man is gone. Twan will be angry, merciful Allah, what
jewels that man has got. Nina slipped past the outstretched
(06:14):
hand of the slave into the dark passage, where in
the crimson glow of the hanging curtain close by its
other end, she could see a small dark form crouching
near the wall. Her mother was feasting her eyes and
ears with what was taking place on the front piranda
A Nina approached to take her share in the rare
pleasure of some novelty. She was met by her mother's
(06:35):
extended arm and by a low murmured warning not to
make a noise. Have you seen? The mother asked Nina
in a breathless whisper, missus allmyer turned her face towards
the girl, and her sunken eyes shone strangely in the
red half light of the passage. I saw him, she said,
in an almost inaudible tone, pressing her daughter's hand with
(06:56):
her bony fingers. A great lasha has come to Saint Viert,
the son of Heaven, muttered the old woman to herself.
Go away, girl. The two women stood close to the curtain,
Nina wishing to approach the rent in the stuff, and
her mother defending the position with angry obstinacy. On the
other side. There was a lull in the conversation, but
(07:16):
the breathing of several men, the occasional light tinkling of
some ornaments, the clink of metal scabbards or of brass.
Syria vessels passed from hand to hand was audible. During
the short pause, the women struggled silently. When there was
a shuffling noise and the shadow of Allmeyer's burly form
fell on the curtain, the women ceased struggling and remained motionless.
(07:38):
All Meyer had stood up to answer his guest, turning
his back to the doorway, unaware of what was going
on on the other side, he spoke in a tone
of regretful irritation. You have come to the wrong house,
Twan Maroula. If you want to trade, as you say,
I was a trader once, not now. Whatever you may
have heard about mea ma cassa, And if you want anything,
(08:00):
you will not find it here. I have nothing to
give and want nothing myself. You should go to the Rajah.
Here you can see in the daytime his houses across
the river. There where those fires are burning on the shore.
He will help you and trade with you. Or better still,
go to the Arabs over there, he would on bitterly,
pointing with his hand towards the houses of Samvir Abdullah
(08:22):
is the man you want. There is nothing he would
not buy, and there is nothing he would not sell.
Believe me, I know him well. He waited for an
answer a short time, then added, all that I have
said is true, and there is nothing more. Nina, held
back by her mother, heard a soft voice reply with
(08:43):
a calm evenness of intonation peculiar to the better class
Malays who would doubt a white Twan's words. A man
seeks his friends where his heart tells him. Is this
not true? Also? I have come, although so late, for
I have something to say which you might be glad
to hear. Tomorrow I will go to the Sultan. A
(09:03):
traitor wants the friendship of great men. Then I shall
return here to speak serious words. If Twang permits, I
shall not go to the Arabs. Their lives are very great?
What are they? Chillakaka all Meyer's voice sounded a little
more pleasantly in reply, Well, as you like, I can
hear you tomorrow at any time if you have anything
(09:25):
to say Bath. After you have seen the Sultan La Kamba,
you will not want to return here in Ji Dane.
You will see only mind. I will have nothing to
do with La Kamba. You may tell him, so what
is your business with me? After all? Tomorrow we talk Twan?
Now I know you answered, to Melee, I speak English
(09:45):
a little, so we can talk and nobody will understand.
And then he interrupted himself, suddenly asking surprise, what's that noise?
Twan all Meyer had also heard the increasing noise of
the scuffle recommenced on the woman's side of them the curtain. Evidently,
Nina's strong curiosity was on the point of overcoming Missus
(10:05):
Almeyer's exalted sense of social proprieties. Hard breathing was distinctly audible,
and the curtain shook during the contest, which was mainly physical,
although missus Allmyers's voice was heard in angry remonstrance, with
its usual want of strictly logical reasoning, but with the
well known richness of invective. You shameless woman, are you
(10:26):
a slave? Shouted shrilly the irate matron. Veil your face, abandoned, wretch,
you white snake. I will not let you. Allmeyer's face
expressed annoyance and also doubt as to the advisability of
interfering between mother and daughter. He glanced at his Malay visitor,
who was waiting silently for the end of the uproar,
in an attitude of amused expectation and waving his hand contemptuously,
(10:50):
he murmured, it is nothing some women. The melee nodded
his head gravely, and his face assumed an expression of
serene indifference, as etiquette demanded. After such an explanation, the
contest was ended behind the curtain, and evidently the younger
will had its way. For the rapid shuffle and click
of Missus Allmyer's high heeled sandals died away in the distance.
(11:14):
The tranquilized master of the house was going to resume
the conversation when struck by an unexpected change in the
expression of his guest countenance, he turned his head and
saw Nina standing in the doorway. After Missus Allmyer's retreat
from the field of battle, Nina, with a contemptuous exclamation,
it's only a traitor, had lifted the conquered curtain and
(11:36):
now stood in full light, framed in the dark background
of the passage. Her lips slightly parted her hair in disorder.
After the exertion, the angry gleam not yet faded out
of her glorious and sparkling eyes. She took in at
a glance the group of white clad lancemen standing motionless
in the shadow in the far off end of the verandah,
(11:57):
and her gaze rested curiously on the chief of that
imposing cortege. He stood almost facing her, a little on
one side, and struck by the beauty of the unexpected apparition,
had bent low, elevating his joint hands above his head
in a sign of respect accorded by malays only to
the grate of this earth. The crude light of the
(12:18):
lamp shone on the gold embroidery of his black silk jacket,
broke in a thousand sparkling rays on the jeweled hilt
of his crisp protruding from under the many folds of
the red sarong, gathered into a sash round his waist,
and played on the precious stones of the many rings
on his dark fingers. He straightened himself up quickly after
the low bow, putting his hand with a graceful ease
(12:41):
on the hilt of his heavy short sword ornamented with
brilliantly dyed fringes of horsehair. Nina, hesitating on the threshold,
saw an erect, live figure of medium height, with a
breadth of shoulder suggesting great power, under the folds of
a blue turban, whose fringed ends hung gracefully over the
left shoulder. Was a face full of determination and expressing
(13:04):
a reckless good humor, not devoid, however, of some dignity.
The squareness of lower jaw, the full red lips, the
mobile nostrils, and the proud carriage of the head gave
the impression of a being half savage, untamed, perhaps cruel,
and corrected the liquid softness of the almost feminine eye
that general characteristic of the race. Now the first surprise
(13:28):
over Nina saw those eyes fixed upon her with such
an uncontrolled expression of admiration and desired that she felt
a hitherto unknown feeling of shyness mixed with alarm and
some delight enter and penetrate her whole. Being confused by
those unusual sensations, she stopped in the doorway and instinctively
(13:48):
drew the lower part of the curtain across her face,
leaving only half a rounded cheek, a stray tress in
one eye exposed, wherewith to contemplate the gorgeous and bold being,
so unlike appearance to the rare specimens of traitors she
had seen before on that same Veranda. Dane Marula dazzled
by the unexpected vision, forgot the confused Almayer, forgot his
(14:11):
brig his escort, staring in open mouthed admiration, the object
of his visit, in all things else, in his overpowering
desire to prolong the contemplation, as so much loveliness met
so suddenly in such an unlikely place, as he thought,
it is my daughter, said Olmayer in an embarrassed manner.
It is of no consequence. White women have their customs,
(14:34):
as you know, twan, having traveled much as you say. However,
it is late. We will finish our talk tomorrow. Dane
bent low, trying to convey in a last glance towards
the girl, the bold expression of his overwhelming admiration. The
next minute he was shaking all Meyer's hand with grave courtesy,
his face wearing a look of stolet unconcern as to
(14:55):
any feminine presence. His men filed off, and he followed
them quickly, closely attended by a thick set, savage looking
Sumatris he had introduced before as the commander of his grief.
Nina walked through the balustrad of the Verandah and saw
the sheen of moonlight on the steel spearheads, and heard
the rhythmic jingle of brass anklets as the men moved
(15:17):
in single file towards the jetty. The boat shoved off
after a little while, looming large in the full light
of the moon, a black, shapeless mast in the slight
haze hanging over the water. Nina fancied she could distinguish
the graceful figure of the trader standing erect in the
stern sheets. But in a little while all the outlines
got blurred, confused, and soon disappeared in folds of white
(15:40):
vapor shrouding the middle of the river. Almayer had approached
his daughter, and, leaning with both arms over the rail,
was looking moodily down on the heap of rubbish and
broken bottles at the foot of the veranda. What was
all that noise just now, he growled peevishly, without looking up.
Confound you and your mother? What did she want? What
(16:00):
did you come out for? She did not want to
let me come out, said Nina. She is angry, she says.
The man just gone is some rajah. I think she
is right now. I believe all you women are crazy,
snarled Almyer. What's that to you? To her to anybody.
The man was to collect tripang and bird's nest on
the islands. He told me so that Rajah of yours
(16:23):
he will come tomorrow. I want you both to keep
away from the house and let me attend to my
business in peace. Jane Marula came the next day and
had a long conversation with Almayer. This was the beginning
of a close and friendly intercourse, which at first was
much remarked in Sambrt till the population got used to
the frequent sight of many fires burning in all Meyer's kampong,
(16:46):
where Marula's men were warming themselves during the cold nights
of the northeast monsoon, while their master had long conferences
with the Twan patou as they styled Almyer amongst themselves.
Great was the curiosity in sam Beer on the subject
of the new trader. Had he seen the Sultan? What
did the sultans say? Had he given any presents? What
(17:08):
would he sell? What would he buy? Those were the
questions broached eagerly by the inhabitants of bamboo houses built
over the river, even in more substantial buildings in Abdullah's house,
in the residences of principal traders, Arab, Chinese and Bugis.
The excitement ran high and lasted many days with inborn suspicion.
(17:29):
They would not believe the simple account of himself. The
young trader was always ready to give. Yet it had
all the appearance of truth. He said he was a
trader and sold rice. He did not want to buy
gud a perch or beeswax, because he intended to employ
his numerous crew in collecting chipang on the coral ries
outside the river and also in seeking for bird's nest
(17:52):
on the mainland. Those two articles he professed himself that
he to buy if there were any to be obtained
in that way. He said he was from Bali and
a Brahmin, which last statement he made good by refusing
all food during his often repeated visits to Lakamba's and
all meyers houses to Lakamba, he went generally at night
(18:13):
and had long audiences. Babolachi, who was always a third
party at those meetings of potentate and traitor, knew how
to resist all attempts on the part of the curious
to ascertain the subject of so many long talks. When
questioned with languid curiosity by the grave Abdullah, he sought
refuge in a vacant stare of his one eye, and
(18:34):
in the affectation of extreme simplicity. I am only my
master slave, murmured Babolachi in a hesitating manner. Then, as
if making up his mind suddenly for our reckless confidence,
he would inform Abdullah of some transaction in Rice, repeating
the words a hundred big bags the Sultan bought a
hundred twam in a tone of mysterious solemnity. Abdullah, finally
(18:58):
persuaded of the existence of some more important dealings, received, however,
the information with all the signs of respectful astonishment, and
the two would separate, the Arab cursing inwardly the wily dog,
while Babolachi went on his way, walking on the dusty path,
his body swaying, his chin with its few gray hairs
pushed forward, resembling an inquisitive goat. Then, on some unlawful expedition,
(19:24):
attentive eyes watched his movements. Jim Eng descrying Babolachi far away,
would shake off the stupor of an habitual opium smoker,
and tottering on to the middle of the road, would
await the approach of that important person, ready with hospitable invitation,
But Babolachi's discretion was proof even against the combined assaults
(19:44):
of good fellowship and of strong gin generously administered by
the open hearted Chinamen jim Ang, Owing himself beaten, was
left uninformed with the empty bottle, and gazed sadly after
the departing form of the Statesman of sambr pursuing his
devious and unsteady way, which as usual led him to
Allmyer's compound. Ever since a reconciliation had been affected by
(20:09):
Dane Marula between his white friend and the Rasa, the
one eyed diplomatist had again become a frequent guest in
the Dutchman's house, to Allmyer's great disgust. He was to
be seen there at all times, strolling about in an
abstracted kind of way on the verandah, skulking in the passages,
or else popping round on expected corners, always willing to
(20:32):
engage Missus Almyer in confidential conversation. He was very shy
of the Master himself, as if suspicious that the pent
up feelings of the white man towards his person might
find then in a sudden kick. But the cooking shed
was his favorite place, and he became an habitual guest there,
squatting for hours amongst the busy women, with his chin
(20:54):
resting on his knees, his lean arms clasped round his legs,
and his one eye roving on easily, the very picture
of watchful ugliness. All Meyer wanted more than once to
complain to Lakamba of his prime minister's intrusion, but Dane
dissuaded him. We cannot say a word here that he
does not hear ralph Olmeyer. Then come and talk on
(21:17):
board the brig, retorted Dane with a quiet smile. It
is good to let the man come here. Le Kamba
thinks he knows much. Perhaps the Sultan thinks I want
to run away. Better, let the one eyed crocodile sun
himself in your kampong twang. And all Meyer assented unwillingly,
muttering vague threats of personal violence while he eyed malevolently,
(21:38):
the aged statesman sitting with quiet obstinacy by his domestic
rice pot End of chapter four recording by Tom Weiss
Tom's audiobooks dot Com
Chapter four. That year, towards the breaking up of the
Southwest monsoon, disquieting rumors reached Szamvir. Captain Ford, coming up
to Almyer's house for an evening's chat, brought late numbers
of the Straits times, giving the news of a keen
war and of the unsuccessful Dutch expedition. The Nakhodas of
(00:23):
the rare trading prows ascending the river paid visits to Lakamba,
discussing with that cotentate the unsteadled state of affairs, and
wagged their heads greatly over the recital of Oranglanda exaction,
severity and general tyranny, as exemplified in the total stoppage
of gunpowder trade and the rigorous visiting of all suspicious
craft trading in the streets of Makassa. Even the loyal
(00:47):
soul of Lakamba was stirred into a state of inward
discontent by the withdrawal of his license for powder and
by the abrupt confiscation of one hundred and fifty barrels
of that commodity by the gunboat Prince Amelia, when, after
a hazardous voyage it had almost reached the mouth of
the river. The unpleasant news was given him by Rashid, who,
(01:09):
after the unsuccessful issue of his matrimonial projects, had made
a long voyage amongst the islands for trading purposes, had
brought the powder for his friend, and was overhauled and
deprived of it on his return. When actually congratulating himself
on his acuteness in avoiding detection, Rashid's wrath was principally
directed against all Meyer, whom he suspected of having notified
(01:32):
the Dutch authorities of the desultory warfare carried on by
the Arabs and the Raja with the up River Dyak tribes.
To Rashid's great surprise, the Rajah received his complaints very
coldly and showed no signs of vengeful disposition towards the
white man. In truth, the Kamba knew very well that
(01:52):
all Meyer was perfectly innocent of any meddling in state affairs,
and besides, his attitude towards that much persecuted individual was
wholly changed in consequence of a reconciliation effected between him
and his old enemy by Allmyer's newly found friend, Dane Marula.
Almeyer now had a friend. Shortly after Rashid's departure on
(02:15):
his commercial journey. Nina, drifting slowly with the tide in
the canoe on her return home after one of her
solitary excursions, heard in one of the small creeks a splashing,
as if of heavy ropes dropping in the water, and
a prolonged sound of melee seamen when some heavy pulling
is to be done. Through the thick fringe of bushes
hiding the mouth of the creek, she saw the tall
(02:38):
spars of some European rigged sailing vessel overtopping the summits
of the Nepot palms. A brig was being hauled out
of the small creek into the mainstream. The sun had set,
and during the short moments of twilight, Nina saw the brig,
aided by the evening breeze and the flowing tide, head
towards Zambier. Under her set for sail, the girl turned
(03:00):
a canoe out of the main river into one of
the many narrow channels amongst the wooded islets, and paddled
vigorously over the black and sleepy back waters towards sam Beer.
Her canoe brushed the water palms skirt at the short
spaces of muddy bank, where sedate alligators looked at her
with lazy, young concern, and just as darkness was setting in,
shot out into the broad junction of the two main
(03:22):
branches of the river, where the brig was already at anchor,
with sails furled, yards squared, and decks seemingly untented by
any human being. Nina had to cross the river and
pass pretty close to the brig in order to reach
home of the low promonatory between the two branches of
the Pantai up both branches, in the houses building the banks,
(03:43):
and over the water. The lights twinkled already reflected in
the still waters below, the hum of voices, the occasional
cry of a child, the rapid and abruptly interrupted roll
of a wooden drum, together with some distant hailing in
the darkness by the returning fishermen, reached her over the
broad expanse of the river. She hesitated a little before
crossing the sight of such an unusual object as a
(04:06):
European rigged vessel, causing her some uneasiness. But the river,
in its wide expansion was dark enough to render a
small canoe invisible. She urged her small craft with swiss
strokes of her paddle, kneeling in the bottom and bending
forward to catch any suspicious sound, while she steered towards
the little jetty of Lingard and Company, to which the
strong light of the paraffin lamp shining on the whitewashed
(04:28):
veranda of all Meyer's bungalow, served as a convenient guide.
The jetty itself, under the shadow of the bank, overgrown
by drooping bushes, was hidden in darkness. Before even she
could see it, she heard the hollow thumping of a
large boat against its rotten post, and heard also the
murmur of whispered conversation in that boat, whose white paint
(04:49):
and great dimensions, faintly visible on nearer approach, made her
rightly guess that it belonged to the brig just anchored.
Stopping her course by a rapid motion of her paddle.
With another swift stroke, she sent it whirling away from
the wharf and steered for a little rivulet which gave
access to the back courtyard of the house. She landed
at the muddy head of the creek and made her
(05:11):
way towards the house o'er the trodden grass of the
courtyard to the left from the cooking shed, shown a
red glare through the banana plantation. She skirted, and the
noise of feminine laughter reached her from there in the
silent evening. She rightly judged her mother was not near laughter,
and missus Almyer not being close neighbors, she must be
(05:32):
in the house, thought Nina, as she ran lightly up
the inclined plane of shaky planks leading to the back
door of the narrow passage dividing the house in two.
Outside the doorway, in the black shadow, stood the faithful Ali.
Who is there, asked Nina. A great Malay man has come,
answered Ali, in a tone of suppressed excitement. He is
(05:53):
a rich man. There are six men with lances, real
so that you understand. And his dress is very brave.
I have seen his dress. It shines. What jewels? Don't
go there, mem Nina. Twan said not, But the old
man is gone. Twan will be angry, merciful Allah, what
jewels that man has got. Nina slipped past the outstretched
(06:14):
hand of the slave into the dark passage, where in
the crimson glow of the hanging curtain close by its
other end, she could see a small dark form crouching
near the wall. Her mother was feasting her eyes and
ears with what was taking place on the front piranda
A Nina approached to take her share in the rare
pleasure of some novelty. She was met by her mother's
(06:35):
extended arm and by a low murmured warning not to
make a noise. Have you seen? The mother asked Nina
in a breathless whisper, missus allmyer turned her face towards
the girl, and her sunken eyes shone strangely in the
red half light of the passage. I saw him, she said,
in an almost inaudible tone, pressing her daughter's hand with
(06:56):
her bony fingers. A great lasha has come to Saint Viert,
the son of Heaven, muttered the old woman to herself.
Go away, girl. The two women stood close to the curtain,
Nina wishing to approach the rent in the stuff, and
her mother defending the position with angry obstinacy. On the
other side. There was a lull in the conversation, but
(07:16):
the breathing of several men, the occasional light tinkling of
some ornaments, the clink of metal scabbards or of brass.
Syria vessels passed from hand to hand was audible. During
the short pause, the women struggled silently. When there was
a shuffling noise and the shadow of Allmeyer's burly form
fell on the curtain, the women ceased struggling and remained motionless.
(07:38):
All Meyer had stood up to answer his guest, turning
his back to the doorway, unaware of what was going
on on the other side, he spoke in a tone
of regretful irritation. You have come to the wrong house,
Twan Maroula. If you want to trade, as you say,
I was a trader once, not now. Whatever you may
have heard about mea ma cassa, And if you want anything,
(08:00):
you will not find it here. I have nothing to
give and want nothing myself. You should go to the Rajah.
Here you can see in the daytime his houses across
the river. There where those fires are burning on the shore.
He will help you and trade with you. Or better still,
go to the Arabs over there, he would on bitterly,
pointing with his hand towards the houses of Samvir Abdullah
(08:22):
is the man you want. There is nothing he would
not buy, and there is nothing he would not sell.
Believe me, I know him well. He waited for an
answer a short time, then added, all that I have
said is true, and there is nothing more. Nina, held
back by her mother, heard a soft voice reply with
(08:43):
a calm evenness of intonation peculiar to the better class
Malays who would doubt a white Twan's words. A man
seeks his friends where his heart tells him. Is this
not true? Also? I have come, although so late, for
I have something to say which you might be glad
to hear. Tomorrow I will go to the Sultan. A
(09:03):
traitor wants the friendship of great men. Then I shall
return here to speak serious words. If Twang permits, I
shall not go to the Arabs. Their lives are very great?
What are they? Chillakaka all Meyer's voice sounded a little
more pleasantly in reply, Well, as you like, I can
hear you tomorrow at any time if you have anything
(09:25):
to say Bath. After you have seen the Sultan La Kamba,
you will not want to return here in Ji Dane.
You will see only mind. I will have nothing to
do with La Kamba. You may tell him, so what
is your business with me? After all? Tomorrow we talk Twan?
Now I know you answered, to Melee, I speak English
(09:45):
a little, so we can talk and nobody will understand.
And then he interrupted himself, suddenly asking surprise, what's that noise?
Twan all Meyer had also heard the increasing noise of
the scuffle recommenced on the woman's side of them the curtain. Evidently,
Nina's strong curiosity was on the point of overcoming Missus
(10:05):
Almeyer's exalted sense of social proprieties. Hard breathing was distinctly audible,
and the curtain shook during the contest, which was mainly physical,
although missus Allmyers's voice was heard in angry remonstrance, with
its usual want of strictly logical reasoning, but with the
well known richness of invective. You shameless woman, are you
(10:26):
a slave? Shouted shrilly the irate matron. Veil your face, abandoned, wretch,
you white snake. I will not let you. Allmeyer's face
expressed annoyance and also doubt as to the advisability of
interfering between mother and daughter. He glanced at his Malay visitor,
who was waiting silently for the end of the uproar,
in an attitude of amused expectation and waving his hand contemptuously,
(10:50):
he murmured, it is nothing some women. The melee nodded
his head gravely, and his face assumed an expression of
serene indifference, as etiquette demanded. After such an explanation, the
contest was ended behind the curtain, and evidently the younger
will had its way. For the rapid shuffle and click
of Missus Allmyer's high heeled sandals died away in the distance.
(11:14):
The tranquilized master of the house was going to resume
the conversation when struck by an unexpected change in the
expression of his guest countenance, he turned his head and
saw Nina standing in the doorway. After Missus Allmyer's retreat
from the field of battle, Nina, with a contemptuous exclamation,
it's only a traitor, had lifted the conquered curtain and
(11:36):
now stood in full light, framed in the dark background
of the passage. Her lips slightly parted her hair in disorder.
After the exertion, the angry gleam not yet faded out
of her glorious and sparkling eyes. She took in at
a glance the group of white clad lancemen standing motionless
in the shadow in the far off end of the verandah,
(11:57):
and her gaze rested curiously on the chief of that
imposing cortege. He stood almost facing her, a little on
one side, and struck by the beauty of the unexpected apparition,
had bent low, elevating his joint hands above his head
in a sign of respect accorded by malays only to
the grate of this earth. The crude light of the
(12:18):
lamp shone on the gold embroidery of his black silk jacket,
broke in a thousand sparkling rays on the jeweled hilt
of his crisp protruding from under the many folds of
the red sarong, gathered into a sash round his waist,
and played on the precious stones of the many rings
on his dark fingers. He straightened himself up quickly after
the low bow, putting his hand with a graceful ease
(12:41):
on the hilt of his heavy short sword ornamented with
brilliantly dyed fringes of horsehair. Nina, hesitating on the threshold,
saw an erect, live figure of medium height, with a
breadth of shoulder suggesting great power, under the folds of
a blue turban, whose fringed ends hung gracefully over the
left shoulder. Was a face full of determination and expressing
(13:04):
a reckless good humor, not devoid, however, of some dignity.
The squareness of lower jaw, the full red lips, the
mobile nostrils, and the proud carriage of the head gave
the impression of a being half savage, untamed, perhaps cruel,
and corrected the liquid softness of the almost feminine eye
that general characteristic of the race. Now the first surprise
(13:28):
over Nina saw those eyes fixed upon her with such
an uncontrolled expression of admiration and desired that she felt
a hitherto unknown feeling of shyness mixed with alarm and
some delight enter and penetrate her whole. Being confused by
those unusual sensations, she stopped in the doorway and instinctively
(13:48):
drew the lower part of the curtain across her face,
leaving only half a rounded cheek, a stray tress in
one eye exposed, wherewith to contemplate the gorgeous and bold being,
so unlike appearance to the rare specimens of traitors she
had seen before on that same Veranda. Dane Marula dazzled
by the unexpected vision, forgot the confused Almayer, forgot his
(14:11):
brig his escort, staring in open mouthed admiration, the object
of his visit, in all things else, in his overpowering
desire to prolong the contemplation, as so much loveliness met
so suddenly in such an unlikely place, as he thought,
it is my daughter, said Olmayer in an embarrassed manner.
It is of no consequence. White women have their customs,
(14:34):
as you know, twan, having traveled much as you say. However,
it is late. We will finish our talk tomorrow. Dane
bent low, trying to convey in a last glance towards
the girl, the bold expression of his overwhelming admiration. The
next minute he was shaking all Meyer's hand with grave courtesy,
his face wearing a look of stolet unconcern as to
(14:55):
any feminine presence. His men filed off, and he followed
them quickly, closely attended by a thick set, savage looking
Sumatris he had introduced before as the commander of his grief.
Nina walked through the balustrad of the Verandah and saw
the sheen of moonlight on the steel spearheads, and heard
the rhythmic jingle of brass anklets as the men moved
(15:17):
in single file towards the jetty. The boat shoved off
after a little while, looming large in the full light
of the moon, a black, shapeless mast in the slight
haze hanging over the water. Nina fancied she could distinguish
the graceful figure of the trader standing erect in the
stern sheets. But in a little while all the outlines
got blurred, confused, and soon disappeared in folds of white
(15:40):
vapor shrouding the middle of the river. Almayer had approached
his daughter, and, leaning with both arms over the rail,
was looking moodily down on the heap of rubbish and
broken bottles at the foot of the veranda. What was
all that noise just now, he growled peevishly, without looking up.
Confound you and your mother? What did she want? What
(16:00):
did you come out for? She did not want to
let me come out, said Nina. She is angry, she says.
The man just gone is some rajah. I think she
is right now. I believe all you women are crazy,
snarled Almyer. What's that to you? To her to anybody.
The man was to collect tripang and bird's nest on
the islands. He told me so that Rajah of yours
(16:23):
he will come tomorrow. I want you both to keep
away from the house and let me attend to my
business in peace. Jane Marula came the next day and
had a long conversation with Almayer. This was the beginning
of a close and friendly intercourse, which at first was
much remarked in Sambrt till the population got used to
the frequent sight of many fires burning in all Meyer's kampong,
(16:46):
where Marula's men were warming themselves during the cold nights
of the northeast monsoon, while their master had long conferences
with the Twan patou as they styled Almyer amongst themselves.
Great was the curiosity in sam Beer on the subject
of the new trader. Had he seen the Sultan? What
did the sultans say? Had he given any presents? What
(17:08):
would he sell? What would he buy? Those were the
questions broached eagerly by the inhabitants of bamboo houses built
over the river, even in more substantial buildings in Abdullah's house,
in the residences of principal traders, Arab, Chinese and Bugis.
The excitement ran high and lasted many days with inborn suspicion.
(17:29):
They would not believe the simple account of himself. The
young trader was always ready to give. Yet it had
all the appearance of truth. He said he was a
trader and sold rice. He did not want to buy
gud a perch or beeswax, because he intended to employ
his numerous crew in collecting chipang on the coral ries
outside the river and also in seeking for bird's nest
(17:52):
on the mainland. Those two articles he professed himself that
he to buy if there were any to be obtained
in that way. He said he was from Bali and
a Brahmin, which last statement he made good by refusing
all food during his often repeated visits to Lakamba's and
all meyers houses to Lakamba, he went generally at night
(18:13):
and had long audiences. Babolachi, who was always a third
party at those meetings of potentate and traitor, knew how
to resist all attempts on the part of the curious
to ascertain the subject of so many long talks. When
questioned with languid curiosity by the grave Abdullah, he sought
refuge in a vacant stare of his one eye, and
(18:34):
in the affectation of extreme simplicity. I am only my
master slave, murmured Babolachi in a hesitating manner. Then, as
if making up his mind suddenly for our reckless confidence,
he would inform Abdullah of some transaction in Rice, repeating
the words a hundred big bags the Sultan bought a
hundred twam in a tone of mysterious solemnity. Abdullah, finally
(18:58):
persuaded of the existence of some more important dealings, received, however,
the information with all the signs of respectful astonishment, and
the two would separate, the Arab cursing inwardly the wily dog,
while Babolachi went on his way, walking on the dusty path,
his body swaying, his chin with its few gray hairs
pushed forward, resembling an inquisitive goat. Then, on some unlawful expedition,
(19:24):
attentive eyes watched his movements. Jim Eng descrying Babolachi far away,
would shake off the stupor of an habitual opium smoker,
and tottering on to the middle of the road, would
await the approach of that important person, ready with hospitable invitation,
But Babolachi's discretion was proof even against the combined assaults
(19:44):
of good fellowship and of strong gin generously administered by
the open hearted Chinamen jim Ang, Owing himself beaten, was
left uninformed with the empty bottle, and gazed sadly after
the departing form of the Statesman of sambr pursuing his
devious and unsteady way, which as usual led him to
Allmyer's compound. Ever since a reconciliation had been affected by
(20:09):
Dane Marula between his white friend and the Rasa, the
one eyed diplomatist had again become a frequent guest in
the Dutchman's house, to Allmyer's great disgust. He was to
be seen there at all times, strolling about in an
abstracted kind of way on the verandah, skulking in the passages,
or else popping round on expected corners, always willing to
(20:32):
engage Missus Almyer in confidential conversation. He was very shy
of the Master himself, as if suspicious that the pent
up feelings of the white man towards his person might
find then in a sudden kick. But the cooking shed
was his favorite place, and he became an habitual guest there,
squatting for hours amongst the busy women, with his chin
(20:54):
resting on his knees, his lean arms clasped round his legs,
and his one eye roving on easily, the very picture
of watchful ugliness. All Meyer wanted more than once to
complain to Lakamba of his prime minister's intrusion, but Dane
dissuaded him. We cannot say a word here that he
does not hear ralph Olmeyer. Then come and talk on
(21:17):
board the brig, retorted Dane with a quiet smile. It
is good to let the man come here. Le Kamba
thinks he knows much. Perhaps the Sultan thinks I want
to run away. Better, let the one eyed crocodile sun
himself in your kampong twang. And all Meyer assented unwillingly,
muttering vague threats of personal violence while he eyed malevolently,
(21:38):
the aged statesman sitting with quiet obstinacy by his domestic
rice pot End of chapter four recording by Tom Weiss
Tom's audiobooks dot Com
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