Page:Max Havelaar Or The Coffee Sales of the Netherlands Trading Company Siebenhaar.djvu/270



Saïdyah arrived in Batavia. He asked a gentleman to take him into his service, which this gentleman did immediately, as he did not understand Saïdyah. For in Batavia people like to have servants who have not yet learnt Malay, and who are therefore not yet so corrupted as others who have been longer in touch with European civilization. Saïdyah soon learned Malay, but he behaved in an exemplary manner, for he thought ever of the new buffaloes that he wished to buy, and of Adinda. He grew tall and strong, because he ate every day, which was not always possible at Badoor. He was liked in the stables and would certainly not have been rejected if he had asked for the coachman’s daughter in marriage. His master also liked Saïdyah so much that he soon raised him to the position of house-servant. His wages were increased, and he was continually given presents, for the people were particularly well satisfied with his services. The mistress had read the novels