Why does arsat ask the white man if he has medicine in the lagoon?

In the story, Arsat asks the white man if he has medicine in the lagoon because he is seeking help for his ailing loved one. The lagoon symbolizes a place of potential healing or salvation, reflecting Arsat's desperation and the intersection of cultures. His inquiry highlights his hope, as well as the limitations of his own knowledge and resources in the face of illness. This moment underscores themes of dependency and the clash between indigenous beliefs and Western practices.