Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/149

 IXTERVIEW WITH TWO SOLDIERS. 133

few feet below the level of this is a shower-batli. The water runnino; from the tank falls on the bather's head, after passing through the mouth of a peacock cut out of stone. On each side of this are two figures, in form half woman and half prawn. These are the Javanese mermaids, called orang ayxi. Here we had a delightful bath, reminding one of those enjoyed by the luxurious Moors of Granada, or the Persians in the time of Sultan Ali Ven Moussah.

On our return we perceived two soldiers walking u]) and down before the house in which we were domiciled. As we approached, and were about to enter, they came u}) and asked most respectfully to

see Mr. Z, as they wished to speak to him very

particularly for a few minutes. Mr. Z, l)eing

made acquainted with their request, and concluding it to be some matter of importance, desired them to go to his Kontoor, where, as he afterwards related to us, the following dialogue took j)lace :

" \\'ell, my men, what do you want ?"

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