He spoke in a tone of regretful irritation.
"You have come to the wrong house, Tuan Maroola, if you want to trade as you say.

I was a trader once, not now, whatever you may have heard about me in Macassar.

And if you want anything, you will not find it here; I have nothing to give, and want nothing myself.

You should go to the Rajah here; you can see in the daytime his houses across the river, there, where those fires are burning on the shore.

He will help you and trade with you.