the truth of my charge as soon as the opportunity is given me which I proposed in my letters; if my charge is false, it is I who am guilty of slander!”
How freely Verbrugge breathed!
And how strange the Resident thought Havelaar’s words!
The interview lasted a long time. With great courteousness—for Mr. Slimering was courteous and well-bred—the Resident sought to persuade Havelaar to relinquish such mistaken principles. But with equal courteousness the latter remained immovable. The end was that the Resident had to yield, and said by way of a threat, which to Havelaar was a triumph: that he would then be compelled to bring the letters in question under the notice of the Government.
The conference was closed. The Resident visited the Adhipatti—we have already seen what business he had there!—and next sat down to dinner at the scanty meal of the Havelaars. After this he returned at once to Serang, with great despatch: Because. He. Was. So. Exceptionally. Busy.
The next day, Havelaar received a letter from the Resident of Bantam, the contents of which may be inferred from Havelaar’s answer, which I here copy:
“No. 93.
“I have the honour to acknowledge your urgent missive of the 26th instant, confidential, containing principally the following communication:
“That you have reasons not to assent to the proposals made in my official letters of the 24th and 25th instant. Nos. 88 and 91;
“That you would have preferred a previous confidential communication;
“That you do not approve of my action as described in those two letters;
“And finally some instructions.
