Babalatchi told a story which--it must be said in justice to Patalolo's knowledge of the world--was not believed.
When the Rajah ventured to state his doubts, Babalatchi asked him in tones of calm remonstrance whether he could reasonably suppose that two oldish men--who had only one eye amongst them--and a young woman were likely to gain possession of anything whatever by violence?
Charity was a virtue recommended by the Prophet.

There were charitable people, and their hand was open to the deserving.

Patalolo wagged his aged head doubtingly, and Babalatchi withdrew with a shocked mien and put himself forthwith under Lakamba's protection.

The two men who completed the prau's crew followed him into that magnate's campong.

The blind Omar, with Aissa, remained under the care of the Rajah, and the Rajah confiscated the cargo.