Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/203

 PRESENTATIOX OF A LETTER. 187

As we approaclied, I perceived a Javanese, whom I rightly imagined to be the chief himself, talking to a European gentleman. I alighted when the caiTiage stopped, and, advancing towards him, pre- sented my letter. To my surprise, however, though the envelope was addressed to himself, he handed it over to the gentleman beside him. The European coolly opened it, as if such a proceed- ing were a matter of course, and, after glancing at the writinn; not one word of which, I verilv be- lieve. he understood, as it was all in Javanese returned it to the rightfvd owner, who, having read the whole, said, with singular coldness, more freezing, coming, as it did, from a native from whom we iiad hitherto met with so much warmth of heart and kindness

"There is a biijeineiit in the town Tvian can go there; I have the liesident and Contruleur staying with nie now."

" Is there ( I was n<jt aware of it," answered I;

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