Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/130

112 native the most humiliating obeisance, compelling them, immediately on the appearance of any European, to squat on the ground, and uncover their heads. This act of humiliation, whatever might be the consequence, the Chinaman resolved to omit whenever he happened to meet Chogius.

The first time, therefore, that cries of "the governor!—the governor!" were heard in his presence, in the most crowded street in Surabaya, he boldly stood up with his head covered in the midst of the crouching Javanese, and other natives. The governor, observing this act of disobedience, was infuriated, and fearful of the effect such an example might have on the minds of the high-blood Javanese—who all sympathised with the Chinaman suffering under the cruel oppression to which he had been compelled to submit—sent a messenger to order the man immediately to sit down.

" No, no—tell your master,*' said the poor old