In the private note Mr. Slimering sent to Havelaar, he informed him that in spite of his “pressing occupations” he would come to Rangkas-Betoong the next day, in order to discuss what ought to be done. Havelaar, who knew only too well what such discussion meant—had not his predecessor so often “conferred” with the Resident of Bantam?—wrote the following letter, which he sent to meet the Resident in order that the latter should have read it before his arrival at the head-centre of Lebak. Comment on this document is superfluous.
“No. 61. Secret
“Urgent.
“Yesterday at noon I had the honour to send you my urgent missive No. 88, substantially stating:
“That, after long investigation, and after having vainly sought, by gentle means, to turn the person concerned from his culpable action, I felt compelled by my official oath to charge the Regent of Lebak with abuse of authority, and that I suspected him of extortion.
“I took the liberty in that letter to suggest that you should call this Native Chief to Serang, in order to commence, after his departure and after neutralizing the corrupting influence of his numerous family, an examination of the soundness both of my charge and of my suspicion.
“Long, or rather deeply, had I reflected before I decided to take this course.
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