Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/146

 1 30 LIFE IN JAVA.

On tliG day appointed for the interview which was to take place a short way from Tamansarie Daendels and his officers waited in vain for the arrival of the Sultan, who deferred his appearance from hour to hour, sending excuses which, if not believed, were at least tolerated. Ere long, how- ever, the delegates began to see that they were only a laughing-stock to the crowd, which momen- tarily increased in number news of the intended interview having spread far and near.

Daendels, irritated by the delay, knit his brows, and ordering two of his aides-de-camp to follow, forced his wav throuo-li the mass of human beings, and, walking to the subteri'aneau passage that led to the chateau, boldly entered it without meeting with any opposition, as such a stej) had been wholly unlooked for. From here he penetrated into the audience hall, where the Sultan was seated, sur- rounded by his courtiers and officers, with whom lie was in deep consultation.

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