Page:Ran away from the Dutch; or, Borneo from south to north (IA cu31924023893609).pdf/33

 to hurry away. A look, however, at the doctor, whose face showed anxiety and despair, made him pause. He passed his hands over his sarong as if the folds of the garment were hurting him and again seated himself.

"By your leave, sir," he said quietly but firmly, "it won't do, it is already very late and such orders as you direct will cause great commotion in the kampong."

"Well! and what if they do?" asked the Colonel.

"The women and children will be alarmed and the object of these movements may be misunderstood. You know, sir, that in spite of your efforts to pacify the people, we cannot trust a great part of them. Besides there are rumors about. I mentioned yesterday that rangkans filled with head-hunters of the Doessan have been seen in our neighborhood. I cannot say that I believe in these reports, but they are not unlikely to be true because several of our families left their houses last night to seek refuge in the woods."

"But, Tomonggong," interrupted the Colonel.,

"Believe me, sir," the Chief continued solemnly. "Believe me. You know that I am a faithful subject of the Dutch. The object of this night's expedition will be misunderstood by the people. They will all be alarmed and especially the families of those who are sent on this service. Besides where are they to go? You say that the fugitives have not fled seaward. You will pardon me, pardon me a thousand times when I say that I cannot share your opinion. But supposing it could be proved beyond doubt that they have gone inland, I yet repeat my question, Whither shall my Dayaks go? The island of Borneo is