Page:Max Havelaar; or, the Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company (IA dli.granth.77827).pdf/121

 twelve years we have had an increase of only eleven per cent., and even this statement is questionable, for the statistics were formerly very inexactly kept—and farther!—from 1850 to 1851 there is even a diminution—and the cattle market does not flourish—that is a bad omen What the deuce! look how that horse jumps and rearscome here, Max!”

Verbrugge saw that he would not have much to teach the new Assistant Resident, and that there was no question of ascendency arising from “local acquaintance,” an advantage which the good fellow had not desired.

“But it is a matter of course,” continued Havelaar, taking Max in his arms; “in Tjikandi and Bolang they like it—and so do the rebels in the Lampoons. I recommend myself to your co-operation, Mr. Verbrugge; the Regent is a man old in yearshis son-in-law is still district-chief? All things considered, I think him to be a person who deserves indulgenceI mean the RegentI am very glad that there is so much poverty hereI hope to remain here a long time.”

Thereupon he shook hands with Verbrugge, and the latter returned with him to the table, where the Resident, the Regent, and Madam Havelaar were seated, the Controller having perceived more than five minutes before that “this Mr. Havelaar was not such a fool” as the