Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/129

Rh but with one who speaks in the name of the Government. Once more I ask, will you change your mind? Will you accept the offer I have made?"

The Chinaman made no reply, but stood—his lips tightly pressed—the picture of mute determination. Probably his silence irritated Chogius, who, taking two cents from his pocket, threw them on the table before him, saying,

"There, as you will not take what I have offered you, and refuse to name any price, in the name of the Government I give you a coban? (or cobang)—a common name for two cents in Java—" and I will simpang " (rightly simpan, or keep) " your estates."

Disgusted, mortified, and overwhelmed, the poor man left the room, inwardly determining, as life was now of little value to him, to risk it in his desire for vengeance on the haughty and tyrannical governor.

At that time the Dutch exacted from every