09 - Almayers Folly (version 2) by Joseph Conrad

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.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Sorting by Tom Waits, chapter nine. Can I believe what

(00:05):
you tell me? It is like a tale for men
that listen only half awake by the campfire, and it
seems to have run off a woman's tongue. Who is
there here for me to deceive? O, Rajah, answered Baba Lachi.
Without you, I am nothing. All I have told you
I believe to be true. I have been safe for
many years in the hollow of your hand. This is

(00:27):
no time to harbor suspicions. The danger is very great.
We should advise and acted once before the sun sets.
Right right, muttered La Combo pensively. They had been sitting
for the last hour together in the audience chamber of
the Raja's house. For Baba Lachi, as soon as he
had witnessed the landing of the Dutch officers, had crossed

(00:48):
the river to report to his master the events of
the morning and to confer with him upon the line
of conduct to pursue in the face of aldered circumstances.
They were both puzzled and frightened by the un expect
to turn the events had taken. The Rajah, sitting cross
legged on his chair, looked fixedly at the floor. Bab
Alachi was squatting close by in an attitude of deep dejection.

(01:12):
And where did you say he is hiding now, asked
La Kamba, breaking at last the silence full of gloomy
forebodings in which they both had been lost for a
long while. In Balanji's clearing the furtherest one away from
the house. They went there that very night. The white
man's daughter took him there. She told me so herself,
speaking to me openly, for she is half white and

(01:35):
has no decency. She said she was waiting for him
while he was here. Then after a long time he
came out of the darkness and fell at her feet. Exhausted.
He lay like one dead, But she brought him back
to life in her arms and made him breathe again
with her own breath. That is what she said, speaking
to my face. As I am speaking to you now, Raja,

(01:57):
she is like a white woman and knows no shame.
He paused, deeply. Shot The Kamba nodded his head well,
and then he asked. They called the old woman went
on bab Alachi, and he told them all about the
brig and how he tried to kill many men. He
knew the Orang Blander were very near, although he had

(02:17):
said nothing to us about that. He knew his great danger.
He thought he had killed many, but there were only
too dead, as I have heard from the men of
the sea that came in the warship's boats and the
other man he that was found in the river interrupted
le Kamba, that was one of his boatmen. When his
canoe was overturned by the logs. Those two swam together,

(02:39):
but the other man must have been hurt. Danes swam
holding him up. He left him in the bushes when
he went up to the house. When they all came down,
his heart had ceased to beat. Then the old woman spoke.
Dane thought it was good. He took off his anklet
and broke it, twisting it round the man's foot. His
ring he put on that slip hand. He took off

(03:02):
his sarong and clothed that thing that wanted no clothes,
the two women holding it up meanwhile, their intent being
to deceive all eyes and to mislead the minds in
the settlement, so that they could swear to the thing
that was not and that there could be no treachery.
When the white men came then Dane and the white
woman departed to call up Blanji and find a hiding place.

(03:23):
The old woman remained by the body, I exclaimed le Kamba,
she has wisdom. Yes, she has a devil of her
own to whisper counsel in her ear, ascended Babo Lachi.
She dragged the body with great toil to the point
where many logs were stranded. All these things were done
in the darkness, after the storm had passed away. Then

(03:43):
she waited. At the first sign of daylight, she battered
the face of the dead with a heavy stone, and
she pushed him amongst the logs. She remained near, watching.
At sunrise, mahmat Banjer came and found him. They all
believed I myself was deceived, but not for long. The
white man believed, and grieving, fled to his house. When

(04:05):
we were alone, I, having doubts, spoke to the woman,
and she, fearing my anger and your might, told me
all asking for help and saving Damee. He must not
fall into the hands of the Ranglanda, said le Kamba.
But let him die. If the thing can be done quietly,
it cannot twan. Remember there is that woman who, being

(04:25):
half white, is ungovernable and would raise a great outcry. Also,
the officers are here. They are angry enough. Already Dane
must escape, he must go. We must help him now
for our own safety. Are the officers very angry, inquired
le Kamba with interest. They are the principal chief used

(04:45):
strong words when speaking to me. To me, when I
salaam to your name, I do not think, added Babu Lachi,
after a short pause and looking very worried, I do
not think I saw a white chief so angry before
he said we were careless or even worse. He told
me he would speak to the Raja, and that I
was of no account speak to the Raja, repeated Lecamba thoughtfully. Listen, Babolachi,

(05:10):
I am sick and shall withdraw you cross over and
tell the white men. Yes, said Babolachi, I am going
over at once, and as to Dane, you get him
away as you can best. This is great trouble in
my heart, signed Lakamba. Babolachi got up, and, going close
to his master, spoke earnestly. There is one of our
prows at the southern mouth of the river. The Dutch

(05:33):
warship is to the northward, watching the maid entrance. I
shall send Dane off tonight in a canoe by the
hidden channels on board the prow. His father is a
great prince and shall hear of our generosity. Let the
prow take him to Apannon. Your glory shall be great
and your reward in powerful friendship. Almayer will no doubt

(05:53):
deliver the dead body as deigns to the officers, and
the foolish white men shall say, this is very good.
Let there be peace, and the trouble shall be removed
from your heart. Rajah true, true, said Lakamba. And this
being accomplished by me, who am your slave, you shall
reward with the generous hand that I know the white

(06:15):
man is grieving for the lost treasure in the manner
of white men who thirst after dollars. Now, when all
other things are in order, we shall perhaps obtain the
treasure from the white man. Dane must escape and Almyer
must live. Now, go, Babulachi, go, said Lakamba, getting off
his chair. I am very sick in what medicine tell

(06:35):
the white chief so. But Babolachi was not to be
got rid of in this summary manner. He knew that
his master, after the manner of the great liked to
shift the burden of toil and danger onto his servant's shoulders.
But in the difficult straits in which they were now,
the Rajah must play his part. He may be very
sick for the white men for all the world if

(06:56):
he liked, as long as he would take upon himself
the ex accution of part. At least of Babolachi's carefully
thought out plan. Babolachi wanted a big canoe manned by
twelve men, to be sent out after dark towards Bolanchi's clearing.
Dane may have to be overpowered. A man in love
cannot be expected to see clearly the path of safety

(07:18):
if it leads him away from the object of his affections,
argued Babolachi. And in that case they would have to
use force in order to make him go. Would the
Raja see that trusty men man the canoe. The thing
must be done secretly. Perhaps the Rajah would come himself
so as to bring all the weight of his authority
to bear upon Dane. If he should prove obstinate and

(07:40):
refuse to leave his hiding place, the Raja would not
commit himself to a definite promise, and anxiously pressed Babolachi
to go, being afraid of the white men paying him
an unexpected visit. The aged statesman reluctantly took his leave
and went into the courtyard. Before going down to his bill,
Babolachi stopped for a while in the big open space

(08:03):
where the thick leaved trees put black patches of shadow,
which seemed to float on A flood of smooth, intense
light that rolled up to the houses and down to
the stockade and over the river were broke and sparkled
in thousands of glittering wavelets, like a band woven of
azure and gold, edged with the brilliant green of the forest.
Guarding both banks of the pan tie in the perfect

(08:24):
calm before the coming of the afternoon breeze, the irregularly
jagged line of tree tops stood unchanging, as if traced
by an unsteady hand, on the clear blue of the
hot sky. In the space sheltered by the high palisades.
There lingered the smell of decaying blossoms from the surrounding forest,
a chain of drying fish with now, and then a

(08:45):
whiff of acrid smoke from the cooking fires when it
eddied down from under the leafy bows and clung lazily
about the burned up grass as Babolachi looked up at
the flagstaff. Overtopping a group of low trees in the
middle of the courtyard, The tree tricolor flag of the
Netherlands stirred slightly for the first time since it had
been hoisted that morning on the arrival of the man

(09:07):
of war boats. With a faint rustle of trees. The
breeze came down in light cuffs, playing capriciously for a
time with this emblem of Lakamba's power that was also
the mark of his servitude. Then the breeze freshened in
a sharp gust of wind, and the flag flew out
straight and steady above the trees. A dark shadow ran
along the river, rolling over and covering up the sparkle

(09:29):
of declining sunlight. A big white cloud sailed slowly across
the darkening sky and hung to the westward, as if
waiting for the sun to join it. There, men and
things shook off the torpor of the hot afternoon and
stirred into life under the first breath of the sea breeze.
Bob A Latchi hurried down to the water gate, yet

(09:51):
before he passed through it. He paused to look round
the courtyard with its light and shade, with its cheery fires,
with the groups of Lakamba's soldiers and Rea scattered about.
His own house stood amongst the other buildings in that enclosure.
And the statesman of Sambir asked himself with a sinking heart,
when and how would it be given him to return

(10:12):
to that house? He had to deal with a man
more dangerous than any wild beast of his experience, A
proud man, a man wilful after the manner of princes,
a man in love. And he was going forth to
speak to that man words of cold and worldly wisdom.
Could anything be more appalling? What if that man could

(10:35):
take umbrage at some fancied slight to his honor, or
disregard of his affections, and suddenly a mock the wise
adviser would be the first victim, no doubt, and death
would be his reward. And underlying the horror of this situation,
there was the danger of those meddlesome fools, the white man.
A vision of comfortless exile in far off Mendura rose

(10:58):
up before Babolachi. Wouldn't that be worse than death? Itself,
and there was that half white woman with threatening eyes.
How could he tell what an incomprehensible creature of that
sort would or would not do. She knew so much
that she made the killing of Dane and impossibility. That
much was certain. And yet the sharp, rough edged chrisp

(11:21):
is a good and discreet friend, thought Babolachi, as he
examined his own lovingly and put it back in the
sheet with a sigh of regret, before unfastening his canoe.
As he cast off, the painter pushed out into the
stream and took up his paddle, he realized vividly how
unsatisfactory it was to have women mixed up in state affairs.

(11:42):
Young women, of course, for missus, Allmyer's mature wisdom, and
for the easy aptitude and intrigue that comes with years
to the feminine mind, he felt the most sincere respect.
He paddled leisurely, letting the canoe drift down as he
crossed towards the point. The sun was high yet, and
nothing pressed. His work would commence only with the coming

(12:03):
of darkness. Avoiding the liding garden jetty, he rounded the
point and paddled up the creek at the back of
Allmyer's house. There were many canoes lying there, their noses
all drawn together, fastened, all to the same stake. Babolachi
pushed his little crap in amongst them and stepped on shore.
On the other side of the ditch. Something moved in

(12:24):
the grass. Who's that hiding, hailed Babolachi. Come out and
speak to me. Nobody answered. Babolachi crossed over, passing from
boat to boat, and poked his staff viciously in the
suspicious place. Tammana jumped up with a cry. What are
you doing here? He asked, surprised, I have nearly stepped
on your tray. Am I a dact that you should

(12:46):
hide at my sight? I was weary and I slept,
whispered Tamana Confusedly, you slept. You have not sold anything
today and you will be beaten when you return home,
said Babolachia stood before him, abashed and silent. Babolachi looked
over her carefully with great satisfaction. Decidedly he would offer

(13:09):
fifty dollars more to that thief. Bolangi, the girl, pleased him.
Now you go home, it is late, he said, sharply.
Tell Bolangee that I shall be near his house before
the night is half over, and that I want him
to make all things ready for a long journey. You
understand a long journey to the southward. Tell him that
before sunset, and do not forget my words. Tamana made

(13:33):
a gesture of assent and watched Babolachi recross the ditch
and disappear through the bushes bordering Allmyer's compound. She moved
a little further off the creek and sank in the grass, again,
lying down on her face, shivering in dry eyed misery.
Babolachi walked straight towards the cooking shed, looking for missus Almyer.
The courtyard was in a great uproar. A strange chinaman

(13:56):
had possession of the kitchen fire and was noisily demanding
another song pen. He hurled objurgations in the canton dialect
and bad melee against the group of slave girls standing
a little way off, half frightened, half amused at his violence.
From the camping fires, round which the seamen of the
frigate were sitting came words of encouragement, mingled with laughter

(14:17):
and jeering. In the midst of this noisy confusion, Babolachi
met Ali an empty dish in his hand. Where are
all the white men, asked Babolachi. They are eating in
the front veranda, answered Ali, do not stop me. Twan
I am giving the white men their food, and am busy.
Where's mem Almyer? Inside the passes she is listening to

(14:38):
the talk. Ali grinned and passed on. Babolachi ascended the
plankway to the rear veranda and beckoning, Missus Almyer engaged
her in ernest conversation Through the long passage, closed at
the further end by the red curtain, they could hear
from time to time all Meyer's voice mingling in conversation
with an abrupt loudness that made Missus all Omeer looks

(15:00):
significantly at Babolachi. Listen. She said, he has drunk much,
he has whispered Babolachi. He will sleep heavily tonight. Missus
Allmyer looked doubtful. Sometimes the devil of strong gin makes
him keep awake, and he walks up and down the
veranda all night, cursing. Then we stand afar off, explained

(15:21):
Missus Allmyer, with the fuller knowledge born of twenty odd
years of married life. But then he does not hear
nor understand, and his hand, of course, has no strength.
We do not want him to hear tonight, No, assented
missus Allmyer energetically, but in a cautiously subdued voice. If
he hears, he will kill babo Lachi looked incredulous. Hi, twan,

(15:44):
you may believe me. Have I not lived many years
with that man? Have I not seen death in that
man's eyes more than once when I was younger, and
he guessed at many things. Had he been a man
of my own people, I would not have seen such
a look twice. But he with a contemptuous gesture, she
seemed to fling unutterable scorn on Allmyer's weak minded aversion

(16:05):
to sudden bloodshed. If he has the wish but not
the strength, then what do we fear? Asked Babilachi, after
a short silence during which they both listened to all
Meyer's loud talk till it's subsided into the murmur of
general conversation. What do we fear? Repeated Babulachi again. To
keep the daughter whom he loves, he would strike into

(16:26):
your heart and mind without hesitation, said missus Allmyer. When
the girl is gone, he will be like the devil, unchained,
then you and I had better beware. I am an
old man and fear not death, answered Babolachi with a
mendacious assumption of indifference. But what will you do? I
am an old woman and wish to live, retorted missus, allmyer,

(16:47):
she is my daughter. Also, I shall seek safety at
the feet of our Rajah, speaking in the name of
the past when we were both young and he Babolachi
raised his hand. Enough, you shall be protected, he said soothingly. Again,
the sound of Almeyer's voice was heard, and again, interrupting
their talk. They listened to the confused but loud utterance

(17:09):
coming in bursts of unequal strength, with unexpected pauses and
noisy repetitions that made some words and sentences fall clear
and distinct on their ears. Out of the meaningless jumble
of excited shoutings emphasized by the thumping of Almeyer's fist
upon the table. On the short intervals of silence, the
high complaining note of tumblers standing close together and vibrating

(17:29):
to the shock lingered, growing fainter till it leapt up
again into tumultuous ringing. When a new idea started, a
new rush of words and brought down the heavy hand again.
At last, the quarrelsome shouting ceased, and the thin plane
of disturbed glass died away into reluctant quiet tube. Bab
Alachi and missus Ollmeyer had listened curiously, their bodies bent

(17:52):
and their ears turned towards the passage. At every louder shout,
they nodded at each other with a ridiculous affectation of
scan lies propriety, and they remained in the same attitude
for some time after the noise had ceased. That is
the devil of Gin, whispered Missus Almyer. Yes, he talks
like that sometimes when there is nobody to hear him.

(18:14):
What does he say? Inquired Baba Lachi. Eagerly, you ought
to understand. I have forgotten their talk a little. I
understood he spoke without any respect of the white ruler
in Batavia and of protection, and said he had been wronged.
He said that several times more. I did not understand.
Listen again he speaks, say say, say, clicked Babulachi, trying

(18:37):
to appear shocked, but with a joyous twinkle of his
solitary eye. There will be great trouble between those white men.
I will go round now and see you. Tell your
daughter that there was a sudden and long journey before her,
with much glory and splendor at the end, and tell
her that Dane must go or he must die, and
that he will not go alone. No, he will not

(19:00):
go alone, slowly, repeated missus Almyer with a thoughtful air,
as she crept into the passage. After seeing Babolachi disappear
round the corner of the house, the statesman of sam Vir,
under the impulse of vivid curiosity, made his way quickly
to the front of the house, but once there he
moved slowly and cautiously as he crept step by step

(19:21):
up the stairs of the verandah. On the highest step,
he sat down quietly, his feet on the steps below,
ready for flight should his presence prove unwelcome. He felt
pretty safe, so the table stood nearly endways to him,
and he saw Almyer's back at Nina. He looked full
face and had a side view of both officers, but

(19:45):
of the four persons sitting at the table, only Nina
and the younger officer noticed his noiseless arrival. The momentary
dropping of Nina's eyelids acknowledged Babolachi's presence. She then spoke
at once to the young sub who turned towards her
with attentive lacula, but her gaze was fastened steadily on
her father's face while Almyer was speaking uproariously, disloyalty and unscrupulousness.

(20:09):
What have you ever done to make me loyal? You
have no grip on this country. I had to take
care of myself, and when I asked for protection, I
was met with threats and contempt, and had Arab slander
thrown in my face. I a white man. Don't be violent,
all Meyer, remonstrated the lieutenant. I have heard all this already,

(20:29):
then why do you talk to me about scruples? I
wanted money and I gave powder in exchange. How could
I know that some of your wretched men were going
to be blown up scruples? Pah. He groped unsteadily amongst
the bottles, trying one after another, grumbling to himself the
while no more wine, he muttered discontentedly. You have had enough, Allmyer,

(20:50):
said the lieutenant, as he lighted a cigar. Is it
not time to deliver to us your prisoner? I take
it you have that Dane Marula stowed away safely somewhere still.
We had better get that business over and then we
shall have more drink. Come, don't look at me like this.
All Meyer was staring with stony eyes, his trembling fingers
fumbling about his throat gold. He said, with difficulty, hem

(21:14):
a hand on the wingingpike. You know, sure you will.
Excuse I wanted to say, a little gold for a
little powder. What's that? I know? I know, said the
lieutenant soothingly. No you don't know. Not one of you knows,
shouted Almyer. The government is a fool. I tell you.
Heaps of gold. I am the man that knows I
and another one, but he won't speak. He is, He

(21:38):
checked himself with a feeble smile, and, making an unsuccessful
attempt to pat the officer on the shoulder, knocked over
a couple of empty bottles. Personally, you are a fine fellow,
he said, very distinctly, in a patronizing manner. His head
nodded drowsily as he sat muttering to himself. The two
officers looked at each other helplessly. This won't do, said

(22:00):
the lieutenant, addressing his junior. Have the men mustered in
the compound. Here I must get some sense out of him. Hi,
all Meyer, wake up, man, redeem your word. You gave
your word, You gave your word of honor. You know
Allmyer shook off the officer's hand with impatience, but his
ill humor vanished at once, and he looked up, putting
his forefinger to the side of his nose. You are

(22:23):
very young. There is time for all things, he said,
with an air of great sagacity. The lieutenant turned towards Nina, who,
leaning back in her chair, watched your father's steadily. Really,
I am very much distressed by all this. For your sake,
he exclaimed, I do not know, he went on, speaking
with some embarrassment, whether I have any right to ask

(22:43):
you anything, unless perhaps to withdraw from this painful scene.
But I feel that I must, for your father's good,
suggest that you should. I mean, if you have any
influence over him, you ought to exert it now to
make him keep the promise he gave me before he
got into this state. He observed with discouragement that she
seemed not to take any notice of what he said,

(23:04):
sitting still with half closed eyes. I trust, he began again,
what is the promise you speak of, abruptly asked Nina,
leaving her seat and moving towards her father. Nothing that
is not just and proper. He promised to deliver to
us a man who, in time a profound peace, took
the lives of innocent men to escape the punishment he
deserved for breaking the law. He planned his mischief on

(23:27):
a large scale. It is not his fault if it
failed partially. Of course, you have heard of Dame Meroula.
Your father secured him. I understand, we know he escaped
up this river. Perhaps you and he killed white men,
interrupted Nina. I regret to say they were white. Yes,
two white men lost their lives through that scoundrel's free

(23:49):
two only, exclaimed Nina. The officer looked at her in amazement.
Why why you, he stammered, confused, There might have been
more in a to Nina. And when you get this
this scoundrel, will you go? The lieutenant, still speechless, bound
as as scent. Then I would get him for you,
if I had to seek him in a burning fire.

(24:10):
She burst out with a tense energy. I hate the
sight of your white faces. I hate the sound of
your gentle voices. That is the way you speak to women,
dropping sweet words before any pretty face. I have heard
your voices before. I hope to live here without seeing
any other white face. But this, she added in a
gentler tone, touching lightly her father's cheek. Almeyer ceased as

(24:33):
mumbling and opened his eyes. He caught hold of his
daughter's hand and pressed it to his face, while Nina,
with the other hand, smoothed his rumpled gray hair, looking
defiantly over her father's head at the officer, who had
now regained his composure and returned her look with a cool,
steady stare. Below in front of the verandah, they could

(24:54):
hear the tramp of seamen mustering there. According your orders,
the sub lieutenant came up the steps, while Babolachi stood
up uneasily and with finger on lip, tried to catch
Nina's eye. You are a good girl, whispered Almayer, absently
dropping his father's hand. Father, father, she cried, bending over
him with passionate entreaty. See those two men looking up

(25:16):
at us. Send them away. I can not bear it
any more. Send them away, do what they want, and
let them go. She caught sight of bab Ilachi and
ceased speaking suddenly, but her foot tapped the floor with
rapid beats and a paroxysm of nervous restlessness. The two
officers stood close together, looking on curiously. What has happened?

(25:36):
What is the matter, whispered the younger man. Don't know,
answered the other under his breath. One is furious and
the other is drunk. Not so drunk either. Where are
this look? Almeyer had risen, holding onto his daughter's arm.
He hesitated a moment, then he let go his hold
and lurched halfway across the verandah. There he pulled himself

(25:56):
together and stood very straight, breathing hard and glaring round angrily.
Are the men ready, asked the lieutenant. Already, sir, Now,
mister Almyer, lead the way, said the lieutenant. Allmyer rested
his eyes on him, as if he saw him for
the first time. Two men, he said thickly. The effort
of speaking seemed to interfere with his equilibrium. He took

(26:20):
a quick step to save himself from a fall, and
remained swaying backwards and forwards. Two men, he began again, speaking,
with difficulty. Two white men, men in uniform, honorable men,
I want to say, men of honor. Are you come
none of that, said the officer impatiently. Let us have
that friend of yours. What do you think I am?

(26:42):
Asked Almeyer fiercely. You are drunk, but not so drunk
as not to know what you are doing. Enough of
this tomfoolery, said the officer sternly, or I will have
you put under arrest in your own house. Arrest, laughed
Almyer discordantly. Ha ha ha, arrest. Why I been trying
to get out of this infernal place for twenty years,

(27:02):
and I can you hear man? I can't and never
shall never. He entered his words with a sob and
walked on steadily down the stairs. When in the courtyard
the lieutenant approached him and took him by the arm.
The sub lieutenant and bab Alachi followed close. That's better,
all Meyer, said the officer encouragingly. Where are you going to?

(27:24):
There are only planks there here, he went on, shaking
him slightly. Do we want the boats? No, answered Almeyer viciously,
You want a grave? What wild again? Try to talk
sense grave, roared Almyer, struggling to get himself free. A
hole in the ground. Don't you understand? You must be drunk.
Let me go, Let go, I tell you. He tore

(27:46):
away from the officer's grasp and reeled towards the planks
where the body lay under its white cover. Then he
turned round quickly and faced the semicircle of interested faces.
The sun was sinking rapidly, throwing long shape sadows of
house and trees over the courtyard, But the light lingered
yet on the river, where the logs went drifting past
in mid stream, looking very distinct and black in the

(28:09):
pale red glow. The trunks of the trees in the
forest on the east bank were lost in gloom, while
their highest branches swayed gently in the departing sunlight. The
air felt heavy and cold, in the breeze, expiring in
slight puffs that came over the water. Almyre shivered as
he made an effort to speak, and again, with an
uncertain gesture, he seemed to free his throat from the

(28:31):
grip of an invisible hand. His bloodshot eyes wandered aimlessly
from face to face. There, he said, at last, are
you all there? He is a dangerous man. He dragged
at the cover with hasty violence, and the body rolled
stiffly off the planks and fell at his feet in
rigid helplessness. Cold, perfectly cold, said Almyre, looking round with

(28:53):
a mirthless smile. Sorry, can do no better, and you
can't hang him either, As you observed, you, gentlemen, he added, gravely,
there is no head, and hardly any neck. The last
ray of light was snatched away from the tree tops.
The river grew suddenly dark, and in the great stillness,
the murmur of the flowing water seemed to fill the
vast expanse of gray shadow that descended upon the land.

(29:17):
This is dane, went on Almyre to the silent group
that surrounded him. And I have kept my word, first
one hope, then another, and this is my last. Nothing
is left. Now. You think there is one dead man
here the stake, I assure you I am much more dead.
Why don't you hang me? He suggested suddenly in a

(29:39):
friendly tone, addressing the lieutenant, I as sure assure you
it would be a matter of form altogether. These last words,
he muttered to himself, and walked zigzagging towards his house.
Get out, he thundered at Ali, who was approaching timidly
with offers of assistance from a far Scared groups of

(30:00):
men and women watched his devious progress. He dragged himself
up the stairs by the banister and managed to reach
a chair, into which he fell heavily. He sat for
a while, padding with exertion and anger, and looking round
vaguely for Nina. Then making a threatening gesture towards the
compound where he heard Babolachi's voice, he overturned the table

(30:21):
with his foot, in a great crash of smashed crockery.
He muttered yet menacingly to himself. Then his head fell
on his breast, his eyes closed, and with a deep sigh,
he fell asleep. That night, for the first time in
its history, the peaceful and flourishing settlement of sam Beer
saw the lights shining about Almeyer's folly. These were the

(30:44):
lanterns of the boats hung up by the seamen under
the verandah, where the two officers were holding a court
of inquiry into the truth of the story related to
them by Baba Lachi. Baba Lachi had regained all his importance.
He was eloquent and persuasive, calling heaven on earth to
witness the truth of his statements. There were also other

(31:04):
witnesses Mahmat Banjer and a good many others underwent a
close examination that dragged its weary length far into the evening.
A messenger was sent for Abdullah, who excused himself from
coming on the score of his venerable age, but sent Rashid.
Mahmat had to produce the bangle, and saw with rage
and mortification the Lieutenant put it in his pocket as

(31:27):
one of the proofs of Dane's death, to be sent
in with the official report of the mission. Bab Olachi's
ring was also impounded for the same purpose, but the
experienced statesman was resigned to that loss from the very beginning.
He did not mind, as long as he was sure
that the white men believed. He put that question to
himself earnestly as he left one of the last when

(31:49):
the proceedings came to a close. He was not certain
still if they believed only for a night, he would
put Dane beyond their reach and feel safe himself. He
walked away fast, looking from time to time over his
shoulder in the fear of being followed. But he saw
and heard nothing. Ten o'clock, said the lieutenant, looking at

(32:10):
his watch and yawning, I shall hear some of the
captain's complimentary remarks when we get back miserable businesses. Do
you think all this is true, asked the younger man. True,
it is just possible. But if it isn't true, what
can we do. If we had a dozen boats, we
could patrol the creeks, and that wouldn't be much good.

(32:31):
That drunken madman was right. We haven't enough hold on
his coast. They do what they like. Are our hammocks slung? Yes,
I had told the Coxwin strange couple over there, said
the sub with a wave of his hand towards Almyer's house. Hem, queer, certainly,
what have you been telling her? I was attending to
the father most of the time. I assure you I've

(32:52):
been perfectly civil, protested the other warmly. All right, don't
get excited she objects to civility. Then, from what I understand,
I thought you might have been tender. You know we
are on service. Well, of course, never forget that coldly civil,
that's all. They both laughed a little, and, not feeling sleepy,
began to pace the Verandah side by side. The moon

(33:15):
rose stealthily above the trees and suddenly changed the river
into a stream of scintillating silver. The forest came out
of the black void and stood somber and pensive over
the sparkling water. The breeze died away into a breathless,
calm seamen like. The two officers tramped measurely up and
down without exchanging a word. The loose planks rattled rhythmically

(33:37):
under their steps, with obtrusive, dry sound, in the perfect
silence of the night. As they were wheeling round again,
the younger man stood attendant. Did you hear that? He asked, No,
said the other hear what I thought? I heard a cry?
Ever so faint seemed a woman's voice in that other house.
Ah again, hear it, no, said the lieutenant. After a while,

(34:01):
you young fellows always hear women's voices. If you are
going to dream, you had better get into your hammock.
Good night. The moon mounted higher, and the warm shadows
grew smaller and crept away, as if hiding before the
cold and cruel light. End of chapter nine. Recording by
Tom Weiss Tom's audiobooks dot Com.