And really the pseudo-Arab moved backwards and forwards like a maniac, muttering a curious mixture of Walloon, French and Dutch oaths. He knew too well that in deference to the character he was personating he would not be able to partake of the well-prepared boar’s head and the aromatic toeak. Some time ago he had cultivated the acquaintance of the toeak, a liquor prepared from fermented rice, pepper, betelnuts and sugar, and had found its taste so agreeable that on seeing the bowl appear, he had promised himself a goodly drink of its seductive contents. But Johannes’ remark effectually deprived him of any share in the potations. Meddling fellow! Why could he not keep silent? The Walloon vented his indignation on his turban, which he turned around again and again as if wishing to pitch this particular article into the soengei. However, the hostess hastened to offer the desperate Arab a fair portion of tambilok, delicately fried, seasoned and peppered, besides a few slices of liendoeng, with some nice sour egg-sauce. After the saint had said grace he peacefully set to work and finished his meal with a good dose of fried koedjang, declaring that he found this product of the art of Dayak cookery most delicious. “I believe you,” said Johannes, smiling; “it was the choicest tidbit they could offer you.” La Cueille became alarmed at his ominous smile. “In heaven’s name, what did I really eat?” “Do you mean to say you don’t know, you stupid? Well, koedjang is a kind of turnip abundantly found in lower Dayakland and which takes the place of our potatoes.” “I know I have often eaten them at Kwala Kapoeas. They are really delicious fried in thin slices. But what did they call the viands?” “Tambilok and liendoeng, you mean?” “Yes, what are they?” “Have you never observed those fat white worms found in the wood which has been lying in the river for a considerable time? Well, that is what the Dayaks call tambilok and of which they make such a nice dish.” “Oh, Notre Dame de bon secours!” the Walloon shrieked, horrified. “And the ‘liendoeng,’” Johannes continued immediately, “is a kind of water-snake about three feet long and of the diameter of a man’s arm. Its color is red with black stripes down the back. It has a very smooth skin and is not poisonous. It is a special favorite with the Dayaks.” “And I thought I was eating eels all the while!” La Cueille cried, with disgust on his every feature. “But never mind,” Johannes added good-naturedly, “I have wrapped a large piece of the boar’s head in a leaf Dayak-fashion, and as soon as you feel hungry again you shall have food more to your mind. But mind you may have to swallow worse things than snakes or worms before you reach home.” La Cueille sighed but did not answer. He went to rest and was soon lost in a deep slumber.