He shook hands with them absently and led the way towards the house.

He was scarcely conscious of the polite words of welcome he greeted the strangers with, and afterwards repeated several times over again in his efforts to appear at ease.

The agitation of their host did not escape the officer's eyes, and the chief confided to his subordinate, in a low voice, his doubts as to Almayer's sobriety.

The young sub-lieutenant laughed and expressed in a whisper the hope that the white man was not intoxicated enough to neglect the offer of some refreshments.

"He does not seem very dangerous," he added, as they followed Almayer up the steps of the verandah.
"No, he seems more of a fool than a knave; I have heard of him," returned the senior.
They sat around the table.