"Ha! ha! ha! Arrest! Why, I have been trying to get out of this infernal place for twenty years, and I can't.

You hear, man! I can't, and never shall! Never!" He ended his words with a sob, and walked unsteadily down the stairs.
When in the courtyard the lieutenant approached him, and took him by the arm.

The sub-lieutenant and Babalatchi followed close.
"That's better, Almayer," said the officer encouragingly.

"Where are you going to?
There are only planks there.

Here," he went on, shaking him slightly, "do we want the boats ?" "No," answered Almayer, viciously.