Page:Max Havelaar Or The Coffee Sales of the Netherlands Trading Company Siebenhaar.djvu/127

 am but too often in error myself, I shall not be severe that is to say not in ordinary service offences of commission or omission. Only when neglect of duty becomes a habit I shall seek to arrest it. I will not speak of misdemeanours of a grosser nature of extortion and oppression. Nothing of that kind will happen, will it, Adhipatti?”

“Oh, no, Sir, such things will not happen in Lebak.”

“Well then, gentlemen, Chiefs of Bantan Kedool, let us be rejoiced that our division is so backward and poor. We have a beautiful duty to fulfil. If Allah will spare our lives, we shall see to it that well-being is created. The soil is fertile enough, and the people are willing. If everyone is left in the enjoyment of the fruit of his exertion, there is no doubt that in a short space of time the population will increase, both in numbers and in possessions and culture, for these things most frequently go hand in hand. I again ask you to look upon me as a friend who will help you where he can, especially where injustice has to be prevented. And with this I recommend myself to your co-operation.

“I shall in due course return to you the Reports on Crop, Stock, Police, and Justice.

“ I have spoken. You may return, everyone to his home. I greet you all cordially!”

He bowed, offered his arm to the Regent, and conducted him through the grounds to the residence, where Tine stood waiting for him in the front veranda.

“Come on, Verbrugge, don’t go home yet! Come along a glass of Madeira? And oh yes, this I must know, Radhen Djaksa. Tell me!”

This Havelaar called out when all the Chiefs, after many curtseys, prepared to return to their homes. Verbrugge also was on the point of leaving the grounds, but now came back with the Djaksa.

“Tine, I'll have some Madeira, and so will Verbrugge. Djaksa, tell me, what was it you told the Klewoon about my little boy?”