Mahmat looked reproachfully at Babalatchi.
"But the Tuan Babalatchi ordered me to drag the body ashore"-- he went on looking round at his audience, but addressing himself only to Almayer--"and I dragged him by the feet; in through the mud I have dragged him, although my heart longed to see him float down the river to strand perchance on Bulangi's clearing--may his father's grave be defiled!" There was subdued laughter at this, for the enmity of Mahmat and Bulangi was a matter of common notoriety and of undying interest to the inhabitants of Sambir.

In the midst of that mirth Mrs.Almayer wailed suddenly again.
"Allah! What ails the woman!" exclaimed Mahmat, angrily.

"Here, I have touched this carcass which came from nobody knows where, and have most likely defiled myself before eating rice.

By orders of Tuan Babalatchi I did this thing to please the white man.

Are you pleased, O Tuan Almayer?
And what will be my recompense?
Tuan Babalatchi said a recompense there will be, and from you.