Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/128

110 the offer I make you in the name of the Government?"

"Yes, sir, I see that; but no money could compensate me for the loss of the property on which I have spent so much time and thought. I am now old, and could not, during the few years left me, bring any other piece of land I might purchase to suit my taste as that does. There are other estates you can purchase, larger than mine, and for which their owners would gladly take their just value; I pray you, sir, turn your attention to some of these, and forget mine." This the poor landholder said in fear and trembling, for he well knew how unimportant was even the fact of his possession in these days of absolute power.

"No, no, man, all this is nonsense; I sent for you here not to inform me of other estates, but to tell you the advantage of taking the price offered. And as you are obstinate, I must now warn you that it is not with ordinary individuals you are dealing,