Page 100 - Malay sketches

MALAY SKETCHES

Whilst these two were living their unattractive
lives there came difficulties between white man and
brown not specially between this white man and
any with a darker skin : the quarrel was between
white authority and Malay resentment of inter-
ference. Grant was not even remotely connected
with the matter, but he was white, and under such
circumstances a want of discrimination is not un-
common. There followed what is known as " a
state of reprisals." Uncivilised people, who do not
understand fine distinctions in such matters, called it
war. The disturbance was, however, comparatively
Grant's immediate
local, neighbourhood did not seem
and he was unconcerned. There-
affected, probably
fore he went about his work and took no
special
precaution, fearing no attack.
But his hut was isolated, there was only one
other white man anywhere near him, no police
and who understood
within miles, Maamih, Malays
better than her protector, was on the watch for
trouble.
To expect is, sometimes, to go half way to meet,
and the trouble came quickly.
One morning two Malays appeared at Grant's
house, and, having given some trivial excuse for
their presence and looked about the premises, took
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