G a Henty

In the Hands of the Malays G a Henty

Excerpt from In the Hands of the Malays: And Other Stories

The other laughed. I grant he has an evil face, Van Houten, but I think that you are a little prejudiced. I own, though, that I felt inclined to knock him down myself this afternoon, when he stood at the door of the galley staring at Fraulein Meyers through his half-closed eyes. He put me in mind of a cat watching a mouse.

Yes, I have noticed it myself several times, the other said hotly. It is hardly a thing one can take up. The fellow might declare that it was not her that he was looking at, but that he was merely meditating; and to tell you the truth, although I am no coward, I would rather not make a mortal enemy of that man. I have no fancy for being stabbed to the heart while I am asleep. If he said, or did anything insolent it would be another matter. I would have him ironed and sent down below, and kept there till we got to Batavia.

The other laughed again. You would get into hot water with all the passengers, Van Houten; the fellow cooks so well that they are always singing his praises.

Yes, there has been a great improvement in the diet since we left the Cape; but still, even at the risk of displeasing the worshipful passengers, I would put the fellow in irons did he give me the shadow of an excuse. I should not be surprised if he did so, for of late I have observed a malignant look on his face as his eyes fell upon me. It is absurd to suppose that the hound feels any ill-will towards me because I am a good deal with Fraulein Meyers. The assumption is too monstrous, but I really don't see any other reason for him to dislike me. I have never spoken to him since he came on board.

Perhaps the matter will be taken out of your hands altogether, the other said. I heard the mate having a row with him this morning, and certainly he is not likely to put up with any non sense; and he is strong enough to pick the Arab, or whatever he is, up with one hand and throw him overboard.

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