Now Reshid was a Hadji.

He was possessor of several Malay women, went on Abdulla, but it was time he had a favourite wife, the first of the four allowed by the Prophet.

And, speaking with well-bred politeness, he explained further to the dumbfounded Almayer that, if he would consent to the alliance of his offspring with that true believer and virtuous man Reshid, she would be the mistress of all the splendours of Reshid's house, and first wife of the first Arab in the Islands, when he--Abdulla--was called to the joys of Paradise by Allah the All-merciful.

"You know, Tuan," he said, in conclusion, "the other women would be her slaves, and Reshid's house is great.

From Bombay he has brought great divans, and costly carpets, and European furniture.