 mind - where there was nothing stable but an all-pervading
discontent. He kept the discontent alive, he rekindled the expiring ambition, he
moderated the poor exile's not unnatural impatience to attain a high and
lucrative position. He - the man of violence - deprecated the use of force, for
he had a clear comprehension of the difficult situation. From the same cause, he
- the hater of white men - would to some extent admit the eventual expediency of
Dutch protection. But nothing should be done in a hurry. Whatever his master
Lakamba might think, there was no use in poisoning old Patalolo, he maintained.
It could be done, of course; but what then? As long as Lingard's influence was
paramount - as long as Almayer, Lingard's representative, was the only great
trader of the settlement, it was not worth Lakamba's while - even if it had been
possible - to grasp the rule of the young state. Killing Almayer and Lingard was
so difficult and so risky that it might be dismissed as impracticable. What was
wanted was an alliance; somebody to set up against the white men's influence -
and somebody who, while favourable to Lakamba, would at the same time be a
person of a good standing with the Dutch authorities. A rich and considered
trader was wanted. Such a person once firmly established in Sambir would help
them to oust the old Rajah, to remove him from power or from life if there was
no other way. Then it would be time to apply to the Orang Blanda for a flag; for
a recognition of their meritorious services; for that protection which would
make them safe for ever! The word of a rich and loyal trader would mean
something with the Ruler down in Batavia. The first thing to do was to find such
an ally and to induce him to settle in Sambir. A white trader would not do. A
white man would not fall in with their ideas - would not be trustworthy. The man
they wanted should be rich, unscrupulous, have many followers, and be a
well-known personality in the islands. Such a man might be found amongst the
Arab traders. Lingard's jealousy, said Babalatchi, kept all the traders out of
the river. Some were afraid, and some did not know how to get there; others
ignored the very existence of Sambir; a good many did not think it worth their
while to run the risk of Lingard's enmity for the doubtful advantage of trade
with a comparatively unknown settlement. The great majority were undesirable or
untrustworthy. And
