第3章
Abdulla，firmlypersuadedoftheexistenceofsomemoreimportantdealings，received，however，theinformationwithallthesignsofrespectfulastonishment。Andthetwowouldseparate，theArabcursinginwardlythewilydog，whileBabalatchiwentonhiswaywalkingonthedustypath，hisbodyswaying，hischinwithitsfewgreyhairspushedforward，resemblinganinquisitivegoatbentonsomeunlawfulexpedition。Attentiveeyeswatchedhismovements。Jim-Eng，descryingBabalatchifaraway，wouldshakeoffthestuporofanhabitualopiumsmokerand，totteringontothemiddleoftheroad，wouldawaittheapproachofthatimportantperson，readywithhospitableinvitation。ButBabalatchi"sdiscretionwasproofevenagainstthecombinedassaultsofgoodfellowshipandofstronggingenerouslyadministeredbytheopen-heartedChinaman。Jim-Eng，owninghimselfbeaten，wasleftuninformedwiththeemptybottle，andgazedsadlyafterthedepartingformofthestatesmanofSambirpursuinghisdeviousandunsteadyway，which，asusual，ledhimtoAlmayer"scompound。EversinceareconciliationhadbeeneffectedbyDainMaroolabetweenhiswhitefriendandtheRajah，theone-eyeddiplomatisthadagainbecomeafrequentguestintheDutchman"shouse。ToAlmayer"sgreatdisgusthewastobeseenthereatalltimes，strollingaboutinanabstractedkindofwayontheverandah，skulkinginthepassages，orelsepoppingroundunexpectedcorners，alwayswillingtoengageMrs。Almayerinconfidentialconversation。Hewasveryshyofthemasterhimself，asifsuspiciousthatthepent-upfeelingsofthewhitemantowardshispersonmightfindventinasuddenkick。Butthecookingshedwashisfavouriteplace，andhebecameanhabitualguestthere，squattingforhoursamongstthebusywomen，withhischinrestingonhisknees，hisleanarmsclaspedroundhislegs，andhisoneeyerovinguneasily——theverypictureofwatchfulugliness。AlmayerwantedmorethanoncetocomplaintoLakambaofhisPrimeMinister"sintrusion，butDaindissuadedhim。"Wecannotsayawordherethathedoesnothear，"growledAlmayer。
"Thencomeandtalkonboardthebrig，"retortedDain，withaquietsmile。"Itisgoodtoletthemancomehere。Lakambathinksheknowsmuch。PerhapstheSultanthinksIwanttorunaway。Betterlettheone-eyedcrocodilesunhimselfinyourcampong，Tuan。"
AndAlmayerassentedunwillinglymutteringvaguethreatsofpersonalviolence，whileheeyedmalevolentlytheagedstatesmansittingwithquietobstinacybyhisdomesticrice-pot。
chapter05
CHAPTERV。
AtlasttheexcitementhaddiedoutinSambir。TheinhabitantsgotusedtothesightofcomingsandgoingsbetweenAlmayer"shouseandthevessel，nowmooredtotheoppositebank，andspeculationastothefeverishactivitydisplayedbyAlmayer"sboatmeninrepairingoldcanoesceasedtointerferewiththeduedischargeofdomesticdutiesbythewomenoftheSettlement。
EventhebaffledJim-Engleftofftroublinghismuddledbrainwithsecretsoftrade，andrelapsedbytheaidofhisopiumpipeintoastateofstupefiedbliss，lettingBabalatchipursuehiswaypasthishouseuninvitedandseeminglyunnoticed。
Soonthatwarmafternoon，whenthedesertedriversparkledundertheverticalsun，thestatesmanofSambircould，withoutanyhindrancefromfriendlyinquirers，shoveoffhislittlecanoefromunderthebushes，whereitwasusuallyhiddenduringhisvisitstoAlmayer"scompound。SlowlyandlanguidlyBabalatchipaddled，crouchinglowintheboat，makinghimselfsmallunderhisasenormoussunhattoescapethescorchingheatreflectedfromthewater。Hewasnotinahurry；hismaster，Lakamba，wassurelyreposingatthistimeoftheday。Hewouldhaveampletimetocrossoverandgreethimonhiswakingwithimportantnews。Willhebedispleased？Willhestrikehisebonywoodstaffangrilyonthefloor，frighteninghimbytheincoherentviolenceofhisexclamations；orwillhesquatdownwithagood-humouredsmile，and，rubbinghishandsgentlyoverhisstomachwithafamiliargesture，expectoratecopiouslyintothebrasssiri-vessel，givingventtoalow，approbativemurmur？
SuchwereBabalatchi"sthoughtsasheskilfullyhandledhispaddle，crossingtheriveronhiswaytotheRajah"scampong，whosestockadesshowedfrombehindthedensefoliageofthebankjustoppositetoAlmayer"sbungalow。
Indeed，hehadareporttomake。Somethingcertainatlasttoconfirmthedailytaleofsuspicions，thedailyhintsoffamiliarity，ofstolenglanceshehadseen，ofshortandburningwordshehadoverheardexchangedbetweenDainMaroolaandAlmayer"sdaughter。
Lakambahad，tillthen，listenedtoitall，calmlyandwithevidentdistrust；nowhewasgoingtobeconvinced，forBabalatchihadtheproof；haditthisverymorning，whenfishingatbreakofdayinthecreekoverwhichstoodBulangi"shouse。
TherefromhisskiffhesawNina"slongcanoedriftpast，thegirlsittinginthesternbendingoverDain，whowasstretchedinthebottomwithhisheadrestingonthegirl"sknees。Hesawit。
Hefollowedthem，butinashorttimetheytooktothepaddlesandgotawayfromunderhisobservanteye。AfewminutesafterwardshesawBulangi"sslave-girlpaddlinginasmalldug-outtothetownwithhercakesforsale。Shealsohadseentheminthegreydawn。AndBabalatchigrinnedconfidentiallytohimselfattherecollectionoftheslave-girl"sdiscomposedface，ofthehardlookinhereyes，ofthetrembleinhervoice，whenansweringhisquestions。ThatlittleTaminahevidentlyadmiredDainMaroola。Thatwasgood！AndBabalatchilaughedaloudatthenotion；thenbecomingsuddenlyserious，hebeganbysomestrangeassociationofideastospeculateuponthepriceforwhichBulangiwould，possibly，sellthegirl。HeshookhisheadsadlyatthethoughtthatBulangiwasahardman，andhadrefusedonehundreddollarsforthatsameTaminahonlyafewweeksago；
thenhebecamesuddenlyawarethatthecanoehaddriftedtoofardownduringhismeditation。HeshookoffthedespondencycausedbythecertitudeofBulangi"smercenarydisposition，and，takinguphispaddle，inafewstrokessheeredalongsidethewater-gateoftheRajah"shouse。
ThatafternoonAlmayer，aswashiswontlately，movedaboutonthewater-side，overlookingtherepairstohisboats。Hehaddecidedatlast。GuidedbythescrapsofinformationcontainedinoldLingard"spocket-book，hewasgoingtoseekfortherichgold-mine，forthatplacewherehehadonlytostooptogatherupanimmensefortuneandrealisethedreamofhisyoungdays。ToobtainthenecessaryhelphehadsharedhisknowledgewithDainMaroola，hehadconsentedtobereconciledwithLakamba，whogavehissupporttotheenterpriseonconditionofsharingtheprofits；hehadsacrificedhispride，hishonour，andhisloyaltyinthefaceoftheenormousriskofhisundertaking，dazzledbythegreatnessoftheresultstobeachievedbythisalliancesodistastefulyetsonecessary。Thedangersweregreat，butMaroolawasbrave；hismenseemedasrecklessastheirchief，andwithLakamba"saidsuccessseemedassured。
ForthelastfortnightAlmayerwasabsorbedinthepreparations，walkingamongsthisworkmenandslavesinakindofwakingtrance，wherepracticaldetailsastothefittingoutoftheboatsweremixedupwithvividdreamsofuntoldwealth，wherethepresentmiseryofburningsun，ofthemuddyandmalodorousriverbankdisappearedinagorgeousvisionofasplendidfutureexistenceforhimselfandNina。HehardlysawNinaduringtheselastdays，althoughthebeloveddaughterwaseverpresentinhisthoughts。HehardlytooknoticeofDain，whoseconstantpresenceinhishousehadbecomeamatterofcoursetohimnowtheywereconnectedbyacommunityofinterests。Whenmeetingtheyoungchiefhegavehimanabsentgreetingandpassedon，seeminglywishingtoavoidhim，bentuponforgettingthehatedrealityofthepresentbyabsorbinghimselfinhiswork，orelsebylettinghisimaginationsoarfarabovethetree-topsintothegreatwhitecloudsawaytothewestward，wheretheparadiseofEuropewasawaitingthefutureEasternmillionaire。AndMaroola，nowthebargainwasstruckandtherewasnomorebusinesstobetalkedover，evidentlydidnotcareforthewhiteman"scompany。YetDainwasalwaysaboutthehouse，butheseldomstayedlongbytheriverside。OnhisdailyvisitstothewhitemantheMalaychiefpreferredtomakehiswayquietlythroughthecentralpassageofthehouse，andwouldcomeoutintothegardenattheback，wherethefirewasburninginthecookingshed，withthericekettleswingingoverit，underthewatchfulsupervisionofMrs。Almayer。
Avoidingthatshed，withitsblacksmokeandthewarblingofsoft，femininevoices，Dainwouldturntotheleft。There，ontheedgeofabananaplantation，aclumpofpalmsandmangotreesformedashadyspot，afewscatteredbushesgivingitacertainseclusionintowhichonlytheservingwomen"schatteroranoccasionalburstoflaughtercouldpenetrate。Oncein，hewasinvisible；andhiddenthere，leaningagainstthesmoothtrunkofatallpalm，hewaitedwithgleamingeyesandanassuredsmiletohearthefaintrustleofdriedgrassunderthelightfootstepsofNina。
Fromtheveryfirstmomentwhenhiseyesbeheldthis——tohim——
perfectionoflovelinesshefeltinhisinmosthearttheconvictionthatshewouldbehis；hefeltthesubtlebreathofmutualunderstandingpassingbetweentheirtwosavagenatures，andhedidnotwantMrs。Almayer"sencouragingsmilestotakeeveryopportunityofapproachingthegirl；andeverytimehespoketoher，everytimehelookedintohereyes，Nina，althoughavertingherface，feltasifthisbold-lookingbeingwhospokeburningwordsintoherwillingearwastheembodimentofherfate，thecreatureofherdreams——reckless，ferocious，readywithflashingkrissforhisenemies，andwithpassionateembraceforhisbeloved——theidealMalaychiefofhermother"stradition。
Sherecognisedwithathrillofdeliciousfearthemysteriousconsciousnessofheridentitywiththatbeing。Listeningtohiswords，itseemedtohershewasbornonlythentoaknowledgeofanewexistence，thatherlifewascompleteonlywhennearhim，andsheabandonedherselftoafeelingofdreamyhappiness，whilewithhalf-veiledfaceandinsilence——asbecameaMalaygirl——shelistenedtoDain"swordsgivinguptoherthewholetreasureofloveandpassionhisnaturewascapableofwithalltheunrestrainedenthusiasmofamantotallyuntrammelledbyanyinfluenceofcivilisedself-discipline。
AndtheyusedtopassmanyadeliciousandfastfleetinghourunderthemangotreesbehindthefriendlycurtainofbushestillMrs。Almayer"sshrillvoicegavethesignalofunwillingseparation。Mrs。Almayerhadundertakentheeasytaskofwatchingherhusbandlestheshouldinterruptthesmoothcourseofherdaughter"sloveaffair，inwhichshetookagreatandbenignantinterest。ShewashappyandproudtoseeDain"sinfatuation，believinghimtobeagreatandpowerfulchief，andshefoundalsoagratificationofhermercenaryinstinctsinDain"sopen-handedgenerosity。
OntheeveofthedaywhenBabalatchi"ssuspicionswereconfirmedbyoculardemonstration，DainandNinahadremainedlongerthanusualintheirshadyretreat。OnlyAlmayer"sheavystepontheverandahandhisquerulousclamourforfooddecidedMrs。Almayertoliftawarningcry。Maroolaleapedlightlyoverthelowbamboofence，andmadehiswaystealthilythroughthebananaplantationdowntothemuddyshoreofthebackcreek，whileNinawalkedslowlytowardsthehousetoministertoherfather"swants，aswasherwonteveryevening。Almayerfelthappyenoughthatevening；thepreparationswerenearlycompleted；to-morrowhewouldlaunchhisboats。Inhismind"seyehesawtherichprizeinhisgrasp；and，withtinspooninhishand，hewasforgettingtheplatefulofricebeforehiminthefancifularrangementofsomesplendidbanquettotakeplaceonhisarrivalinAmsterdam。Nina，reclininginthelongchair，listenedabsentlytothefewdisconnectedwordsescapingfromherfather"slips。Expedition！Gold！Whatdidshecareforallthat？
ButatthenameofMaroolamentionedbyherfathershewasallattention。Dainwasgoingdowntheriverwithhisbrigto-morrowtoremainawayforafewdays，saidAlmayer。Itwasveryannoying，thisdelay。AssoonasDainreturnedtheywouldhavetostartwithoutlossoftime，fortheriverwasrising。Hewouldnotbesurprisedifagreatfloodwascoming。Andhepushedawayhisplatewithanimpatientgestureonrisingfromthetable。ButnowNinaheardhimnot。Daingoingaway！
That"swhyhehadorderedher，withthatquietmasterfulnessitwasherdelighttoobey，tomeethimatbreakofdayinBulangi"screek。
Wasthereapaddleinhercanoe？shethought。Wasitready？
Shewouldhavetostartearly——atfourinthemorning，inaveryfewhours。
Sherosefromherchair，thinkingshewouldrequirerestbeforethelongpullintheearlymorning。Thelampwasburningdimly，andherfather，tiredwiththeday"slabour，wasalreadyinhishammock。Ninaputthelampoutandpassedintoalargeroomshesharedwithhermotherontheleftofthecentralpassage。
Entering，shesawthatMrs。Almayerhaddesertedthepileofmatsservingherasbedinonecorneroftheroom，andwasnowbendingovertheopenedlidofherlargewoodenchest。Halfashellofcocoanutfilledwithoil，whereacottonragfloatedforawick，stoodonthefloor，surroundingherwitharuddyhalooflightshiningthroughtheblackandodoroussmoke。Mrs。Almayer"sbackwasbent，andherheadandshouldershiddeninthedeepbox。Herhandsrummagedintheinterior，whereasoftclinkasofsilvermoneycouldbeheard。Shedidnotnoticeatfirstherdaughter"sapproach，andNina，standingsilentlybyher，lookeddownonmanylittlecanvasbagsrangedinthebottomofthechest，wherefromhermotherextractedhandfulsofshiningguildersandMexicandollars，lettingthemstreamslowlybackagainthroughherclaw-likefingers。Themusicoftinklingsilverseemedtodelighther，andhereyessparkledwiththereflectedgleamoffreshly-mintedcoins。Shewasmutteringtoherself："Andthis，andthis，andyetthis！Soonhewillgivemore——asmuchmoreasIask。HeisagreatRajah——aSonofHeaven！AndshewillbeaRanee——hegaveallthisforher！Whoevergaveanythingforme？
Iamaslave！AmI？IamthemotherofagreatRanee！"Shebecameawaresuddenlyofherdaughter"spresence，andceasedherdroning，shuttingtheliddownviolently；then，withoutrisingfromhercrouchingposition，shelookedupatthegirlstandingbywithavaguesmileonherdreamyface。
"Youhaveseen。Haveyou？"sheshouted，shrilly。"Thatisallmine，andforyou。Itisnotenough！Hewillhavetogivemorebeforehetakesyouawaytothesouthernislandwherehisfatherisking。Youhearme？Youareworthmore，granddaughterofRajahs！More！More！"
ThesleepyvoiceofAlmayerwasheardontheverandahrecommendingsilence。Mrs。Almayerextinguishedthelightandcreptintohercorneroftheroom。Ninalaiddownonherbackonapileofsoftmats，herhandsentwinedunderherhead，gazingthroughtheshutterlesshole，servingasawindowatthestarstwinklingontheblacksky；shewasawaitingthetimeofstartforherappointedmeeting-place。Withquiethappinessshethoughtofthatmeetinginthegreatforest，farfromallhumaneyesandsounds。Hersoul，lapsingagainintothesavagemood，whichthegeniusofcivilisationworkingbythehandofMrs。
Vinckcouldneverdestroy，experiencedafeelingofprideandofsomeslighttroubleatthehighvalueherworldly-wisemotherhadputuponherperson；butsherememberedtheexpressiveglancesandwordsofDain，and，tranquillised，sheclosedhereyesinashiverofpleasantanticipation。
Therearesomesituationswherethebarbarianandthe，so-called，civilisedmanmeetuponthesameground。ItmaybesupposedthatDainMaroolawasnotexceptionallydelightedwithhisprospectivemother-in-law，northatheactuallyapprovedofthatworthywoman"sappetiteforshiningdollars。YetonthatfoggymorningwhenBabalatchi，layingasidethecaresofstate，wenttovisithisfish-basketsintheBulangicreek，Maroolahadnomisgivings，experiencednofeelingsbutthoseofimpatienceandlonging，whenpaddlingtotheeastsideoftheislandformingtheback-waterinquestion。Hehidhiscanoeinthebushesandstroderapidlyacrosstheislet，pushingwithimpatiencethroughthetwigsofheavyundergrowthintercrossedoverhispath。Frommotivesofprudencehewouldnottakehiscanoetothemeeting-place，asNinahaddone。Hehadleftitinthemainstreamtillhisreturnfromtheothersideoftheisland。Theheavywarmfogwasclosingrapidlyroundhim，buthemanagedtocatchafleetingglimpseofalightawaytotheleft，proceedingfromBulangi"shouse。Thenhecouldseenothinginthethickeningvapour，andkepttothepathonlybyasortofinstinct，whichalsoledhimtotheverypointontheoppositeshorehewishedtoreach。A
greatloghadstrandedthere，atrightanglestothebank，formingakindofjettyagainstwhichtheswiftlyflowingstreambrokewithaloudripple。Hesteppedonitwithaquickbutsteadymotion，andintwostridesfoundhimselfattheouterend，withtherushandswirlofthefoamingwaterathisfeet。
Standingtherealone，asifseparatedfromtheworld；theheavens，earth；theverywaterroaringunderhimswallowedupinthethickveilofthemorningfog，hebreathedoutthenameofNinabeforehimintotheapparentlylimitlessspace，sureofbeingheard，instinctivelysureofthenearnessofthedelightfulcreature；certainofherbeingawareofhisnearpresenceashewasawareofhers。
ThebowofNina"scanoeloomedupclosetothelog，cantedhighoutofthewaterbytheweightofthesitterinthestern。
Maroolalaidhishandonthestemandleapedlightlyin，givingitavigorousshoveoff。Thelightcraft，obeyingthenewimpulse，clearedthelogbyahair"sbreadth，andtheriver，withobedientcomplicity，swungitbroadsidetothecurrent，andboreitoffsilentlyandrapidlybetweentheinvisiblebanks。AndoncemoreDain，atthefeetofNina，forgottheworld，felthimselfcarriedawayhelplessbyagreatwaveofsupremeemotion，byarushofjoy，pride，anddesire；understoodoncemorewithoverpoweringcertitudethattherewasnolifepossiblewithoutthatbeingheheldclaspedinhisarmswithpassionatestrengthinaprolongedembrace。
Ninadisengagedherselfgentlywithalowlaugh。
"Youwilloverturntheboat，Dain，"shewhispered。
Helookedintohereyeseagerlyforaminuteandlethergowithasigh，thenlyingdowninthecanoeheputhisheadonherknees，gazingupwardsandstretchinghisarmsbackwardstillhishandsmetroundthegirl"swaist。Shebentoverhim，and，shakingherhead，framedboththeirfacesinthefallinglocksofherlongblackhair。
Andsotheydriftedon，hespeakingwithalltherudeeloquenceofasavagenaturegivingitselfupwithoutrestrainttoanovermasteringpassion，shebendinglowtocatchthemurmurofwordssweetertoherthanlifeitself。Tothosetwonothingexistedthenoutsidethegunwalesofthenarrowandfragilecraft。Itwastheirworld，filledwiththeirintenseandall-absorbinglove。Theytooknoheedofthickeningmist，orofthebreezedyingawaybeforesunrise；theyforgottheexistenceofthegreatforestssurroundingthem，ofallthetropicalnatureawaitingtheadventofthesuninasolemnandimpressivesilence。
Overthelowriver-misthidingtheboatwithitsfreightofyoungpassionatelifeandall-forgetfulhappiness，thestarspaled，andasilvery-greytintcreptovertheskyfromtheeastward。Therewasnotabreathofwind，notarustleofstirringleaf，notasplashofleapingfishtodisturbtheserenereposeofalllivingthingsonthebanksofthegreatriver。Earth，river，andskywerewrappedupinadeepsleep，fromwhichitseemedtherewouldbenowaking。Alltheseethinglifeandmovementoftropicalnatureseemedconcentratedintheardenteyes，inthetumultuouslybeatingheartsofthetwobeingsdriftinginthecanoe，underthewhitecanopyofmist，overthesmoothsurfaceoftheriver。
SuddenlyagreatsheafofyellowraysshotupwardsfrombehindtheblackcurtainoftreesliningthebanksofthePantai。Thestarswentout；thelittleblackcloudsatthezenithglowedforamomentwithcrimsontints，andthethickmist，stirredbythegentlebreeze，thesighofwakingnature，whirledroundandbrokeintofantasticallytornpieces，disclosingthewrinkledsurfaceoftheriversparklinginthebroadlightofday。Greatflocksofwhitebirdswheeledscreamingabovetheswayingtree-tops。
Thesunhadrisenontheeastcoast。
Dainwasthefirsttoreturntothecaresofeverydaylife。Heroseandglancedrapidlyupanddowntheriver。HiseyedetectedBabalatchi"sboatastern，andanothersmallblackspeckontheglitteringwater，whichwasTaminah"scanoe。Hemovedcautiouslyforward，and，kneeling，tookupapaddle；Ninaatthesterntookhers。Theybenttheirbodiestothework，throwingupthewaterateverystroke，andthesmallcraftwentswiftlyahead，leavinganarrowwakefringedwithalace-likeborderofwhiteandgleamingfoam。Withoutturninghishead，Dainspoke。
"Somebodybehindus，Nina。Wemustnotlethimgain。Ithinkheistoofartorecogniseus。"
"Somebodybeforeusalso，"pantedoutNina，withoutceasingtopaddle。
"IthinkIknow，"rejoinedDain。"Thesunshinesoverthere，butIfancyitisthegirlTaminah。Shecomesdowneverymorningtomybrigtosellcakes——staysoftenallday。Itdoesnotmatter；
steermoreintothebank；wemustgetunderthebushes。Mycanoeishiddennotfarfromhere。"
Ashespokehiseyeswatchedthebroad-leavednipaswhichtheywerebrushingintheirswiftandsilentcourse。
"Lookout，Nina，"hesaidatlast；"there，wherethewaterpalmsendandthetwigshangdownundertheleaningtree。Steerforthebiggreenbranch。"
Hestoodupattentive，andtheboatdriftedslowlyinshore，Ninaguidingitbyagentleandskilfulmovementofherpaddle。WhennearenoughDainlaidholdofthebigbranch，andleaningbackshotthecanoeunderalowgreenarchwayofthicklymattedcreepersgivingaccesstoaminiaturebayformedbythecavinginofthebankduringthelastgreatflood。Hisownboatwasthereanchoredbyastone，andhesteppedintoit，keepinghishandonthegunwaleofNina"scanoe。Inamomentthetwolittlenutshellswiththeiroccupantsfloatedquietlysidebyside，reflectedbytheblackwaterinthedimlightstrugglingthroughahighcanopyofdensefoliage；whileabove，awayupinthebroadday，flamedimmenseredblossomssendingdownontheirheadsashowerofgreatdew-sparklingpetalsthatdescendedrotatingslowlyinacontinuousandperfumedstream；andoverthem，underthem，inthesleepingwater；allaroundtheminaringofluxuriantvegetationbathedinthewarmairchargedwithstrongandharshperfumes，theintenseworkoftropicalnaturewenton：
plantsshootingupward，entwined，interlacedininextricableconfusion，climbingmadlyandbrutallyovereachotherintheterriblesilenceofadesperatestruggletowardsthelife-givingsunshineabove——asifstruckwithsuddenhorrorattheseethingmassofcorruptionbelow，atthedeathanddecayfromwhichtheysprang。
"Wemustpartnow，"saidDain，afteralongsilence。"Youmustreturnatonce，Nina。Iwillwaittillthebrigdriftsdownhere，andshallgetonboardthen。"
"Andwillyoubelongaway，Dain？"askedNina，inalowvoice。
"Long！"exclaimedDain。"Wouldamanwillinglyremainlonginadarkplace？WhenIamnotnearyou，Nina，Iamlikeamanthatisblind。Whatislifetomewithoutlight？"
Ninaleanedover，andwithaproudandhappysmiletookDain"sfacebetweenherhands，lookingintohiseyeswithafondyetquestioninggaze。Apparentlyshefoundtheretheconfirmationofthewordsjustsaid，forafeelingofgratefulsecuritylightenedforhertheweightofsorrowatthehourofparting。Shebelievedthathe，thedescendantofmanygreatRajahs，thesonofagreatchief，themasteroflifeanddeath，knewthesunshineoflifeonlyinherpresence。Animmensewaveofgratitudeandlovewelledforthoutofherhearttowardshim。Howcouldshemakeanoutwardandvisiblesignofallshefeltforthemanwhohadfilledherheartwithsomuchjoyandsomuchpride？Andinthegreattumultofpassion，likeaflashoflightningcametoherthereminiscenceofthatdespisedandalmostforgottencivilisationshehadonlyglancedatinherdaysofrestraint，ofsorrow，andofanger。Inthecoldashesofthathatefulandmiserablepastshewouldfindthesignoflove，thefittingexpressionoftheboundlessfelicityofthepresent，thepledgeofabrightandsplendidfuture。ShethrewherarmsaroundDain"sneckandpressedherlipstohisinalongandburningkiss。Heclosedhiseyes，surprisedandfrightenedatthestormraisedinhisbreastbythestrangeandtohimhithertounknowncontact，andlongafterNinahadpushedhercanoeintotheriverheremainedmotionless，withoutdaringtoopenhiseyes，afraidtolosethesensationofintoxicatingdelighthehadtastedforthefirsttime。
Nowhewantedbutimmortality，hethought，tobetheequalofgods，andthecreaturethatcouldopensothegatesofparadisemustbehis——soonwouldbehisforever！
Heopenedhiseyesintimetoseethroughthearchwayofcreepersthebowsofhisbrigcomeslowlyintoview，asthevesseldriftedpastonitswaydowntheriver。Hemustgoonboardnow，hethought；yethewaslothtoleavetheplacewherehehadlearnedtoknowwhathappinessmeant。"Timeyet。Letthemgo，"hemutteredtohimself；andheclosedhiseyesagainundertheredshowerofscentedpetals，tryingtorecallthescenewithallitsdelightandallitsfear。
Hemusthavebeenabletojoinhisbrigintime，afterall，andfoundmuchoccupationoutside，foritwasinvainthatAlmayerlookedforhisfriend"sspeedyreturn。Thelowerreachoftheriverwherehesooftenandsoimpatientlydirectedhiseyesremaineddeserted，savefortherapidflittingofsomefishingcanoe；butdowntheupperreachescameblackcloudsandheavyshowersheraldingthefinalsettinginoftherainyseasonwithitsthunderstormsandgreatfloodsmakingtheriveralmostimpossibleofascentfornativecanoes。
Almayer，strollingalongthemuddybeachbetweenhishouses，watcheduneasilytheriverrisinginchbyinch，creepingslowlynearertotheboats，nowreadyandhauledupinarowunderthecoverofdrippingKajang-mats。Fortuneseemedtoeludehisgrasp，andinhiswearytrampbackwardsandforwardsunderthesteadyrainfallingfromtheloweringsky，asortofdespairingindifferencetookpossessionofhim。Whatdiditmatter？
Itwasjusthisluck！Thosetwoinfernalsavages，LakambaandDain，inducedhim，withtheirpromisesofhelp，tospendhislastdollarinthefittingoutofboats，andnowoneofthemwasgonesomewhere，andtheothershutupinhisstockadewouldgivenosignoflife。No，noteventhescoundrellyBabalatchi，thoughtAlmayer，wouldshowhisfacenearhim，nowtheyhadsoldhimalltherice，brassgongs，andclothnecessaryforhisexpedition。
Theyhadhisverylastcoin，anddidnotcarewhetherhewentorstayed。AndwithagestureofabandoneddiscouragementAlmayerwouldclimbupslowlytotheverandahofhisnewhousetogetoutoftherain，andleaningonthefrontrailwithhisheadsunkbetweenhisshouldershewouldabandonhimselftothecurrentofbitterthoughts，obliviousoftheflightoftimeandthepangsofhunger，deaftotheshrillcriesofhiswifecallinghimtotheeveningmeal。When，rousedfromhissadmeditationsbythefirstrolloftheeveningthunderstorm，hestumbledslowlytowardstheglimmeringlightofhisoldhouse，hishalf-deadhopemadehisearspreternaturallyacutetoanysoundontheriver。Severalnightsinsuccessionhehadheardthesplashofpaddlesandhadseentheindistinctformofaboat，butwhenhailingtheshadowyapparition，hisheartboundingwithsuddenhopeofhearingDain"svoice，hewasdisappointedeachtimebythesulkyanswerconveyingtohimtheintelligencethattheArabswereontheriver，boundonavisittothehome-stayingLakamba。Thiscausedhimmanysleeplessnights，spentinspeculatinguponthekindofvillainythoseestimablepersonageswerehatchingnow。Atlast，whenallhopeseemeddead，hewasoverjoyedonhearingDain"svoice；butDainalsoappearedveryanxioustoseeLakamba，andAlmayerfeltuneasyowingtoadeepandineradicabledistrustastothatruler"sdispositiontowardshimself。Still，Dainhadreturnedatlast。Evidentlyhemeanttokeeptohisbargain。
Hoperevived，andthatnightAlmayersleptsoundly，whileNinawatchedtheangryriverunderthelashofthethunderstormsweepingonwardtowardsthesea。
chapter06
CHAPTERVI。
DainwasnotlongincrossingtheriverafterleavingAlmayer。
Helandedatthewater-gateofthestockadeenclosingthegroupofhouseswhichcomposedtheresidenceoftheRajahofSambir。
Evidentlysomebodywasexpectedthere，forthegatewasopen，andmenwithtorcheswerereadytoprecedethevisitoruptheinclinedplaneofplanksleadingtothelargesthousewhereLakambaactuallyresided，andwhereallthebusinessofstatewasinvariablytransacted。Theotherbuildingswithintheenclosureservedonlytoaccommodatethenumeroushouseholdandthewivesoftheruler。
Lakamba"sownhousewasastrongstructureofsolidplanks，raisedonhighpiles，withaverandahofsplitbamboossurroundingitonallsides；thewholewascoveredinbyanimmenselyhigh-pitchedroofofpalm-leaves，restingonbeamsblackenedbythesmokeofmanytorches。
Thebuildingstoodparalleltotheriver，oneofitslongsidesfacingthewater-gateofthestockade。Therewasadoorintheshortsidelookinguptheriver，andtheinclinedplank-wayledstraightfromthegatetothatdoor。Bytheuncertainlightofsmokytorches，Dainnoticedthevagueoutlinesofagroupofarmedmeninthedarkshadowstohisright。FromthatgroupBabalatchisteppedforwardtoopenthedoor，andDainenteredtheaudiencechamberoftheRajah"sresidence。Aboutone-thirdofthehousewascurtainedoff，byheavystuffofEuropeanmanufacture，forthatpurpose；closetothecurtaintherewasabigarm-chairofsomeblackwood，muchcarved，andbeforeitaroughdealtable。Otherwisetheroomwasonlyfurnishedwithmatsingreatprofusion。Totheleftoftheentrancestoodarudearm-rack，withthreerifleswithfixedbayonetsinit。Bythewall，intheshadow，thebody-guardofLakamba——allfriendsorrelations——sleptinaconfusedheapofbrownarms，legs，andmulti-colouredgarments，fromwhenceissuedanoccasionalsnoreorasubduedgroanofsomeuneasysleeper。AnEuropeanlampwithagreenshadestandingonthetablemadeallthisindistinctlyvisibletoDain。
"Youarewelcometoyourresthere，"saidBabalatchi，lookingatDaininterrogatively。
"ImustspeaktotheRajahatonce，"answeredDain。
Babalatchimadeagestureofassent，and，turningtothebrassgongsuspendedunderthearm-rack，strucktwosharpblows。
Theear-splittingdinwokeuptheguard。Thesnoresceased；
outstretchedlegsweredrawnin；thewholeheapmoved，andslowlyresolveditselfintoindividualforms，withmuchyawningandrubbingofsleepyeyes；behindthecurtainstherewasaburstoffemininechatter；thenthebassvoiceofLakambawasheard。
"IsthattheArabtrader？"
"No，Tuan，"answeredBabalatchi；"Dainhasreturnedatlast。Heishereforanimportanttalk，bitcharra——ifyoumercifullyconsent。"
EvidentlyLakamba"smercywentsofar——forinashortwhilehecameoutfrombehindthecurtain——butitdidnotgotothelengthofinducinghimtomakeanextensivetoilet。Ashortredsarongtightenedhastilyroundhishipswashisonlygarment。ThemercifulrulerofSambirlookedsleepyandrathersulky。Hesatinthearm-chair，hiskneeswellapart，hiselbowsonthearm-rests，hischinonhisbreast，breathingheavilyandwaitingmalevolentlyforDaintoopentheimportanttalk。
ButDaindidnotseemanxioustobegin。HedirectedhisgazetowardsBabalatchi，squattingcomfortablyatthefeetofhismaster，andremainedsilentwithaslightlybentheadasifinattentiveexpectationofcomingwordsofwisdom。
Babalatchicougheddiscreetly，and，leaningforward，pushedoverafewmatsforDaintositupon，thenliftinguphissqueakyvoiceheassuredhimwitheagervolubilityofeverybody"sdelightatthislong-looked-forreturn。HishearthadhungeredforthesightofDain"sface，andhisearswerewitheringforthewantoftherefreshingsoundofhisvoice。Everybody"sheartsandearswereinthesamesadpredicament，accordingtoBabalatchi，asheindicatedwithasweepinggesturetheotherbankoftheriverwherethesettlementslumberedpeacefully，unconsciousofthegreatjoyawaitingitonthemorrowwhenDain"spresenceamongstthemwouldbedisclosed。"For"——wentonBabalatchi——"whatisthejoyofapoormanifnottheopenhandofageneroustraderorofagreat——"
Herehecheckedhimselfabruptlywithacalculatedembarrassmentofmanner，andhisrovingeyesoughtthefloor，whileanapologeticsmiledweltforamomentonhismisshapenlips。OnceortwiceduringthisopeningspeechanamusedexpressionflittedacrossDain"sface，soontogiveway，however，toanappearanceofgraveconcern。OnLakamba"sbrowaheavyfrownhadsettled，andhislipsmovedangrilyashelistenedtohisPrimeMinister"soratory。InthesilencethatfellupontheroomwhenBabalatchiceasedspeakingaroseachorusofvariedsnoresfromthecornerwherethebody-guardhadresumedtheirinterruptedslumbers，butthedistantrumbleofthunderfillingthenNina"sheartwithapprehensionforthesafetyofherloverpassedunheededbythosethreemenintenteachontheirownpurposes，forlifeordeath。
Afterashortsilence，Babalatchi，discardingnowtheflowersofpoliteeloquence，spokeagain，butinshortandhurriedsentencesandinalowvoice。Theyhadbeenveryuneasy。WhydidDainremainsolongabsent？Themendwellingonthelowerreachesoftheriverheardthereportsofbiggunsandsawafire-shipoftheDutchamongsttheislandsoftheestuary。Sotheywereanxious。RumoursofadisasterhadreachedAbdullaafewdaysago，andsincethentheyhadbeenwaitingforDain"sreturnundertheapprehensionofsomemisfortune。Fordaystheyhadclosedtheireyesinfear，andwokeupalarmed，andwalkedabroadtrembling，likemenbeforeanenemy。AndallonaccountofDain。
Wouldhenotallaytheirfearsforhissafety，notforthemselves？Theywerequietandfaithful，anddevotedtothegreatRajahinBatavia——mayhisfateleadhimevertovictoryforthejoyandprofitofhisservants！"Andhere，"wentonBabalatchi，"Lakambamymasterwasgettingthininhisanxietyforthetraderhehadtakenunderhisprotection；andsowasAbdulla，forwhatwouldwickedmennotsayifperchance-"
"Besilent，fool！"growledLakamba，angrily。
Babalatchisubsidedintosilencewithasatisfiedsmile，whileDain，whohadbeenwatchinghimasiffascinated，turnedwithasighofrelieftowardstherulerofSambir。Lakambadidnotmove，and，withoutraisinghishead，lookedatDainfromunderhiseyebrows，breathingaudibly，withpoutedlips，inanairofgeneraldiscontent。
"Speak！ODain！"hesaidatlast。"Wehaveheardmanyrumours。
ManynightsinsuccessionhasmyfriendReshidcomeherewithbadtidings。Newstravelsfastalongthecoast。Buttheymaybeuntrue；therearemoreliesinmen"smouthsinthesedaysthanwhenIwasyoung，butIamnoteasiertodeceivenow。"
"Allmywordsaretrue，"saidDain，carelessly。"Ifyouwanttoknowwhatbefellmybrig，thenlearnthatitisinthehandsoftheDutch。Believeme，Rajah，"hewenton，withsuddenenergy，"theOrangBlandahavegoodfriendsinSambir，orelsehowdidtheyknowIwascomingthence？"
LakambagaveDainashortandhostileglance。Babalatchirosequietly，and，goingtothearm-rack，struckthegongviolently。
Outsidethedoortherewasashuffleofbarefeet；inside，theguardwokeupandsatstaringinsleepysurprise。
"Yes，youfaithfulfriendofthewhiteRajah，"wentonDain，scornfully，turningtoBabalatchi，whohadreturnedtohisplace，"Ihaveescaped，andIamheretogladdenyourheart。WhenIsawtheDutchshipIranthebriginsidethereefsandputherashore。Theydidnotdaretofollowwiththeship，sotheysenttheboats。Wetooktooursandtriedtogetaway，buttheshipdroppedfireballsatus，andkilledmanyofmymen。ButIamleft，OBabalatchi！TheDutcharecominghere。Theyareseekingforme。TheyarecomingtoasktheirfaithfulfriendLakambaandhisslaveBabalatchi。Rejoice！"
Butneitherofhishearersappearedtobeinajoyfulmood。
Lakambahadputonelegoverhisknee，andwentongentlyscratchingitwithameditativeair，whileBabalatchi，sittingcross-legged，seemedsuddenlytobecomesmallerandverylimp，staringstraightbeforehimvacantly。Theguardevincedsomeinterestintheproceedings，stretchingthemselvesfulllengthonthematstobenearerthespeaker。Oneofthemgotupandnowstoodleaningagainstthearm-rack，playingabsentlywiththefringesofhissword-hilt。
Dainwaitedtillthecrashofthunderhaddiedawayindistantmutteringsbeforehespokeagain。
"Areyoudumb，OrulerofSambir，oristhesonofagreatRajahunworthyofyournotice？Iamcomeheretoseekrefugeandtowarnyou，andwanttoknowwhatyouintenddoing。"
"Youcameherebecauseofthewhiteman"sdaughter，"retortedLakamba，quickly。"Yourrefugewaswithyourfather，theRajahofBali，theSonofHeaven，the"AnakAgong"himself。WhatamI
toprotectgreatprinces？OnlyyesterdayIplantedriceinaburntclearing；to-dayyousayIholdyourlifeinmyhand。"
Babalatchiglancedathismaster。"Nomancanescapehisfate，"
hemurmuredpiously。"Whenloveentersaman"sheartheislikeachild——withoutanyunderstanding。Bemerciful，Lakamba，"headded，twitchingthecorneroftheRajah"ssarongwarningly。
Lakambasnatchedawaytheskirtofthesarongangrily。UnderthedawningcomprehensionofintolerableembarrassmentscausedbyDain"sreturntoSambirhebegantolosesuchcomposureashehadbeen，tillthen，abletomaintain；andnowheraisedhisvoiceloudlyabovethewhistlingofthewindandthepatterofrainontheroofinthehardsquallpassingoverthehouse。
"Youcameherefirstasatraderwithsweetwordsandgreatpromises，askingmetolooktheotherwaywhileyouworkedyourwillonthewhitemanthere。AndIdid。Whatdoyouwantnow？
WhenIwasyoungIfought。NowIamold，andwantpeace。
ItiseasierformetohaveyoukilledthantofighttheDutch。Itisbetterforme。"
Thesquallhadnowpassed，and，intheshortstillnessofthelullinthestorm，Lakambarepeatedsoftly，asiftohimself，"Mucheasier。Muchbetter。"
DaindidnotseemgreatlydiscomposedbytheRajah"sthreateningwords。WhileLakambawasspeakinghehadglancedoncerapidlyoverhisshoulder，justtomakesurethattherewasnobodybehindhim，and，tranquillisedinthatrespect，hehadextractedasiri-boxoutofthefoldsofhiswaist-cloth，andwaswrappingcarefullythelittlebitofbetel-nutandasmallpinchoflimeinthegreenleaftenderedhimpolitelybythewatchfulBabalatchi。Heacceptedthisasapeace-offeringfromthesilentstatesman——akindofmuteprotestagainsthismaster"sundiplomaticviolence，andasanomenofapossibleunderstandingtobearrivedatyet。OtherwiseDainwasnotuneasy。AlthoughrecognisingthejusticeofLakamba"ssurmisethathehadcomebacktoSambironlyforthesakeofthewhiteman"sdaughter，yethewasnotconsciousofanychildishlackofunderstanding，assuggestedbyBabalatchi。Infact，DainknewverywellthatLakambawastoodeeplyimplicatedinthegunpowdersmugglingtocareforaninvestigationtheDutchauthoritiesintothatmatter。
Whensentoffbyhisfather，theindependentRajahofBali，atthetimewhenthehostilitiesbetweenDutchandMalaysthreatenedtospreadfromSumatraoverthewholearchipelago，Dainhadfoundallthebigtradersdeaftohisguardedproposals，andabovethetemptationofthegreatpriceshewasreadytogiveforgunpowder。HewenttoSambirasalastandalmosthopelessresort，havingheardinMacassarofthewhitemanthere，andoftheregularsteamertradingfromSingapore——alluredalsobythefactthattherewasnoDutchresidentontheriver，whichwouldmakethingseasier，nodoubt。HishopesgotnearlywreckedagainstthestubbornloyaltyofLakambaarisingfromwell-understoodself-interest；butatlasttheyoungman"sgenerosity，hispersuasiveenthusiasm，theprestigeofhisfather"sgreatname，overpoweredtheprudenthesitationoftherulerofSambir。Lakambawouldhavenothingtodohimselfwithanyillegaltraffic。HealsoobjectedtotheArabsbeingmadeuseofinthatmatter；buthesuggestedAlmayer，sayingthathewasaweakmaneasilypersuaded，andthathisfriend，theEnglishcaptainofthesteamer，couldbemadeveryuseful——verylikelyevenwouldjoininthebusiness，smugglingthepowderinthesteamerwithoutAbdulla"sknowledge。ThereagainDainmetinAlmayerwithunexpectedresistance；LakambahadtosendBabalatchioverwiththesolemnpromisethathiseyeswouldbeshutinfriendshipforthewhiteman，DainpayingforthepromiseandthefriendshipingoodsilverguildersofthehatedOrangBlanda。Almayer，atlastconsenting，saidthepowderwouldbeobtained，butDainmusttrusthimwithdollarstosendtoSingaporeinpaymentforit。HewouldinduceFordtobuyandsmuggleitinthesteameronboardthebrig。Hedidnotwantanymoneyforhimselfoutofthetransaction，butDainmusthelphiminhisgreatenterpriseaftersendingoffthebrig。AlmayerhadexplainedtoDainthathecouldnottrustLakambaaloneinthatmatter；hewouldbeafraidoflosinghistreasureandhislifethroughthecupidityoftheRajah；yettheRajahhadtobetold，andinsistedontakingashareinthatoperation，orelsehiseyeswouldremainshutnolonger。TothisAlmayerhadtosubmit。
HadDainnotseenNinahewouldhaveprobablyrefusedtoengagehimselfandhismenintheprojectedexpeditiontoGunongMas——themountainofgold。Asitwasheintendedtoreturnwithhalfofhismenassoonasthebrigwasclearofthereefs，butthepersistentchasegivenhimbytheDutchfrigatehadforcedhimtorunsouthandultimatelytowreckanddestroyhisvesselinordertopreservehislibertyorperhapsevenhislife。Yes，hehadcomebacktoSambirforNina，althoughawarethattheDutchwouldlookforhimthere，buthehadalsocalculatedhischancesofsafetyinLakamba"shands。Forallhisferocioustalk，themercifulrulerwouldnotkillhim，forhehadlongagobeenimpressedwiththenotionthatDainpossessedthesecretofthewhiteman"streasure；neitherwouldhegivehimuptotheDutch，forfearofsomefataldisclosureofcomplicityinthetreasonabletrade。SoDainfelttolerablysecureashesatmeditatingquietlyhisanswertotheRajah"sbloodthirstyspeech。
Yes，hewouldpointouttohimtheaspectofhispositionshouldhe——Dain——fallintothehandsoftheDutchandshouldhespeakthetruth。Hewouldhavenothingmoretolosethen，andhewouldspeakthetruth。AndifhedidreturntoSambir，disturbingtherebyLakamba"speaceofmind，whatthen？Hecametolookafterhisproperty。DidhenotpourastreamofsilverintoMrs。
Almayer"sgreedylap？Hehadpaid，forthegirl，apriceworthyofagreatprince，althoughunworthyofthatdelightfullymaddeningcreatureforwhomhisuntamedsoullongedinanintensityofdesirefarmoretormentingthanthesharpestpain。
Hewantedhishappiness。HehadtherighttobeinSambir。
Herose，and，approachingthetable，leanedbothhiselbowsonit；Lakambaresponsivelyedgedhisseatalittlecloser，whileBabalatchiscrambledtohisfeetandthrusthisinquisitiveheadbetweenhismaster"sandDain"s。Theyinterchangedtheirideasrapidly，speakinginwhispersintoeachother"sfaces，veryclosenow，Dainsuggesting，Lakambacontradicting，Babalatchiconciliatingandanxiousinhisvividapprehensionofcomingdifficulties。Hespokemost，whisperingearnestly，turninghisheadslowlyfromsidetosidesoastobringhissolitaryeyetobearuponeachofhisinterlocutorsinturn。Whyshouldtherebestrife？saidhe。LetTuanDain，whomhelovedonlylessthanhismaster，gotrustfullyintohiding。Thereweremanyplacesforthat。Bulangi"shouseawayintheclearingwasbest。
Bulangiwasasafeman。Inthenetworkofcrookedchannelsnowhitemancouldfindhisway。Whitemenwerestrong，butveryfoolish。Itwasundesirabletofightthem，butdeceptionwaseasy。Theywerelikesillywomen——theydidnotknowtheuseofreason，andhewasamatchforanyofthem——wentonBabalatchi，withalltheconfidenceofdeficientexperience。ProbablytheDutchwouldseekAlmayer。Maybetheywouldtakeawaytheircountrymaniftheyweresuspiciousofhim。Thatwouldbegood。
AftertheDutchwentawayLakambaandDainwouldgetthetreasurewithoutanytrouble，andtherewouldbeonepersonlesstoshareit。Didhenotspeakwisdom？WillTuanDaingotoBulangi"shousetillthedangerisover，goatonce？
DainacceptedthissuggestionofgoingintohidingwithacertainsenseofconferringafavouruponLakambaandtheanxiousstatesman，buthemettheproposalofgoingatoncewithadecidedno，lookingBabalatchimeaninglyintheeye。Thestatesmansighedasamanacceptingtheinevitablewoulddo，andpointedsilentlytowardstheotherbankoftheriver。Dainbenthisheadslowly。
"Yes，Iamgoingthere，"hesaid。
"Beforethedaycomes？"askedBabalatchi。
"Iamgoingtherenow，"answeredDain，decisively。"TheOrangBlandawillnotbeherebeforeto-morrownight，perhaps，andI
musttellAlmayerofourarrangements。"
"No，Tuan。No；saynothing，"protestedBabalatchi。"Iwillgoovermyselfatsunriseandlethimknow。"
"Iwillsee，"saidDain，preparingtogo。
Thethunderstormwasrecommencingoutside，theheavycloudshanginglowoverheadnow。
Therewasaconstantrumbleofdistantthunderpunctuatedbythenearersharpcrashes，andinthecontinuousplayofbluelightningthewoodsandtherivershowedfitfully，withalltheelusivedistinctnessofdetailcharacteristicofsuchascene。
OutsidethedooroftheRajah"shouseDainandBabalatchistoodontheshakingverandahasifdazedandstunnedbytheviolenceofthestorm。TheystoodthereamongstthecoweringformsoftheRajah"sslavesandretainersseekingshelterfromtherain，andDaincalledaloudtohisboatmen，whorespondedwithanunanimous"Ada！Tuan！"whiletheylookeduneasilyattheriver。
"Thisisagreatflood！"shoutedBabalatchiintoDain"sear。