# III explained — An Outcast of the Islands > Chapter companion for An Outcast of the Islands by Joseph Conrad. ## What happens Abdulla, a wealthy and pious Arab trader, arrives in Sambir and meets with local leaders including Lakamba, Babalatchi, and Sahamin, who complain about Almayer's oppressive trade practices. Babalatchi reveals he has secured a white man (Willems) to guide Abdulla's ship into the river and lead any potential fight against Almayer. Abdulla expresses concern about the unseemliness of an unbeliever living under his shadow with a Muslim woman, but Babalatchi reassures him that Willems can be disposed of when no longer needed. They then go to meet Omar el Badavi and Willems. ## Themes in this chapter ### Colonialism and Racial Hierarchy The chapter highlights the resentment of local traders like Sahamin and Bahassoen toward Almayer, a white man who holds economic power and treats them with contempt, reflecting colonial dominance and racial tensions. ### Betrayal and Trust Babalatchi's manipulation of Willems and the plotting against Almayer involve layers of betrayal, as Willems is used as a tool by Abdulla and Babalatchi, with plans to discard him once he is no longer useful. ### Cultural Clash and Identity Abdulla's discomfort with Willems, an unbeliever, living under his shadow with a Muslim woman (Aissa) underscores the cultural and religious boundaries that complicate the alliance. ### Illusion of Control and Fate Abdulla is portrayed as a 'fortunate man' whose destiny seems predetermined, yet Babalatchi's scheming suggests that control over events is fragile and subject to manipulation. ## Character check-ins ### Syed Abdulla A wealthy and pious Arab trader, head of a vast family network, who arrives in Sambir to consider entering the river and challenging Almayer's dominance. ### Babalatchi The cunning advisor who orchestrates the plot, having secured Willems as a guide and potential fighter, and reassures Abdulla about managing the white man. ### Lakamba A local ruler who discusses plans with Abdulla, offering men and canoes, but is wary of Willems' violent behavior. ### Daoud Sahamin A venerable trader who complains bitterly about Almayer's harsh treatment and unfair trade practices, emphasizing the community's suffering. ### Hamet Bahassoen A young, warlike man who struts around the fire and calls for fighting against Almayer if a leader is found. ### Omar el Badavi The blind old warrior, mentioned as being visited by Abdulla and Babalatchi, and connected to the plot through his household. ### Willems The white man who has been secured by Babalatchi, described as enslaved by love and ready to guide Abdulla's ship, though his future is uncertain. ### Almayer The white trader in Sambir, resented by the locals for his oppressive practices and mockery, and the target of the conspiracy. ## Key lines > He trades with the Dyaks of the forest, who are no better than monkeys. He buys from them guttah and rattans—while we starve. Sahamin accuses Almayer of trading with forest Dyaks, whom he considers inferior, and buying goods that leave the local people impoverished. _Sahamin's complaint illustrates the economic exploitation and racial prejudice underlying the conflict._ > I shall come if my ship can enter this river. Abdulla agrees to join the plot only if his ship can navigate the river safely. _This condition sets the stage for Willems' role as a guide, highlighting the practical challenges of the conspiracy._ > He is all peace and content, like a thirsty man who has drunk water after many days. Babalatchi describes Willems as calm and satisfied, having been reunited with Aissa. _This metaphor emphasizes Willems' emotional dependence and Babalatchi's manipulative control over him._ > Can I feed this infidel forever and forever? ... No! Not forever. Only while he serves your designs... When the time comes—and your order— Abdulla worries about the long-term burden of supporting Willems, but Babalatchi assures him that Willems will be disposed of once his usefulness ends. _This exchange reveals the cynical pragmatism of the alliance and the foreshadowing of Willems' eventual fate._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-ii-iii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters