initial commit of ebook 22407HEADmain

304 files changed, 16002 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/22407-8.txt b/22407-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..946091c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5434 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy, by 
+Florence Partello Stuart
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy
+       A Book for Young and Old
+
+Author: Florence Partello Stuart
+
+Release Date: August 26, 2007 [EBook #22407]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF PIANG ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ from scans made
+available by Google Books.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Adventures of Piang
+The Moro Jungle Boy
+
+A Book for Young and Old
+
+
+By Florence Partello Stuart
+
+Illustrated By Ellsworth Young
+
+
+New York
+The Century Co.
+1917
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Copyright, 1917, by The Century Co.
+
+Copyright, 1916, by David C. Cook Publishing Company Copyright, 1917,
+Boys' Life The Boy Scouts Magazine
+
+Published September, 1917
+
+
+
+
+
+
+To "Buddy"
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+    I         The Charm Boy   6
+    II        The Floating Island   32
+    III       The Hermit of Ganassi Peak   51
+    IV        The Fire Tree   78
+    V         Riding the Cataract   108
+    VI        The Jungle Menace   129
+    VII       The Secret of the Source   157
+    VIII      The Juramentado Gunboat   193
+    IX        The Bichara   223
+    X         Piang's Triumph   251
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+
+
+    Slowly he swam downward, conscious of a large body moving near
+    him   _Frontispiece_
+    Rising to his feet, spear poised, he waited   17
+    His hands closed over something   36
+    On its neck it supported a weird creature   70
+    "The boom! We must cut it!"   87
+    With hands outstretched above his head, he waited for the great
+    moment   122
+    Piang reached up on tiptoe to pluck a ripe mango   139
+    Gracefully the little slave-girl eluded Piang and Sicto   149
+    Over and over they rolled, splashing and fighting   167
+    A shrill whistle echoed through the forest   210
+    "Juramentado! Gobernado!" faintly whispered Piang   227
+    The water spout caught the eggshell praus in its toils   261
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                "Do you know the fragrant stillness of the orchid
+                        scented glade,
+                Where the blazoned, bird-winged butterflies
+                        flap through?"
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF PIANG
+THE MORO JUNGLE BOY
+
+
+Piang is a real boy. Dato Kali Pandapatan is a real Moro chief. The
+Moro is not a Filipino.
+
+When I returned from my life among the natives of the lower
+Philippines, I was appalled to find that America was not only ignorant
+of, but entirely indifferent to our colonies across the seas. The
+general impression seemed to be that Manila was a delightful Spanish
+city, and that Manila was the Philippines. That there are several
+thousand little islands in the Philippine group, each harboring its
+distinct tribe, each with its own dialect and religion, was entirely
+unknown. Impressed by the nobility of the Moro in contrast to the
+other tribes of the archipelago, by his unfortunate treatment and his
+possibilities for development, I found myself taking up his cause,
+and was repaid by intense interest wherever I launched forth on my
+pet subject. I was so successful that gradually I began to idealize
+the Moro, weaving around him, not the "might have beens," but the
+"might be's." Hence, "The Adventures of Piang."
+
+Many of our military heros of other days share the honors with Piang;
+their exploits and privations are a romance in themselves, and among
+these pages the army and navy will recognize stories that have long
+since become history. I am indebted to Dean Worcester for statistics
+and a great deal of information on the origin and development of the
+Moro. Indeed some of Piang's adventures are actual incidents of Dean
+Worcester's travels. Robinson and Foreman have given me much material,
+and I find their books authentic and true chronicles of the Malay
+people. But most of all I am indebted to that great and wise man,
+Colonel John P. Finley, United States Army, who during his term as
+civil governor of the Moro provinces, did more to help a down-trodden
+people than any Christian who has ever attempted to bring them to
+the true light.
+
+Anticipating carping criticisms from geographic purists, the author
+is ready to admit taking liberties with longitudes and latitudes,
+juggling lakes and mountains to the envy of Atlas, in order to serve
+the picturesque and romantic purposes of Piang.
+
+Some of the stories in this volume appeared in the juvenile magazines,
+"St. Nicholas," "What To Do," and "Boys' World," and are reprinted
+through the courtesy of the editors.
+
+
+
+
+FIRST ADVENTURE
+
+THE CHARM BOY
+
+
+In the warm Celebes Sea, four hundred miles south of Manila, lies the
+romantic, semi-mysterious island of Mindanao, home of the Moro. For
+three centuries Spain struggled to subjugate this fierce people,
+with little or no success, and she turned them over to America with
+a sigh of relief. Perpetual warfare is the pastime of the Moro; it
+is his sport, his vocation; and the Mother Jungle hurls a livelihood
+at his feet. Food, clothing, shelter are his birthright.
+
+One of the most powerful tribes of Moroland is ruled by Dato (chief)
+Kali Pandapatan. Far up in the hills dwells this powerful clan,
+arrogant and superior in its power. Piang, the chosen of Allah,
+dwells among them; haughtily the boy accepts their homage as his due,
+for he is destined to become their ruler some day. His prowess and
+bravery are the boast of his people, and the name of Piang is known
+from one end of Mindanao to the other.
+
+The tribe was assembled for the ceremony. Within the hollow square
+stood Dato (chief) Kali Pandapatan and old Pandita (priest) Asin. There
+was a rustle of expectancy among the onlookers; their interest was
+divided between the two solitary figures, silently waiting, and a
+hut, much bedecked with gaudy trappings and greens. On all sides the
+silent jungle closed in around the brilliant throng, seeming to bear
+witness against mankind; men might force a tiny clearing in its very
+heart after years of struggle and work, but the virgin forest sang on,
+undisturbed, watchful.
+
+The grass flaps, forming the door of the hut, moved. Like a soft wind
+caressing the palm-trees, a murmur rustled through the crowd:
+
+"It is he!"
+
+Children scrambled away from restraining parents to get a better view;
+dogs, filled with uneasiness by this strange silence, whined. The
+stillness was unnatural. Distant cries of a mina-bird floated to this
+strained audience; the river, muttering its plaints to the listening
+rushes, sounded like a cataract in their ears.
+
+Into the midst of this crowd walked a stately, graceful youth. The
+dusky goldenness of his skin was enhanced by his rainbow-hued
+garments. From waist to ankle he was encased in breeches as tight as
+any gymnast's pantaloons; they were striped in greens and scarlets
+and had small gold filigree buttons down the sides. A tight jacket,
+buttoned to the throat, was fastened with another row of buttons,
+and around his waist was gracefully tied a crimson sash, the fringed
+ends heavy with glass beads and seed-pearls. A campilan (two-handled
+knife, double-edged), and a pearl-handled creese (dagger) were thrust
+into the sash. With arrogant tread he advanced, the ranks dividing
+like a wave before an aggressive war-prau. His piercing black eyes
+expressed utter indifference, and he ignored those gathered to witness
+his triumph. Only once he seemed to smile when the little slave girl,
+Papita, timidly touched his arm. The rebuke that fell upon her from the
+others, brought a frown to the boy's face, but he continued to advance
+until he stood beside Dato Kali Pandapatan and Pandita Asin. Here,
+like a sentinel giant, bereft of his nearest kin, one monster tree
+remained standing. It seemed to whisper to its distant mates, who
+nodded answer from their ranks at the edge of the clearing. Under
+this tree Piang paused, gazing fixedly at his beloved chief.
+
+"Piang," said Kali, "the time has come for you to prove that you are
+the chosen of Allah."
+
+A perceptible rustle followed this.
+
+"On the night of your birth, the panditas announced that the charm
+boy, who was to lead the tribe to victory, would be born before
+the stars dimmed. Your cry came first, but there was another, also,
+fated to come to us that night. The mestizo (half-breed) boy, Sicto,
+opened his eyes before that same dawn, and you are destined to prove
+which is the chosen Allah." Anxiously the Moro men and women gazed
+at their idol, Piang. His manly little head was held high, and the
+powerful shoulders squared as he listened.
+
+The sun, but lately risen, bathed the multitude in its early light
+and chased the light filigree of moisture from the foliage. Through
+the branches of the solitary tree, wavy sunbeams made their way to
+flicker and play around Piang, and one bold dart seemed to hesitate
+and caress the mass of glossy, black hair.
+
+"Sicto!" called Kali. There was another murmur, but very different
+from the one that had preceded Piang's coming. From the same hut
+came forth another boy. A little taller than Piang, was Sicto, lean
+and lank of limb. His skin was a dirty cream color, more like that
+of the Mongolian than the warm tinted Mohammedan. His costume was
+much like Piang's, but it was not carried with the royal dignity of
+the other boy's. Sicto's head was held a little down; the murky eyes
+avoided meeting those of his tribesmen, and his whole attitude gave
+the impression of slinking. The high cheek-bones and slightly tilted
+eyes bore evidence of the Chinese blood that flowed in his veins,
+and the tribe shuddered at the thought of Sicto as charm boy. He
+advanced with a shambling gait.
+
+"Sicto, it is given that you shall have your chance." Kali Pandapatan
+spoke loudly, a frown on his brow. "Piang is of our own blood, and
+we, one and all, wish him to be our charm boy, but there shall be no
+injustice done. Born under the same star, within the same hour, it is
+not for me to decide whether you or Piang is the Heaven-sent." Turning
+to the pandita, Kali whispered something. The old man nodded and
+advanced a few steps, saying:
+
+"My people, I shall leave it to you, whether or not I have made a wise
+decision. There is no way for us to prove the claim of either of these
+boys, so I am sending them to seek the answer for themselves." Asin
+paused, and the crowd moved. "On yonder mountain dwells the wise
+hermit, Ganassi. He has lived there for many years, apart from man,
+alone in the jungle with beast and reptile.
+
+There are no trails to his haunt; no man has seen Ganassi for a
+generation, but that he still lives we know, for he answers our signal
+fires each year and replies to our questions." Turning to the two boys,
+he addressed them directly: "The mountain where he dwells has been
+named after him, Ganassi Peak, and friends through the hills will
+direct you toward it. You shall both start at the same time, but by
+different routes. One leads through the jungle, over the hills; the
+other follows the river to its head-water, the lake. Old Ganassi will
+guide the real charm boy to him; he is great; he is ubiquitous. Have
+no fear of the jungle or its creatures, for he will be with you."
+
+Amazement and joy were written on Piang's face. He was to penetrate
+the jungle at last, alone! His heart thrilled at the thought of the
+adventures waiting for him there, and with radiant face he turned
+toward the inviting forest.
+
+"Piang! Piang!" resounded through the stillness, as the excited Moros
+watched him.
+
+Sicto stood, head down, wriggling his toes in the sand. He did not
+like the idea of the lonely jungle, or the thought of the long hard
+days between him and Ganassi Peak, but he did not speak.
+
+With solemn ceremony the pandita prepared to anoint the boys according
+to the rites of the tribe. A slave boy ran lightly forward and sank
+on his knees before the pandita. On his head he bore a basket covered
+with cool, green leaves. Praying and chanting, the priest uncovered
+the basket, revealing two beautiful dazzlingly white flowers.
+
+"The champakas!" cried Papita in amazement as the rare flowers
+were exposed. An admonishing hand was placed over her lips. Slowly
+Asin raised the flowers, heavy with dew, above the two boys, and the
+clear, crystal drops fell upon their heads. Across the sky trailed a
+flock of white rice-birds; as they flitted across the clearing, their
+shadows leaped from one picturesque Moro to another; a twig snapped,
+startling a baby, who cried out. The spell was broken.
+
+The chant was taken up by the entire tribe, and slowly at first, they
+began to revolve around the central figures. As their excitement
+grew, the pace quickened, until they were whirling and gyrating
+at a reckless rate. Like a pistol-shot came the command to cease,
+and quietly all returned to their original places. Kali Pandapatan
+raised his hand for silence.
+
+"I shall throw my creese into the air. Sicto, you may have first
+choice. Do you choose the point, or the flat fall?"
+
+Sicto considered:
+
+"If the creese falls without sticking into the ground, I shall choose
+my route first."
+
+The crowd instinctively pushed a little closer as Kali tossed the
+shining blade into the air. A gasp, forced from between some anxious
+lip, broke the stillness. Every eye followed the course described by
+the knife, and when it fell, clean as an arrow, the blade piercing
+the earth, there was a sigh of relief. Piang was to have first choice.
+
+"Piang, it is given that you shall choose. Will you proceed by the
+river or take your chances with the jungle? One route is as safe as
+another, and only the real charm boy can reach Ganassi."
+
+"I will go by the river," Piang answered quietly, with great dignity.
+
+
+
+It was a beautiful day. To us, the heat would have been stifling,
+the humidity distressing, but Piang loved it all and joyfully looked
+forward to the trip up the river.
+
+The trying ceremony over, the two candidates had hurried off to prepare
+for the long journey. Cumbersome garments were discarded, and Piang
+was clothed in the easy costume of the jungle traveler; breech-clout,
+head-cloth, a sarong, flung carelessly over one shoulder, and a
+_pañuelo_ (handkerchief) with a few necessary articles tied securely
+in it. His weapons were a bolo, a creese, and a bow and arrow. Piang's
+bare limbs, bronze and powerful, glistened in the brilliant sunshine,
+and he was very picturesque as he paddled along the stream, dipping
+his slim hands into the current, arresting objects that floated by. He
+had made his _banco_ (canoe) himself; had even felled the palma brava
+alone, and had spent days burning and chopping the center away, until
+at last he was the proud possessor of one of the swiftest canoes on
+the river. As on ice-boats, long outriggers of slender poles extended
+across the banco, and the ends were joined by other bamboo poles, so
+that the canoe looked like a giant dragon-fly as it skimmed lightly
+over the water.
+
+Piang stopped at a lily-pad to gather some of the inviting blossoms,
+but regretted it instantly, as a swarm of mosquitos rose and enveloped
+him. He thought to escape their vicious attacks by paddling faster,
+but it was no use; they had come to stay. Trailing after him a long
+uneven stream, they seemed to take turns in tormenting him, and as the
+leaders became satiated, they fell back, allowing the rear rankers to
+buzz forward and renew the attack. Piang longed for a certain kind
+of moss that grows at the roots of trees, but his keen eyes could
+not discover any.
+
+It was almost all he could do, to paddle his banco and fight the pests;
+his sarong was wrapped tightly around him, but it was no protection
+against the savage mosquitos, and he was about to drop in the water
+despite the crocodiles, when he spied some of the moss. With a cry
+of relief, he headed toward the bank and managed to pull some into
+the boat. Taking from his bundle a queerly shaped, wooden object,
+he spun it like a top, rapidly, backward and forward in a pan until
+smoke appeared at the point of the rod. Powdering some bark, he threw
+it into the pan, and when it began to blaze, he added some of the
+damp moss. Gradually a thick, pungent smoke arose. It curled upward,
+enveloping him and almost choking him with its overwhelming aroma,
+but it dispelled the mosquitos immediately, and Piang continued his
+journey unmolested.
+
+He was very happy that morning, for was he not free, honored by his
+tribe, and engaged in the dearest of pastimes, adventure? The poor
+little girls have no choice in their occupations, for as soon as they
+are large enough, their tasks are allotted to them; they must sit all
+day and weave, or wear out their little backs pounding rice in the big
+wooden bowls. But the man child is free. The jungle is his task. He
+must learn to trap game, to find where the fruits abound, and to avoid
+the many dangers that wait for him. Piang broke into a native chant:
+
+"Ee-ung pee-ang, unk ah-wang!" As it resounded through the forest in
+his high-pitched, nasal tones, he was answered from the trees, and
+little, gray monkeys came swinging along to see who their visitor might
+be. Piang mischievously tossed a piece of the smoking moss to the bank
+and paused to see the fun. Their almost human coughs, as the smoke
+was wafted their way, made him laugh. They scampered down, tumbling
+over each other in their anxiety to be first, and one little fellow,
+who succeeded in out-distancing the others, stuck its hand into the
+smoldering embers. Astonished, at first, it nursed the injured member,
+but gradually becoming infuriated, it finally shrieked and jumped up
+and down. It began to pelt the smudge madly with stones, chattering
+excitedly to its companions, as if describing the tragedy. The others
+had climbed back into the trees, paying no attention to Piang, but
+keeping a watchful eye on the danger that had been hurled among them.
+
+Piang lazily plied his paddle, laughing to himself at the foolishness
+of monkeys. He tried to peer through the dense trees that crowded
+toward the river, hiding the secrets of the jungle. He wanted to know
+those secrets, wanted to match his strength against the numberless
+dangers that are always veiled by that twilight, which the sun strives
+in vain to penetrate, year after year, turning away discouraged. Piang
+listlessly examined the river, little knowing the perilous adventure
+that waited for him just beyond the bend.
+
+One lone log, majestic in its solitude, floated down the river,
+resisting the efforts of tenacious creepers to bind and hold it
+prisoner. Piang poked it with his paddle. Another was floating in
+its wake, and he idly tapped this, also. It stirred, turned over,
+and disappeared under the boat.
+
+"_Boia!_" ("Crocodile!") breathed the startled boy. He had disturbed
+one of the sleeping monsters! Piang's heart beat very fast, and a
+shudder passed through him as he felt something bump the bottom of
+the boat. The crocodile was just beneath him and if it rose suddenly,
+it would upset him. One, two, three seconds he waited, but they were
+the longest seconds Piang had ever known. There was a slight movement
+astern; the boat tipped forward, swerved, and before Piang could right
+himself, a vicious snort startled him. The crocodile was lashing the
+water with its tail, and the light shell was pitching and rolling
+dangerously. Piang scrambled to his knees.
+
+There are only two vulnerable spots on a full-grown crocodile;
+under the left fore leg, where the heart can be pierced, and the
+jugular vein, easily reached through the opened jaws. Piang, in
+the bow of the boat, paused, arm raised, waiting for a favorable
+opportunity. The canoe was being swept backward, stern first, and
+the crocodile swam close, nosing it, making it careen perilously. Any
+moment the merciless jaws might close over the brittle wood, crushing
+it to splinters. The small, bleary eyes seemed to devour Piang as
+they tortured him with suspense, but he patiently waited for his
+chance, knowing that he would only have one. The banco gave a jerk
+as it bumped into an obstruction, and the impact forced it outward
+a few feet. The moment had come. As the crocodile plunged forward,
+Piang thrust his spear into its breast. There was a gurgling sound,
+a swishing of the water, and the Ugly thing rolled over on its back.
+
+Piang never could remember just how he escaped. From every sheltered
+cove, from behind innocent-looking snags, appeared the heads of hungry
+crocodiles, awakened by the fight. Luckily they were attracted by the
+blood of Piang's victim, and he skilfully avoided the clumsy animals
+as they rushed after the fast disappearing meal. One powerful monster
+succeeded in dragging the body into the rushes, and the noise of the
+dispute, as they fought over their unfortunate mate, nauseated the
+boy. His arms were tired and stiff and his head was reeling, but he
+bravely worked at the paddle until he reached a bend of the river. It
+had been a narrow escape, and Piang had learned a lesson. Never again
+would he idly thump logs in a stream!
+
+The boat suddenly came to a standstill. It was turning as if on
+a pivot. It had been caught in one of the numerous eddies at the
+mouth of a small tributary stream. Vigorously he strove to gain
+the channel. He hugged the bank, hoping to free himself from the
+whirlpool, but his outrigger became entangled in some weeds, and
+the boat slowly began to tip. Frantically he reached toward the
+tall nipa-palms, nodding over his head, but their flimsy stalks gave
+easily, and he was almost thrown out of the boat. The sparkling water,
+as if laughing at his predicament, caressed the helpless craft,
+drawing it closer and closer to its bosom. The banco gave a lurch;
+it was tipping; it shipped a quantity of water. All Piang's weight
+thrown against the upturned outrigger had no effect. Helplessly,
+he looked into the green, whirling depths.
+
+There was only one thing to be done. Taking a long breath, he grabbed
+his creese and dived. Down, down; the current pulled and tugged at
+him; the rush of sand and mud blinded him, and he was almost swept out
+into the river. But he managed to catch hold of the roots that were
+twined about the boat and finally cut the banco free. With a bound it
+started down the river. The empty shell, at the mercy of the waves,
+danced and frolicked like a crazy thing, and Piang was almost stunned
+by a blow from the outrigger as it passed him.
+
+The boat was rushing right back into the midst of the crocodiles,
+but he bravely struck out after it. There was no chance for him if he
+failed to reach it. The whispering rushes and feathery palms at the
+water's edge hid evil-smelling mud, festering with fever, the home
+of reptiles and crocodiles. Desperately the boy strove to overtake
+the boat, and just as he was giving up hope, a friendly snag tempted
+the runaway to pause, and Piang's strong, young hand closed over the
+outrigger. Then began the task of climbing back. A sudden movement
+might release the banco, and it would continue its mad flight, which he
+would be powerless to stop. Keeping his eye on the frail-looking snag,
+he threw himself on his back in the water and worked his way along the
+outrigger as he would climb a tree. Finally his hand touched the body
+of the boat, and, cautiously turning over, he sat straddling the bamboo
+frame. It was all he could do to keep from jumping into the boat,
+but he restrained his impatience and started worming over the side.
+
+Half-way in his heart gave a leap! He could hear the swish-swish of
+the water on the other side of the banco as something made its way
+toward him. The eddy was the only thing that saved him, for he could
+see the dread thing twirling round and round as it tried to reach
+him. The boy was almost paralyzed with fear. As long as the crocodile
+was on the other side of the boat, he was safe, but now--the snag
+creaked, stirred.
+
+Piang made one heroic effort, lifted himself clear of the water,
+and fell exhausted into the boat. He was not a moment too soon. The
+crunching sound, as the support began to give under the strain, was a
+fit accompaniment to the snarling and snapping of the crocodile, which,
+deprived of its prey, was lashing the water, trying to reach the frail
+outriggers. Piang thought he had never been swept through the water
+so rapidly, and that he would never gain control of his boat. Louder
+and clearer came the sounds of the fighting monsters beyond the bend,
+and there between him and safety lurked his latest enemy.
+
+An impertinent, ridiculous twitter came from a tiny scarlet-crowned
+songster, as if it were trying to advise and direct the hard-pressed
+boy. Its solemn, round eyes stared at him, reproving and admonishing
+him for his foolhardiness. Piang, on his knees, struggling with the
+current, was unaware of his audience. Gradually he worked the boat
+around and headed up-stream, straight for the crocodile. Surprised by
+this sudden change in tactics, it snorted and opened its repulsive
+jaws. Piang had hoped to catch it in this position, so, pressing
+forward as rapidly as possible, he took careful aim and hurled his
+knife into its mouth. Rising to his feet, spear poised, he waited
+to see if the knife would be effective. The creature floundered and
+slashed the water, gave a blood-curdling bellow, and rolled over on
+its back, dead. A crocodile fights with its last breath to remain on
+its belly, for if not dead, it drowns as soon as it turns over.
+
+Piang wanted his weapon. The body of the animal was caught by the
+current and shot rapidly past him down-stream, but the boy, warned
+by the commotion further down, hesitated to follow it. He realized,
+however, that his knife was very valuable to him, and that he was
+sure to have urgent need of it again, so he started after the ugly
+body. The sparkling wavelets sported and capered with their grewsome
+burden, sometimes dashing it against some stray log, again bearing it
+far across the river as if purposely assisting it to elude its pursuer.
+
+Piang skilfully guided his banco in its wake, and finally succeeded in
+thrusting his spear into its side, and pulled it toward the bank. The
+knife was embedded far down in the terrible jaws, and Piang wondered
+if he dared reach into them. He looked at the tusk-like teeth, the
+first he had ever seen at close quarters, but he remembered with a
+shudder the wounds that he had helped care for--wounds made by such
+poisonous tusks.
+
+Mustering his courage, he slowly extended his hand into its mouth. The
+big, wet tongue flopped against his hand; the powerful jaws quivered
+spasmodically, and the hot, fetid steam from the throat sickened
+him. His knife! He must get it! Desperately he tugged at the handle;
+it would not loosen its hold. Cold sweat broke out all over Piang. A
+new sound arrested him. The crocodiles below had already smelled the
+blood of the second victim and were plunging up-stream to find it. The
+boy thought the knife would never come out. He worked and twisted,
+and finally it gave so suddenly, that he lost his balance, and by a
+quick turn of his body just saved himself from another ducking. It
+was lucky for Piang that he finished when he did, for around the
+curve in the river, headed directly toward him, came the crowding,
+vicious scavengers.
+
+Gathering his wits quickly, he pushed forward. The snorting and
+fighting grew more and more distant; the peaceful river stretched
+out before him like a silver road beckoning him to safety, and he
+offered a prayer of thanksgiving to Allah, the Merciful, that he had
+been spared that awful death.
+
+
+
+It was nearly evening when Piang beached his banco and took up the
+trail to the village where he was to spend his first night. Confidently
+he trotted through the jungle, picking his way easily among the
+gathering shadows. Soon voices became distinguishable, and he heard
+tom-toms beating the evening serenade. Dogs howled in  response,
+women chattered, boys quarreled. To Piang this represented the usual
+day's peaceful ending.
+
+As he trotted into the clearing and paused before the hut of the dato,
+the curious crowded around him: mothers to see if the stranger's
+muscles could compare with their lads'; girls to flaunt their charms;
+boys to measure him with their eyes. Piang had no interest in anything
+but the boys, and as soon as the dato condescended to greet him with
+the customary salutation for guests, he was left in peace to join
+them at their interrupted game of pelota.
+
+Twilight comes quickly in the tropics. When darkness had fallen,
+each family was squatting beside its rice pot, and as the night
+silence deepened, the village slept. Piang had asked for no shelter,
+and no invitation had been extended, but he silently accepted the
+hospitality, according to the strange Moro codes.
+
+Slumber claimed the inhabitants of the barrio, but all around the
+jungle woke to the night. Noxious blooms raised their heads to drink
+in the deadly moisture; hungry pythons took up their silent vigil
+at water holes; night prowlers slunk in the gloom to spring on the
+more defenseless creatures, and over it all the inscrutable jungle
+kept watch, passing silent judgment on man and beast, in this great
+scheme of life.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND ADVENTURE
+
+THE FLOATING ISLAND
+
+
+Like a mirror framed in soft velvet green, the lake broke upon
+Piang. In the still noon heat the motionless water scintillated
+and sparkled and the powerful rays of the sun seemed to penetrate
+to the very bottom. Dragon-flies and spiders skated merrily about,
+eluding the ever-watchful fishes lying in wait amid forests of lacy
+seaweeds and coral. Tall, stately palms, towering above their mates,
+scorned to seek their reflections in the clear depths, but frivolous
+bamboo and nipa-palms swayed gently out over the water, rustling and
+chattering with delight at their mirrored images.
+
+Piang slipped through the mouth of the creek and gazed in amazement at
+the vast sheet of water. Stories of the lake and its wonderful floating
+islands had lured him from the more direct route to Ganassi Peak, and
+he eagerly searched for one of the curiosities. His eyes focused on a
+dot of green far in the distance. It was moving, turning, and suddenly
+a whole fleet of dancing, playful islands became distinct. Joyfully
+Piang started in pursuit. He wanted to see one, to touch it. Swiftly
+he flew through the water. As if detecting his purpose, the nomad
+islands eluded him. As soon as he chose one to pursue, it flaunted
+its charms the more and capered and dodged behind its fellows. Like a
+giant may-pole, the largest island held several smaller ones in leash,
+permitting them to revolve around it, interlacing vines and creepers
+that were rooted on the mother isle. Monkeys and jungle creatures
+crept fearlessly along these natural ropes, sporting from one island
+to another. Hablar-birds and aigrets squabbled over bits of rice
+and wild fruits. Piang caught sight of a civet-cat crouching in a
+tree on one island. It had probably gone to sleep in that tree while
+the island was nosing the mainland and had awakened to find itself
+adrift. Sometimes these floating islands would be held to the shore
+for years, intertwining liana (climbing plants of tropical forests)
+and _bajuca_ (jungle rope), but sooner or later some wild storm is
+sure to set them wandering again.
+
+There were weird tales of early Dyak settlers. These Borneo pirates had
+fled to Mindanao to escape justice, bringing many cruel and terrible
+customs that were to take root and bear fruit among the tribes of the
+sultan. A favorite pastime of the Dyaks had been to bind captives to
+a stray island and lead it slowly and tantalizingly to the mammoth
+waterfalls, shouting and dancing with glee as it plunged into the
+abyss.
+
+The lake was like a fairy-land. Purple lotus flowers surrounded the
+boat. Piang dipped his hands into the cool water, and pulled them
+up by long slender roots; lily-pads offered their beauties and soon
+the banco was a bower of fragrant and brilliant flowers. Playfully
+Piang caught at a vine, floating in the wake of an island. The
+natural boat led him gently about, twisting and circling back and
+forth. He laughed merrily. The islands were too funny! They seemed
+almost human in their antics. Some had regular routes, and, like mail
+boats touched the same spot again and again, only to be hurried on
+as the current caught them. Others with malicious intent strayed in
+the path of their more systematic brothers, bumping and jarring them
+with obstinate regularity.
+
+The joy of freedom thrilled Piang; the intimacy with nature and its
+mysteries stirred within him a desire to know more, feel more, and
+he gazed at the distant peak where his fortune awaited him, wondering
+if the old hermit, Ganassi, was in reality watching for his coming.
+
+Toward afternoon Piang became conscious of a heavy steam-like
+vapor rising from the undergrowth at the edge of the jungle; the
+atmosphere grew suddenly sticky and sultry. Almost within a moment
+the brilliant sunshine was blotted out, and a gray twilight settled
+over the lake. Frightened birds, squawking and screaming, hurried by;
+a fawn, drinking at the water's edge, darted off through the jungle. A
+slight frown rippled across the water; the breeze chilled Piang. Trees
+in the distance seemed to bend nearly double with no apparent cause,
+but the rush of wind finally swept the whole valley, and the jungle
+shuddered and swayed before it. The storm seemed an animate thing,
+seemed to come upon the peacefulness of the lake like an evil genius,
+hurling its fury upon nature and her creatures.
+
+Piang had never been alone in a typhoon. In bewilderment he looked
+about, wondering where he could find shelter. He watched the birds,
+the animals; his boat brought up against something with a thud. An
+island had bumped into him, and he realized in dismay what a menace the
+pretty toys might become in a typhoon. Struggling with the tempest,
+Piang fought past the islands, reached the shore, turned his banco
+bottom side up, and crept underneath.
+
+The violent wind began to dash loose objects about, tearing limbs
+off trees and hurling them aloft as if they were mere splinters. A
+cocoanut crashed down, striking the ground near Piang; another fell,
+and yet another. Then the rain came in torrents. It fell unevenly
+as if poured by mighty giants from huge buckets. The ground beneath
+Piang was swaying, undulating. A tree crashed to the ground, tearing
+away vines and ferns. As he began to experience the motion of a boat,
+Piang became thoroughly alarmed and, dashing aside the banco, sprang
+to his feet.
+
+Terror flashed into his heart. What was happening? He had landed on
+the mainland and put his banco under a big tree, and now this tree
+was pitching and swaying, its branches sweeping the ground. The tree
+was being uprooted, and the earth at Piang's feet was plowed up as
+roots tore through the surface. The next tree was being felled in the
+same manner, and as his eyes darted about, he beheld everywhere the
+same terrifying picture. These mighty monuments of time, trees older
+than man, were being torn from their beds and thrown to the ground
+or left standing against each other for support. It seemed to be
+only the trees in Piang's vicinity that were doomed to destruction,
+and, although it was a dangerous thing to attempt, Piang decided to
+seek another shelter. He took a few difficult steps forward and was
+almost stunned by the immense fall of water. It dashed into his face,
+beat upon his head in a stinging, hissing mass; it ran in streams
+down his arms and legs, making him heavy and clumsy. As he caught at
+a tree for support, it groaned under his weight and crashed to earth;
+the ground was giving way, and he felt himself sinking. With a scream,
+he freed himself, and, jumping to a fallen tree, clung desperately,
+hoping to escape flying missiles. Just as he gathered himself for
+another advance his heart gave a jump. Through the mad rage of the
+typhoon, he could hear quick breathing! The ground tipped and swayed
+alarmingly, tossing trees about like masts on a ship in distress.
+
+"_Linug!_" ("Earthquake!") moaned Piang. Bravely the boy crept forward,
+knife in hand. Whatever it was, hiding under that log, Piang must
+take his chances; if he remained where he was he would certainly be
+killed by falling trees. His feet made a sucking sound; a vivid flash
+of lightning blinded him, and it was all he could do to force his
+way through the wall of water that was pounding down upon him. With
+a desperate effort, he pulled himself along by vines, hoping to pass
+the unknown animal before it could leap; but the branches stirred,
+and he sprang back with a cry.
+
+"_Babui!_" ("Wild boar!") he gasped. The creature's head shook
+with fury; its teeth were bared, and the tiny red eyes flamed
+with anger. The babui had the largest tusks Piang had ever seen,
+and he grasped his bolo firmly to meet the rush. One second, two
+seconds--the suspense was fearful, and Piang wondered why the boar
+did not attack. Strained almost beyond his endurance, he stood, rigid
+and cold, waiting. The wind sucked at his breath; the torrents of
+water, dashing in his face, kept him blinking and gasping, and still
+that wild thing pawed and snorted. Fascinated, Piang gazed into the
+vicious, bleary eyes, and finally he realized that they were losing
+some of their fury; the tusks sank into the spongy earth; the head
+fell lower. The babui was a prisoner, pinioned to the ground by a
+fallen tree! Relief was Piang's first sensation, but pity for the
+animal and fear for himself, roused him to the realization of new
+dangers yet to be faced. He must plunge into the dense jungle; it was
+only a short distance now. He glanced back to be sure that the babui
+could not free itself; it was swaying and moaning, unable to move.
+
+As Piang paused to get his directions, the earth gave a tremendous
+jerk, which threw him on his face. He lay stunned for a few minutes and
+when he rose to his knees, he had the sensation of floating gently,
+softly. The jerking and trembling had ceased, and the ground swayed
+soothingly. Piang turned toward the jungle, to the spot where he
+had been about to step. Could he believe his eyes? Almost numb with
+terror, he gazed stupidly into the receding jungle. He was on land,
+but he was floating. He was sailing away from the jungle! Piang had
+taken refuge on a floating island.
+
+In despair he gazed about him, trying to penetrate the thickly driving
+rain. He was on the very edge of the island and he wondered why he had
+not been swept into the lake. The mass of vegetation, wrenched from
+its bed, trailed along in the water as the nomad island whirled and
+danced on the angry waves. A tree, the branches of which were hanging
+in the water, was pulled from its bed, dragging part of the island
+with it. One long vine struggled to right itself against the current,
+to gain the shelter of the island again. It seemed most lifelike, and
+suddenly Piang realized with a shudder that it was alive. A python had
+been knocked from the falling tree and was being dragged along. Only
+the end of its tail was twined about a log; desperately it strove
+to work its way back, and Piang watched with dread. Its struggles
+grew weaker and weaker, and finally its head sank below the waves,
+and it joined the unresisting creepers that were being dragged along
+to destruction.
+
+Piang leaned wearily against the only tree that remained standing;
+the fall of water, tearing down the trunk, cascaded over the jungle
+boy, and he raised his hand to shield his eyes. What had saved the
+solitary tree, Piang could not imagine, until he discovered a small
+diamond-shaped cut in the bark. He drew back with a shudder. Two
+crossed arrows were carved within the diamond. This was another Dyak
+custom so hateful to the Mohammedan; the tree was the sarcophagus of
+some Borneo chief. A century must have passed since the burial, for
+the incision was almost obliterated, but Piang knew that the mummy
+of his enemy reposed in savage dignity within the heart of the tree,
+and that the Dyak belief was that the tree could not fall or decay. He
+fought his way to the other side of the island. On it sped. Cries of
+frightened animals came faintly from the mainland; screams of birds,
+beaten to earth, pierced the din.
+
+A tremor ran through the island. There was a tearing sound as if
+strong timbers were being forced apart; the whole mass stood still,
+then came a tremendous crash. It had collided with the fleet that
+Piang had been sporting with only an hour before. Surely the stray
+bits of jungle would crush each other to bits. A gray streak flew
+past Piang, and a frightened monkey, thinking to save itself from
+the other derelict, nearly landed on the babui. Paying no attention
+to either the boy or the babui, the monkey shrank against a log and
+hid its head, whining piteously.
+
+A pale light broke through the gloom, and the rain ceased as suddenly
+as it had come. Piang's heart gave a bound as he watched the tempest
+abate. Suddenly he straightened himself and strained his ears to catch
+a new sound. What was that deep, distant rumbling? A cry so piteous
+broke from him, that even the dying babui started. The falls! He could
+hear them distinctly and realized that he was rushing toward them
+at a mad pace. Louder and clearer grew the thunder of those falls,
+and Piang's staunch little heart rebelled. He would not stand there
+like a Dyak prisoner! He would do something. He would save himself! A
+blazing flash rent the heavens and Piang caught sight of Ganassi Peak
+frowning and lowering in the clouds. Ganassi! If he only knew! No,
+it was too late. The falls roared hungrily, and nothing could keep
+the island from plunging to destruction.
+
+Slowly Piang rose to his full height, and, folding his arms, determined
+to die bravely. He could see the upper falls now, high above his
+head, and he pictured the greater falls below him--the falls that
+were waiting to swallow his island. He tried to remember the prayer
+for such an occasion, but none came to him.
+
+"There is no God but Allah!" muttered the terrified boy.
+
+The island was pitching again as obstacles caught at it, spinning it
+around and around. Each thing that it struck on its reckless journey
+tore portions from it; gradually it became smaller. The light grew
+steadily clearer, and Piang could see what awaited him. Massive rocks
+loomed up at the head of the falls, and he calmly wondered if he would
+be killed before the plunge. The side of the island where he stood
+began to give way, and, although he was to die in a few minutes,
+instinct made him move to the other side. He tried to walk, but
+the ground gave at each step. He crawled along the trunk of a tree
+and unexpectedly came upon the monkey. The little creature was still
+huddled against the log and showed no fear of Piang; it whined louder,
+seeming to sense the rapidly approaching danger.
+
+Suddenly the monkey jumped into the tree, and Piang followed it with
+his eyes. It seemed to be gathering itself for a greater leap. As
+Bruce watched the spider, so Piang, fascinated, kept his eyes on
+the little wild thing. Gradually it dawned on him that the monkey
+had discovered an avenue of escape! The island had veered off and
+was fast approaching a monster boulder that would surely break it in
+two. Growing on it were vines and trees hanging far out over the water.
+
+Piang stumbled along and somehow made his way to the burial tree. A
+moment he paused, awed by a superstitious fear of the dead, but a
+violent clap of thunder terrified him into forgetting all but his
+immediate danger. There were only a few moments left; if he could
+reach the top of the tree before the island dashed past the vines, he
+might save himself. His hands tremblingly sought the notches sacred
+to the dead; he scrambled upward. Thorns pierced his tired limbs;
+vines and creepers took vicious delight in fastening themselves upon
+him. The tree shook as the monkey jumped farther out on a limb, and
+the movement seemed to put new strength in Piang. As he struggled up,
+a calmness came to him. He carefully watched the monkey, and when
+it crouched for the spring, Piang searched the approaching vines for
+one strong enough to hold him.
+
+In a moment it would all be over. What if he jumped too soon or too
+late? What if the vine proved too frail? The monkey was crouching
+for the leap. The branch that Piang was clinging to bent under
+his weight. The monkey flashed through the air, made a desperate
+grab, and swung out of sight. In a daze, Piang prepared to follow;
+breathlessly he watched for his chance. With a prayer on his lips and
+with a mighty effort, he sprang straight out into space. His hands
+closed over something small and round. A dizziness came over him.
+
+In dismay he felt the vine give, as if uncoiling itself from a
+windlass. Down, down he fell until his feet touched the soggy earth
+of the island. Still the vine uncoiled; the island crashed into the
+boulder. Desperately Piang tried to climb the vine, but its slackness
+offered no resistance. Slowly the island began to tip, to slide
+over the falls, and Piang made one more effort to save himself. As
+he grasped the vine more firmly, it brought up with a quick jerk,
+almost breaking his hold.
+
+He felt the vine tighten, heard it creak and groan under his weight,
+and finally it lifted him clear of the island, swinging him far out
+over the abyss like a weight at the end of a pendulum.
+
+His island slid from under him, leaving him suspended in mid air;
+in the second that he hung there, he could see the cruel rocks below,
+the seething, steaming water. The stately funeral tree gently inclined
+to the fall, and, with stern dignity, took the plunge. The dying
+babui, flung far out into space, added its diminutive death-wail to
+the din. The vine trembled over the chasm. Piang felt a quick rush
+of air, a sickening feeling, as if he were rapidly falling; with a
+tremendous impetus the vine swung back, crashed into a tree, and,
+with the agility of the monkey, Piang climbed to safety.
+
+"There is no God but Allah!" came from the strained lips, and the
+boy turned his eyes toward the setting sun as it struggled to pierce
+the gloom.
+
+"_Bulutu!_" ("Rainbow!") he cried, and a faint smile flitted across
+his bruised and bleeding face.
+
+Startled by a movement at his side, Piang found the frightened monkey
+trying to thrust its head under his arm. Taking the trembling little
+creature up, Piang pillowed it against his breast. And so these
+strange companions, the timid, wild monkey and the gentle, savage boy
+crouched in the tree together, watching the typhoon beat out its fury
+on the helpless things of nature, and ever clearer grew the _bulutu_
+as it wreathed and crowned Piang's goal, Ganassi Peak.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD ADVENTURE
+
+THE HERMIT OF GANASSI PEAK
+
+
+The silence was oppressive. Piang stumbled along through the tangle of
+vines and weeds, tired and foot-sore. Would he never find the path to
+the peak? And was there really a mysterious old man who had lived up
+there for over a hundred years? Sicto was somewhere on that mountain,
+striving to reach the summit too, and the pandita had said that the
+boy who arrived first, was the real charm boy. They had both started
+from the _barrio_ (village) the same day; Sicto had plunged into the
+jungle, while Piang had chosen the river and lake. He shuddered at
+the recollection of his many narrow escapes during the journey. Where
+was his enemy, Sicto, now? Had he found an easier route, and was he
+already with old Ganassi, receiving the rites of charm boy?
+
+Unfamiliar with the vegetation on the mountain, Piang was afraid
+to touch the many strange fruits, so he contented himself with
+bananas and cocoanuts, and for water he drank dew from the enormous
+pitcher-plants. The jungle was thick, and it was difficult to decide
+in what direction to go, so Piang had to climb trees to get his
+bearings. One day just as he was starting up a tall tree, he was
+startled by a sound. Something was crashing through the bushes below
+him. Visions of terrible mountain animals flashed through his head,
+and he hastily scrambled up the tree. On came the creature, now pausing
+a moment, now plunging into the mesh of vines, tearing them asunder,
+always following the path Piang had made. Preparing himself for some
+strange beast, the boy drew bow and waited. Suddenly he started. A cold
+chill gripped him. That sound! It was a voice--Sicto's! Crouching
+against the tree, Piang hoped to escape detection, but just as
+Sicto passed beneath the tree, Piang's bow slipped and fell to the
+ground. Sicto jumped aside and looked up:
+
+"Oh, ho, my pretty Piang! So I've got you, have I?" The bully started
+up the tree.
+
+Like a flash Piang was away. As easily as any monkey he swung himself
+into the next tree, and before Sicto realized it, Piang was taunting
+him from the very top of a far-off tree. More agile and much smaller
+than Sicto, Piang could easily travel in this way, and after a few
+unsuccessful attempts to follow, Sicto jumped to the ground. Slyly
+making his way along on foot, Sicto watched his rival. When Piang
+thought he had outdistanced his pursuer, he slipped to the ground
+and started off.
+
+"Leeeeee lèlèlèlè ouiiiit!" The war-cry rang through the jungle,
+and Piang knew that his life depended on his fleet-footedness. Over
+fallen tree trunks, through dense cogon grass, Piang fled. His feet
+were pierced by wicked thorns, and everything he touched seemed to
+throw out a defense against him. Bamboo caught at his clothing and
+held him prisoner; _bajuca_ vines clutched his weapons, hurling him
+to the ground. Sicto was gaining on him. After poor Piang had made
+the path through the jungle, it was easy enough for Sicto to follow.
+
+On, up, fled the boy. He came to a clearing through which a mountain
+stream was bubbling. The sun beat down; the stifling heat rising
+from rotting vegetation took his breath away, but Piang ran on. What
+was that black hole yawning in the mountain side? With a gasp, Piang
+realized he was at the mouth of the haunted cave.
+
+The brook, flowing swiftly down the mountain, plunged into the cave
+and disappeared, to come to the surface about two miles away. It was
+the home of the most terrible reptiles and animals, and the souls of
+wicked people waited there for Judgment Day.
+
+Piang scanned the precipitous cliffs, the impenetrable jungle, in
+search of an avenue of escape. He was trapped. A gloating cry from
+Sicto decided him. Sicto was a coward and would be afraid to follow
+him, so Piang ran toward the cave. Had not the pandita said that
+Ganassi would be with the real charm boy, and was not Piang sure of
+that protection? Who but Piang was the charm boy?
+
+Piang's courage began to flag, however, as he caught the cold, damp
+odor from the cave, but he bravely plunged into the forbidding-looking
+cavern. Man had probably never set foot in that place before. Creeping
+along, he peered into the increasing darkness, but could see nothing. A
+shriek startled him, and the sight that met his eyes made his blood
+run cold. Sicto had started to follow Piang, but just as he came
+to the opening, a huge python slipped across the mouth of the cave,
+waving its enormous head from side to side. Sicto, trembling with fear,
+retreated into the jungle, and as Piang saw him disappear, he longed
+to be out again, fighting Sicto, anything, rather than penned up in
+the cave with that frightful snake and the unknown horrors. There
+was no turning back, however, for that sentinel continued to slip and
+slide across the opening, and Piang bravely faced the two miles that
+lay between him and the other end of the underground passage.
+
+The air was heavy and moldy; the sides of the cave wet and
+slippery. Once his hand touched something that moved, and he almost
+fainted.
+
+"I am the real charm boy," he whispered, "and nothing will hurt
+me. Ganassi, the wonder man, is with me. Forward!"
+
+Courageous and determined, the boy pressed on. A muffled cry resounded
+through the passage. Flattening himself against the slimy wall,
+Piang listened. He could not imagine what had made the sound, and he
+unsheathed his knife. At times he followed the bed of the stream,
+wading ankle-deep in the water, but the slippery stones turned or
+tripped him, and when he stepped on something that moved, he groaned
+and jumped to the narrow shelf-like ledge that overhung the water.
+
+A faint light stole through the gloom. Was it the end? But surely
+not, he had not gone more than a few hundred yards. He hurried
+forward. Brighter, clearer, it grew. Suddenly the brook made a sharp
+turn, and he found himself in a high, vaulted chamber, sparkling and
+shimmering in the light from above. Piang was so glad to see daylight
+again, faint as it was, that he did not stop to consider new dangers,
+and eagerly ran forward. He searched the sides for support on which
+to climb to the crevices, but the rotting vines and moss that lined
+the walls gave at his touch, and he fell back discouraged. Something
+crumbled under his body, and he discovered to his horror that he had
+fallen on a skeleton. A man had been here before him, then? But closer
+examination proved the bones to be those of a _packda_ (ape). Snakes
+and worms wriggled out of the skeleton, and Piang shrank back in
+fear. The dread hamadryad leered at him; poisonous toads and lizards
+scurried for cover. How many more of these creatures would he encounter
+before escaping from this dungeon? Would Ganassi protect him and lead
+him safely through? Something seemed to tell the boy that he was safe
+and with renewed faith, he prepared to continue the journey.
+
+Everywhere the beauty of nature asserted itself. Pale green ferns
+seemed to hold out beseeching arms toward the light; moss crept upward
+hopefully, softening the rough ledges with its velvet touch. Great
+stalagmites and stalactites, smothered in the embrace of lichen and
+creepers, accepted the homage of the plant life indifferently. Piang
+was blind to the sublimity of his surroundings, as he hurried
+on. Carefully he stepped on the ledge; warily he held out his bolo
+to ward off surprises. A sudden hiss made him leap into the stream,
+and shuddering, he plunged on, down the black path. Would the stream
+lead him to the sunlight again? Or was he burrowing into the depths
+of the earth, never again to breathe the air of life?
+
+Finally, after almost giving up hope, he heard the distant call of
+a mina-bird. The jungle! Frantically he worked his way forward,
+wondering if the mate to the sentinel at the other opening would
+bar his passage. Daylight! Faintly, at the end of the long tunnel,
+he could see the blessed green of the forest, but his cry of joy was
+stilled; his hope of safety vanished. Again that mournful cry echoed
+through the cavern, and he gave himself up for lost. The souls of
+the wicked were pursuing him, would capture him, and make him pay
+for intruding upon them! Piang reeled as he heard a splash in the
+water behind him; he caught at something for support; it writhed out
+of his hand. Paralyzed with fear, the boy scarcely breathed. On came
+the pursuer, stealthily, warily. Reaching the end of his endurance,
+Piang wheeled, and faced the cave. Something paused, whined, and a
+streak flew past him. The fetid odor of a living creature brought
+him to his senses, and his anxious eyes discerned the outline of a
+civet-cat making its way to the opening.
+
+As he struggled through those last few rods, Piang thought he had
+never worked so hard in his life, but finally he lay in the sunshine,
+safe, free, and unafraid.
+
+
+
+For two days Piang struggled upward. Everything was strange to him;
+the growths and trees were different from those of the lowlands. Scrub
+palms, covered with small buds, on which the dread packda feeds,
+began to appear, and Piang anxiously scanned the trees. There is no
+creature in the jungle that has the strength of the packda. Only the
+crocodile and the python are foolish enough to attack it, but the
+crocodile's jaws are torn asunder, and the python is clawed to pieces.
+
+"Piang!" The name echoed and vibrated through the forest. Who had
+called him? Trembling with fear, filled with apprehension, Piang
+took refuge in a tree. From the branches he scanned the surrounding
+forest. Was a spirit following him from the haunted cave, or was it
+the hated Sicto?
+
+"Piang!" It came softly this time, as if from a greater distance. The
+underbrush moved, and Piang prayed that it might not be a spirit come
+to destroy him. The bush rustled, cracked, and parted as a dazzling
+white head made its appearance. Piang shut his eyes, dreading what
+was to come. Almost swooning, he slipped, lost his hold, and went
+crashing through the branches. Stunned by the fall, it was sometime
+before he regained consciousness, but the first thing he was aware of,
+was a hot breath on his face. Slowly he opened his eyes, wondering if
+he was dreaming. There, bending over him, was a marvelous white fawn.
+
+Startled and ashamed, Piang looked at the lovely thing. He put out
+his hand and the animal laid her soft muzzle in his palm, allowing
+him to caress her. What did she want? Were some of her babies in
+trouble? With his arm about the fawn's neck, Piang allowed himself
+to be led along a well defined path, trodden by many feet.
+
+"Piang!" Again his name was called, but for some reason fear had been
+banished from his heart, and he advanced without a qualm. Presently
+they came to one of the numerous jungle clearings. The sun did not
+burn at this altitude, and Piang took a deep breath of the fresh,
+crisp air. A flapping of wings startled him, and before he could
+prevent, a brilliant mina-bird circled his head and gently lighted
+on his shoulder. A soft white mist was floating around and below
+him. The clouds! He was in them, "the breath of the wind," and he
+thought that this must be fairyland.
+
+"Piang!" This time the voice was near at hand. Both creatures responded
+to the call, and Piang suffered himself to be led onward. The fawn
+stopped near a gigantic banian-tree. It was the only tree in the
+clearing and spread over more than an acre of ground, enticing the
+surrounding creepers and orchids to its shelter. Piang had seen these
+trees before, but never such a large one. The banian is like a huge
+tent; each branch sends shoots to the ground, which take root and
+become additional trunks, and year after year the tree increases its
+acreage; hundreds of men can find shelter under these jungle temples.
+
+"Piang!" The voice came from within the tree. Astonished, Piang
+watched the mina-bird flit through the sunlight and disappear into
+the banya. The fawn paused, looked gravely into the boy's eyes,
+and with stately mien, walked into the tree.
+
+"Thank you, my little friends, for bringing Piang to Ganassi," said
+the voice from within.
+
+Ganassi! So this was the haunt! This lovely natural dwelling, the
+dread Ganassi's home! Expectantly, Piang waited. Was Ganassi a man,
+or was he only a voice, the heart of this banian-tree? While he stood
+gazing at the tree, waiting for the spirit to address him, or the man
+to appear, he was startled by a black, shiny head, and the loathsome
+coils of a python, writhing in the branches. The serpent! Piang
+had heard that it could fascinate animals, keeping them prisoner by
+its mystic powers, until ready to devour them. Ganassi was, then,
+an evil spirit in the form of a serpent! Piang uttered a low cry.
+
+"So, my little pet, you have frightened Piang, the charm boy! You
+must not do that."
+
+The snake, responding to the voice, stuck its head through the foliage
+and slipped from sight.
+
+The voice! The voice! It had called him the charm boy! Piang's fear
+abated, and he said tremblingly:
+
+"O great Ganassi, will you not show yourself to me,
+Piang?" Breathlessly the boy listened. The branches swayed, parted,
+and the mina-bird floated through. The python, head erect, followed,
+and next came the graceful white form of his first friend. On its
+neck it supported a weird creature. Bent and wrinkled, was the
+little old man; a few strands of white hair flowed from his chin,
+and his eyebrows and lashes had almost disappeared. Toothless, almost
+hairless as he was, there was that about Ganassi that precluded horror,
+for his sparkling eyes were kind, and his mouth gently curved into
+a smile. Piang fell on his knees. The hermit surrounded by his pets,
+advanced and raised the boy.
+
+"My little Piang! So you have come to Ganassi at last. He has known
+for many years that you would come. Long before you were born he knew,
+and his heart is glad to welcome you."
+
+"Is it true, O wise man, that I am the real charm boy, and that I
+shall lead Kali Pandapatan's tribe to victory?"
+
+"You have spoken, my son. It was over you, not the impostor, Sicto,
+that the mystic star hovered on the night of your birth."
+
+At the mention of his enemy's name, Piang quickly scanned the
+surrounding jungle, but Ganassi's soft chuckle reassured him.
+
+"Have no fear, child. Sicto can never harm you, nor will he ever reach
+Ganassi. The python would smother him; the mina-bird would peck out
+his eyes; the gentle fawn would lead him astray."
+
+"How do you know all this, O Ganassi?"
+
+"The question shall be answered, Piang, because you are charm boy,
+but should other lips utter it, they should never speak again. Enter."
+
+Ganassi held back the slender trunk-roots of the banian. Curiously,
+the boy looked about. All the wonder of the jungle seemed centered
+in this sacred spot. A forest of stems and aerial roots greeted his
+eyes; from overhead the graceful and rare Vanda lowii sent inquisitive
+blooms to caress his cheek; they mingled with his dark hair, scenting
+the air with their strange fragrance. From tree-ferns, nestling in
+the branches, tiny heads peeped out, and little feathered creatures
+chirruped a welcome. A civet-cat was lazily stroking its face with one
+paw. Something large and hairy stirred on a nest of dried grass, and
+sleepily a full-grown packda stretched himself and gazed at Piang. The
+python approached it, and a hairy paw was extended; his snakeship
+coiled up beside the ape, and the mina-bird flew to the ape's shoulder.
+
+Piang could scarcely believe his eyes. Here all was at peace, and
+natural enemies forgot to fight and kill.
+
+"Piang, all these creatures are going to be your friends."
+
+Piang seated himself on the soft turf opposite Ganassi; the fawn
+nosed her head under Piang's arm and sank by his side.
+
+"The charm that I am about to give you will protect you from tempest,
+danger, and deceit: no storm can destroy you; no animal can creep upon
+you unaware, and no man can lie to you. You will become the wise man
+of Mindanao, the guide of your people, the heart of the island."
+
+Solemnly the boy followed the words of the old man.
+
+"You shall be taught all the truths of the nation, and you shall pass
+them along to the generations."
+
+Piang's face brightened. At last he was to know the answers to many
+puzzling questions.
+
+"Ask what you will, boy. I will answer you truthfully and justly,
+telling you the things as they are, as they have been since the day
+of creation."
+
+"Why, O Ganassi, must Mohammedans never eat the flesh of the wild
+boar? It is forbidden that we touch pork, yet the Christians find it
+good." Ganassi's brow clouded:
+
+"Have you never heard of the Christian's God? Do you not know that we
+hate Christians because they believe a Son of God could be killed by
+man? They call him Christ, but we know that the Almighty is Toohan,
+omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. Their prophet Isa [Jesus]
+once visited the great Mahomet, and when Mahomet demanded that he
+divine what was in the room beyond, Isa refused, saying that he had
+no wish to show power.
+
+"'Answer correctly, or you pay for it with your life!' thundered
+Mahomet. Isa then replied that he had two strange animals in the room.
+
+"'Wrong!' cried Mahomet. 'You shall now be killed. My two beloved
+grandchildren are behind those doors!' but when they were flung
+open, two filthy boars ran out; Isa had changed the children into
+pigs! And so, Piang, no true Mohammedan will eat the flesh of the
+wild boar. Beware, lest you ever let a Christian hear this story;
+it is not for us to acknowledge that Isa is greater than Mahomet."
+
+Piang was shocked. No wonder his people abstained from the flesh of
+the boar.
+
+"Can you tell me what makes the sea rise and fall, and why the tides
+rush in and flow out again?" asked Piang.
+
+A smile broke over Ganassi's leathery features.
+
+"In a far distant sea lives a giant crab; when he goes into his
+hole, the water is pushed out, and when he comes forth for food, the
+water rushes in." It was so simple that Piang laughed heartily. The
+mina-bird, startled, squawked an admonition and fluttered to Piang's
+lap.
+
+"Where do we go when we die," asked the inquisitive boy.
+
+Ganassi scouted the Christian's belief that heaven is in the
+clouds. Were they not in the clouds now?
+
+"When a child is born, the soul enters the body through the
+opening left in the skull. This hole soon closes, confining the
+spirit within. When death comes to a household in Moroland, have
+you not seen the master of the house mount to the roof and remain
+there through the night? Well, that is to prevent the evil spirit,
+Bal-Bal, from entering. This dread creature sails through the air
+like a flying Lemur (monkey), tears the thatch from the roof with
+his terrible curved nails, scatters the defenders, and licks up the
+body with his forked tongue of fire. The soul of this deceased never
+reaches heaven. Your charm, Piang, will ward him off." The boy sat,
+mouth open, eyes staring. "A soul is guided to a cave that leads deep
+down in the earth, and there, between two gigantic trees, stands
+Taliakoo, a giant, who tends the eternal fires. Taliakoo inquires
+of the newcomer what he has to say for himself, and to the surprise
+of the soul, something within it answers. Conscience, the witness,
+replies, and according to the decree of this strange arbiter, the fate
+of the soul is decided. If nothing but ill can be said for it, it is
+pitched into the fire; if it has been good, it is allowed to pass on
+to the abode of the blessed. The soul that meets with neither fate,
+is punished according to its sins: if it has lied, its mouth pains;
+if it has been a thief, its hands itch and burn, and eventually,
+after the period of punishment is over, it precedes to heaven,
+cleansed of its sins."
+
+The big ape, sleeping soundly, emitted a snore so human, that Piang
+laughed.
+
+"Why does the packda look so like a man, Ganassi?"
+
+"Because he once _was_ a man," was the startling reply. "He
+was lazy and, instead of working, climbed trees and hunted minas
+(monkey-nuts). A companion, becoming vexed, uttered a curse on him
+and threw a stick at him. These things clung to the lazy man: the
+stick became a tail, and the curse deprived him of speech. Ashamed
+of himself, he and his family took to the trees, never to return."
+
+Many questions were put to the wise old hermit, and his ready answers
+astonished, but satisfied, Piang. Night came on, and the strange
+company lay down together under the shelter of the banian and slept.
+
+Piang was very happy. He had reached Ganassi, was proclaimed the
+real charm boy, and was at last to receive the glorious charm. Some
+said it was a star tossed to Moroland by the Creator, that it was the
+emblem of power, and that he who wore it would be filled with a divine
+understanding. Others believed it to be the great diamond of Borneo,
+captured many years before from the pirates of that fierce land. Piang
+did not care which it proved to be, as long as it shone and sparkled
+with beauty. All agreed that its brilliance dazzled the eye, that its
+magnificence was unrivaled. Ganassi had waited a hundred years for
+the charm boy who was destined to wear it, and at last the star had
+proclaimed Piang to be the lucky boy. Through Piang's dreams flitted
+the visions of shimmering jewels of gold, and the happy smile on the
+boy's lips made old Ganassi's heart glad.
+
+
+
+"Up, up with you, sleepyhead!" called Ganassi. "The sun will catch
+you napping if you do not hurry."
+
+Piang sleepily rubbed his eyes and sat up. Horror and fright seized
+him as he beheld the body of the python curled up beside him and the
+packda contemplating him with indifference. From the doorway Ganassi
+smilingly watched him.
+
+"Come, my subjects are assembling; they will all assist in the ceremony
+of the sacred charm." The charm! Piang remembered and jumped to his
+feet. Creatures from all over the mountain were answering Ganassi's
+weird call; the air was full of fluttering birds, and monkeys came
+swinging toward them. Ganassi gave to each a sweet or a fruit.
+
+"Piang, no dato can boast of a grander court than Ganassi,
+eh?" chuckled the old man.
+
+It was indeed marvelous. Ganassi seemed to reign among the jungle folk
+as royally as any king. He chastised, praised, petted, and scolded;
+and one and all the beasts loved their wizened little master. Solemnly
+Ganassi went about his task. From his bosom he took a small object,
+smoothed, and caressed it. Piang trembled with excitement. Ganassi
+called each animal, and they responded to the beloved voice.
+
+"Piang, my creatures approve my action. This is the sacred charm. One
+and all the animals have blessed it, and through your life, if you
+have faith, nothing will harm you." Piang's eyes darted around the
+strange circle, and, indeed, the animals accepted him as naturally
+as they did Ganassi.
+
+"The time has come, Piang. The heavens have watched over you from
+babyhood, and you have proved your worth and bravery many times. I
+am ready to reward you. Come!"
+
+Trembling, the boy advanced. Kneeling before the hermit, Piang clasped
+his hands and prayed that he might be worthy of the great honor about
+to be bestowed upon him. Gently the wise man laid his hands on Piang's
+head; softly he muttered a few words; then something dropped around
+the boy's neck.
+
+"You may rise, Piang. You are now invincible!"
+
+Bounding to his feet, Piang clasped the charm.
+
+"I cannot see it, Ganassi. May I unclasp it to behold its beauty
+and splendor?" Keenly the old man looked into the face of the boy,
+measuring him, studying him.
+
+"And if it is not beautiful, shiny, and bright, boy, what then?"
+
+"Oh, but it must be, Ganassi! It is the most valuable thing in
+the world!"
+
+"You may unclasp it, Piang."
+
+Clumsily the boy fumbled with the fastenings; eagerly his eyes sought
+the charm. His face went blank; tears sprang to his eyes. He was
+holding a tiny gourd, no larger than a monkey-nut, suspended from
+a necklace of polished crocodile teeth. His disappointed eyes met
+Ganassi's, still studying him.
+
+"Are you not satisfied, Piang? Are you then unworthy of the great
+honor bestowed upon you? Do you think that to be of value a thing must
+sparkle and shine?" Piang gathered himself, hid his disappointment,
+and bravely answered:
+
+"I am satisfied."
+
+"Shake the gourd, Piang."
+
+A hollow rattle came from the immature growth, and Piang's face
+brightened.
+
+"Its worth may be inside. Who knows? Only Ganassi, the wonder man,
+and he will tell no one." The keen old eyes twinkled as they watched
+Piang's face.
+
+The mystery! It was again established, and Piang was happy. Maybe
+the precious stones were inside and some day would be revealed to
+him! As if reading his thoughts, Ganassi said:
+
+"The charm must remain intact to wield its spell; if the gourd should
+ever be broken or stolen, both you and the charm lose the mystic power
+lately bestowed upon it. Piang, the source of power is faith! Believe,
+be honest, be true, and the world holds naught but joy for you and
+Kala Pandapatan's people."
+
+A silence fell upon them all. The solemn words had sobered Piang,
+and he gazed into the eyes of the wise man.
+
+"Begone, boy. The sun rises, and you have many miles to go. To-night
+I will light the signal fires and tell your tribe that you have come
+and gone, that Piang is charm boy of Kali Pandapatan's people forever."
+
+
+
+
+FOURTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE FIRE TREE
+
+
+The velvety dusk of the jungle was pierced here and there by the
+brilliant, crimson buds of the fire-tree. For weeks all Moroland had
+waited for their coming, the heralds of the combat season. During
+the harvest time there is a truce in these turbulent islands, but
+when the crops have been gathered, the natives become restless and
+long to sally forth to conquer. The myth that victory comes only
+to the tribe whose fire-tree has bloomed is implicitly believed,
+and impatiently the Moros await this announcement of the combat
+season. Paying no heed to their capital city, Manila, these merry
+little isles revel in intrigue, and there is no sport in Moroland that
+can compare with the combat. Tribes go forth to conquer and enslave
+others; the men look forward to it as an opportunity to prove their
+prowess; the women thrill at the possibility of capture. True, they
+may become the slaves of some unscrupulous dato, but there is always
+the romantic chance that they may fall into the hands of the hero of
+their dreams and become the favorite of his seraglio.
+
+"Where is Piang?" Dato Kali Pandapatan addressed a copper-colored
+slave who salaamed and replied:
+
+"In the jungle, O most high one, searching for the blooming fire
+branch."
+
+"It is well." Kali Pandapatan, with folded arms, paused in the
+doorway of his hut, watching expectantly the only opening into the
+frowning jungle.
+
+"He comes! He comes!" rippled through the barrio.
+
+The eager inhabitants gathered to learn if the time was yet ripe. Into
+their midst ran a slim, bronze lad, waving above his head a branch,
+almost bare of green, but aflame with crimson blossoms. There was
+a hush. Women gathered their children to them; men grasped their
+weapons more firmly, and the young boys looked with longing eyes at
+the fortunate Piang.
+
+"_Ooola!_" exclaimed Piang. Every lip repeated the word; every knee was
+bent, and the tribe lay prostrate at his feet; only old Kali Pandapatan
+remained standing, eyeing Piang with satisfaction. For a full two
+minutes the crowd remained motionless. The palm-trees whispered and
+crackled above them, and the river sent a soft accompaniment to the
+jungle music. To and fro above their heads Piang majestically waved
+the branch, until finally one bold voice demanded:
+
+"_Anting-anting!_" ("The charm, the charm!") Piang defiantly bared
+his breast, exposing the sacred charm suspended from his necklace of
+crocodile teeth. There was moaning in the crowd, sobs of excitement,
+and protests of impatience, but every head remained lowered until
+the august relic was again covered. Piang began to chant in a high,
+nasal voice, and the others rose and joined in creating a weird,
+monotonous drawl. Like a statue stood the boy, holding the branch
+high above his head while they circled round and round him. Faster,
+faster they whirled; in a frenzy they shrieked; some fell and others
+tramped them in their excitement. Suddenly the boy stamped his feet,
+uttering a sharp cry. Every eye turned toward him.
+
+"To the river!" he cried and lead the way. Two boys hurried forward
+and were on their knees in a twinkling, hollowing out a place in the
+sand, dog fashion. With many incantations and prayers, the branch was
+planted in the hole, the damp sand laid carefully around the base,
+and the two proud boys left to watch. If the flowers of the fire
+tree faded before the scorching sun set, it was destined that the
+tribe would be unsuccessful in its ventures for the season; should
+the blooms defy the rays of the sun until the dews of evening rested
+on its petals, old Kali Pandapatan could sally forth unafraid to meet
+his fierce brothers of the jungle.
+
+Patiently they waited through the long, hot day; many eyes were
+anxiously turned toward the sacred emblem, but none dared approach. The
+little Moro boys, in whose care the branch had been left, squatted in
+silent patience. No butterfly was suffered to light on the delicate
+petals, no droning bee allowed to gather the honey of its cups. On
+dragged the sweltering afternoon. Piang and the dato were the only
+ones allowed to know that the branch was still fresh, but only Piang
+knew that its flowers had been dipped into a cool stream before it
+came to the tribe to foretell its victories or defeats.
+
+"Allah, il Allah!" the call rang through the village. Sunset, the
+hour of prayer! Now, now they would know. Solemnly old Pandita Asin
+led the chant while the Moros prostrated themselves in supplication,
+and the dying sun slipped over the mountains, touching every tree
+and flower with its gold.
+
+There was great feasting and celebration in the barrio that
+night. Women donned their most brilliant sarongs, tinted their
+silver-tipped finger nails with henna, and streaked their brows
+with splotches of white rice paste. The men twisted their hair up in
+gorgeous head-cloths, and the knot bristled with creeses. Suspended
+from their many-colored sashes were barongs, campilans or bolos, and
+tiny bells were fastened into the lobes of their ears. The brilliantly
+striped breeches seemed likely to burst, so tightly were they drawn
+over shapely limbs.
+
+The branch had not withered. It had withstood the scorching rays of
+the sun. Kali Pandapatan was invincible.
+
+
+
+"Piang!" called Kali Pandapatan.
+
+The noises of the barrio were hushed. Their dato had spoken. The
+name was repeated, and gradually the call reached the charm boy,
+idly dangling his feet in a clear brook, attracting and scattering
+the curious fish. He sprang to his feet, listened, and darted off. His
+sleek, well fashioned limbs glistened in the sunlight, and the sarong
+that was gracefully flung over one shoulder floated out behind like a
+flame fanned by the wind. Twined in his long black hair was a wreath
+of scarlet fire flowers; every face brightened as he fled past.
+
+"You have again brought the sign, Piang. When do we fight?" asked
+Kali Pandapatan.
+
+"Not until we have delivered the _siwaka_ (tribute) to the sultan at
+Cotabato. The fire-tree has not yet bloomed in the enemy's country,
+and we may yet pass through safely," Piang replied.
+
+"You have spoken," said the dato and laid his palms on the youth's
+head.
+
+Though the latent passion of battle stirred in the Moros' breasts,
+they were compelled to heed. Piang had proved a wise charm boy, and
+the tribe must obey him. Each season the siwaka must be carried over
+the steep, treacherous trail down to the coast, and those detailed
+to accompany the slaves who carried the bags of rice and _comoties_
+(sweet-potatoes), dreaded the trip. Added to the pitfalls of the
+obscure trail, were hostile territories to be traversed, and if the
+enemies' fire-tree had bloomed, they would surely be attacked and
+probably despoiled of their cargo.
+
+"We will need warriors to guard the siwaka, chief," Piang reminded
+Kali, and the chief nodded and gave a quiet order. Every man
+disappeared from the streets. When they returned, in place of the
+gaudy, tight trousers, they were wearing loose, black pantaloons,
+the garb of battle. The women, true to the feminine nature, wailed and
+cried aloud, but in their hearts they, too, were glad that the quiet,
+monotonous days were over, and that before nightfall they might sleep
+in some strange cota (fort), slave or wife of the victorious dato.
+
+"Piang," murmured a soft voice at the charm boy's elbow, and he turned
+to find the little slave girl, Papita, timidly looking up at him.
+
+"_Chiquita?_" ("Little one?") he questioned.
+
+"Sicto goes with you. Beware of him, for he would kill you!"
+
+"I am not afraid," proudly answered Piang, "but why would Sicto
+kill me?"
+
+Solemnly the little girl touched Piang's breast where lay hidden the
+sacred charm.
+
+"He would kill you so that he might be charm boy of the tribe,"
+whispered the girl. Piang laughed gaily, patted his little friend on
+the arm, and bounded to the head of the forming column. Nevertheless
+he noticed Sicto's sly, surly glance as the slaves and warriors bent
+before him.
+
+Amid beating of tom-toms, wails of women, and howls of dogs, the
+column, single file, dipped into the jungle and was lost to sight.
+
+Anxiously Piang watched for signs of the fire-tree as they slipped
+along through the enemies' country, but as yet the buds had not
+stirred, and he was thankful that the warm rains had not come to coax
+them into glow. That whole day the party toiled silently through the
+dense cogon grass that covered the mesa. High above their heads waved
+the wiry, straw-colored spines. Its sharp edges cut into the flesh,
+tore through cloths, stinging and paining old wounds. Not a breath of
+air reached them through the impenetrable mass, and the sun beat down
+on them mercilessly. For long stretches the path tunneled through the
+grass, boring deeper into the tangle, and they were almost suffocated
+by the choking dust that stung their nostrils.
+
+"_Iki!_" ("Beware!") called Sicto. Every bolo was out, every savage
+ready, but the word was passed along the line that the leader,
+Sicto, had stepped on a snake. Entirely surrounded by the cruel
+grass the column paused. The heat, increased by the oven-like
+tunnel grew steadily worse, and those in the rear gasped and fought
+for breath. They could hear the scuffle as the leaders fought the
+reptile, and the fetid odor of the dread creature added to their
+discomfort. Sicto had been swinging along ahead, stepping lightly on
+the mattress-like turf, when he felt something move under his foot. It
+was well under the matted grass, but it was wise to despatch the
+creature if possible. Piang came to his assistance, and the snake,
+probably gorged with rotting meat, exuded a terrible odor as it was
+stabbed to death. Kicking the wriggling remains out of the path the
+column pushed on, wondering if they would ever come to the end of
+the stifling tunnel.
+
+"Will it rain soon, Piang?" panted Tooloowee, as he toiled along
+behind the charm boy.
+
+"I cannot tell yet, but by sunset we shall know."
+
+Toward evening the grass thinned perceptibly, and the steaming,
+aching bodies felt the cool air rustling through the stalks.
+
+"We are near the jungle; soon we shall be cool," sighed Kali
+Pandapatan. Yes, it was growing cooler; they could breathe again,
+but Piang knew that before morning they would be shivering with cold,
+that the rain would come in the night. He smelled it, the rain that
+would not come to help them through the arduous day.
+
+When it came, there was a shout of joy. Kali looked anxiously at his
+sweating tribesmen. After the terrific heat of the day, this rain would
+chill them, and fever would surely follow; he must keep them on the
+move. There was a murmur of protest as the order was given to move;
+they had rested a scant two hours. By nine o'clock they were under
+way again, struggling with the jungle as they had fought the mesa. The
+downpour was straight and steady. It burrowed through the thick foliage
+and ran down the tree trunks in torrents. The footing became uncertain,
+and Piang warned Kali to look out for broken limbs. For many yards the
+path lay along fallen tree trunks, slippery with moss and mold. The
+footing became so treacherous that the order was given to crawl on all
+fours, and the progress was painfully slow and tedious. Frequently
+they strayed from the path and were forced to halt. The torches at
+the head of the column twinkled and flickered fitfully, but they only
+seemed to make the darkness more visible; they sputtered and flared,
+but the flames resisted the rain, and to the weary Moros they seemed
+like good spirits sent to guide them through the terrible jungle night.
+
+Palm leaves, strewn in the path, had long clusters of needle-like
+spines at their bases that pierced their feet, and the cry "_tinick!_"
+("thorns!") rang out frequently through the night. Finally it became
+necessary to march close up, in solid line, each man with his hand on
+the shoulder of the man in front. When the leader warned "_Cajui!_"
+("Log!"), each repeated it as he stumbled over the obstacle, and if
+one fell, half the line would be bowled over.
+
+"_Tubig Malakee!_" cried Piang. ("The big water!") Yes, the dull
+murmur of the river was plainly heard through the dripping rain,
+and they all quickened their pace in the desire to rid themselves of
+the jungle. Piang attempted to guide them across, but he walked into
+the water and sank from sight, and there was a cry of horror, for it
+seemed that one of the many crocodiles had dragged him under. When
+he came up sputtering and splashing, none the worse for his dip,
+he chided them for their little faith and pointed significantly to
+his charm. He had miscalculated in the blackness of the night and
+could not locate the ford. A drizzling rain was still falling; great
+hairy-legged spiders skated over the water, making things grewsome;
+the large lily-pad leaves moved suspiciously, so Kali gave the orders
+to camp for the rest of the night.
+
+Silently the Moros prepared their camp. Deftly the ends of low-lying
+branches were pinioned to the ground with forked sticks; over these
+supports hemp and banana leaves were strewn to shield the sleepers
+from the heavy dew and rain. After many attempts a fire was coaxed
+into life, much to the dismay of the jungle folk. A beautiful golden
+fly-catcher, probably mistaking the glare of the fire for dawn, awoke
+and began to sing at the top of its tiny voice; a parrot screamed
+lustily. A venerable old monkey, sleepily rubbing its eyes, shook
+its fist, muttering profanely. Sicto, exasperated at the persistent
+maledictions, raised his bow.
+
+"Do not kill the monkey, Sicto," warned Piang. "It is not good to
+kill in the jungle except for food or self-protection!"
+
+A scowl was the only reply, but the big mestizo lowered his bow and
+turned over on his bed of leaves.
+
+"Kali, we are no longer safe," Piang whispered as he crouched over
+the improvised bed of his chief.
+
+"Sssshhhh," he warned, finger on lip. "Do not wake the others." Then
+he pointed toward a spot where hoards of fireflies clustered around
+one tree, twinkling and swerving to and fro. It was a beautiful sight,
+but far from a novel one to these two.
+
+"The fire-tree!" muttered Kali.
+
+"Yes," answered Piang. "The rain has brought the blooms to the valley,
+and we will be attacked to-morrow!" Silently they gazed at the strange
+tree. Fireflies abandon every tree and shrub for the fire-tree the
+moment it puts forth its buds, and nothing can coax them away until
+the ominous scarlet blossoms have drooped and fallen to the ground.
+
+"We dare not cross the river now, Kali," said Piang, "but we can
+build rafts and float down to Cotabato."
+
+And so it was decided. Early in the muggy dawn the warriors set to
+work constructing rafts out of bamboo and ratan (palm), and soon the
+siwaka was loaded and the journey continued by water.
+
+Arrogantly Piang rode at the head of the procession, his proud little
+head crowned with a wreath of fire-tree blooms, the corners of his
+raft decorated with sprigs of the flaming buds. Cautiously they
+poled down the swift stream, avoiding treacherous logs and snapping
+crocodiles. Piang chuckled with delight as they stole along, for the
+enemy would not discover the ruse until they were far away.
+
+It was some time before Sicto was missed. His name was passed from
+raft to raft, but none had seen him that morning. At first it was
+feared that one of the crocodiles had pulled him from a raft, but
+something seemed to tell Piang that the wily half-breed had stolen
+away to warn the enemy of Kali's strategy. Once the news of the rich
+booty to be captured and the prisoners to be taken had reached the
+valley people, nothing could keep them from pursuing, now that their
+fire-tree had bloomed. A solemn conclave was held.
+
+The river is almost inaccessible from the jungle except at one point,
+the Big Bend. This is a favorite camping-ground of the valley people
+during the combat season; here their sacrifices are offered, their
+victims thrown to the crocodiles; they exercise full control of the
+river. If Sicto succeeded in warning the enemy before Kali reached
+that point there would be little hope of escape. Another force would
+surely be posted where he had embarked, cutting Kali off from his
+reinforcements at home. It was too late to attempt a retreat, however,
+hampered as they were with the cumbersome siwaka. Reach that bend
+first, they must.
+
+"The charm, Piang," whispered Kali. Springing to his feet, the boy
+uttered a fierce "Oola." Every head bowed, and the sacred talisman
+was exposed.
+
+"Forward, brothers!" he cried. "Forward with all your strength!"
+
+The sun came out, and the dripping jungle began to steam. Palm leaves
+were constructed into hats to guard against sunstroke. Toward sunset
+they drew near the danger point. What was that monotonous sound dully
+vibrating through the jungle? Anxiously all eyes turned toward Piang.
+
+"It is well, brothers," bravely comforted the boy. "Yes, that is the
+tom-tom of your enemy. Sicto has betrayed us, but have no fear. Piang,
+the charm boy leads you; take courage, and Allah, the Merciful, will
+give you victory." Piang commenced a murmur of prayer, and the Moros,
+joining in, filled the fast-settling night with whispered invocations
+which drifted off through the jungle.
+
+Another council of war was held.
+
+"Piang, if they have had time to lay the boom, what shall we do?"
+
+"Go forward, Kali. Fight your way through the blockade," answered the
+charm boy. "I will remain here with a few men to guard to siwaka. Do
+you hide at the first bend until the moon gives you light, then
+strike!"
+
+The astonished warriors looked with misgiving from one to the other,
+but Kali answered firmly:
+
+"It shall be so, Piang."
+
+The Moros were quickly assembled for the advance, and Kali paused by
+the side of Piang's raft:
+
+"If we are driven back, Piang, I will give three calls of the
+mina-bird. Answer likewise and retreat as quickly as possible."
+
+"Forward, Kali Pandapatan," answered Piang with great dignity. "We
+will not retreat."
+
+Like ghosts in the night the little handful of men parted from their
+fellows and courageously faced the river and its dangers. The stream,
+swerving to the left, flows on to the apex of the Big Bend. As
+if regretting its departure from the true course, it doubles back
+and returns to take up its original direction at a point separated
+from its first departure by only a few rods. Between the two points
+is a waste of murky soil and sand, covered by dense growths of the
+jungle's choicest variety of obstacles. Gloomily Piang contemplated
+the morass that lay between him and freedom. Long he sat, looking into
+the distance where he could almost see the river as it completed the
+curve and swept on to the ocean. What would he not give to be safely
+on the other side? Suddenly he sat up very straight. Why not? The
+sand was soft, the current swift. If he could only make a narrow ditch
+across the flats. Pulling his raft up to the right side of the river,
+he jumped to the bank, but when he sank ankle-deep in the soft, sticky
+earth, he climbed hastily back. Poling along he searched for a solid
+footing, but everywhere the marshy soil gave, and he abandoned his
+attempts to land. The night grew deeper, blacker.
+
+"Why not, why not?" he whispered again. The others came scurrying up
+in response to his excited call.
+
+"My brothers, Allah has sent me wisdom," he announced. "It is your
+duty to obey me!" Eagerly they listened, glad of any distraction,
+but when Piang explained that he wanted them to abandon their safe
+bamboo floats for the treacherous flats, home of crocodiles and vermin,
+there was a murmuring protest. Anger blazed in Piang's eyes.
+
+"Am I not charm boy?" he demanded. "Any one who refuses to obey me
+will be thrown to the crocodiles!" Gradually the dominant nature
+overruled their timidities, and the protests subsided. Following
+Piang's directions, strips of bamboo were cut, and the charm boy
+constructed light frames for his feet. They looked like snow-shoes,
+and when he bound one securely to each foot and jumped lightly to the
+bank, there was a cry of surprise. Piang, the wonderful, was indeed
+sent by Allah to guide them!
+
+In a twinkling each Moro was supplied with similar mud-shoes, and
+like giant land-crabs, they flitted off across the marsh. Too wise
+to begin before reconnoitering, Piang led his men to the banks of
+the stream below to Big Bend. After hasty calculations he set them
+to work digging toward the head waters, following a line of ratan
+which he stretched to guide them.
+
+Faster, faster flew the scoops and broad knives; deeper, wider grew
+the ditch that was to form a new river-bed. Piang was everywhere. He
+flew about on his light frames as lightly as a faun, directing the
+construction of new tools, calculating and measuring for the ditch.
+
+Once he heard a call from the man guarding the rafts. A troop of wild
+hogs, attracted by the comoties, was trying to reach the rafts. Piang
+lighted a torch and hurled it among them. Crocodiles lurked near,
+and he ordered torches kept burning to frighten them also.
+
+New difficulties confronted Piang. Would the water not at first rush
+through the ditch with such force that the rafts would be dashed
+to pieces? He held a branch in the current; it was torn from his
+grasp. With great foresight, he ordered all the floats to be taken
+up the river and securely moored. Back to the ditch he flew. Yes,
+yes, it was going to be successful! Before the attack was made by
+Kali Pandapatan, Piang would have the rafts through the cut-off,
+safely on their journey to the estuary. How surprised the dato would
+be when Piang advanced against the enemy from the other side of the
+Big Bend! He laughed softly, hugging himself in boyish delight.
+
+Away he pattered toward some men who were apparently in difficulty.
+
+"_Halamantek!_" ("Leeches!") they called. They were pulling the
+slothful creatures off each other, but as soon as they freed themselves
+from the pests, more fell from above or crept up from the mud. Piang
+had foreseen this difficulty and had supplied himself with a small
+gourd filled with cocoanut oil, strongly saturated with cinchona
+(quinine). Offering some of his small store to the men, they gratefully
+rubbed the mixture into their flesh and bent to their task again. Piang
+exhorted them to work, warning them if the ditch was not completed
+before moonrise, all would be lost, and off he danced blending in with
+the night and its secrets like a picturesque _pampahilep_ (jungle imp).
+
+Only Moros could have accomplished so difficult a task in the
+dark. With a will they sturdily plied the crude tools and before
+the blackness of the night had been lifted by the rising moon, the
+excited little party was crowding around Piang as he examined the few
+remaining feet to be accomplished. Like a general meeting a crisis,
+Piang sharply gave his orders:
+
+"Tooloowee, take your pole and stand on the far side of the ditch. When
+I give the signal, push the dyke with all your might." He stationed
+another powerful Moro opposite Tooloowee.
+
+"Bungao, do you hasten to the rafts and prepare to resist the first
+flood that will sweep through the ditch."
+
+When all was ready Piang raised his hand and the struggle began. Little
+by little the soft mud was worked away, and the current, feeling
+the banks weaken, seemed to lose interest in its natural bed. At
+first the stream only caressed its new-found outlet, but gradually
+it concentrated its forces, and, with a mighty rush, attacked the
+slight remaining resistance and went thundering off into the ditch. A
+smothered cry went up from the Moros:
+
+"Piang! Piang!" How they loved their wise little charm boy!
+
+But the work was not yet completed. Piang let go his anchorage and
+headed for the mouth of the ditch. The water was rapidly widening
+the work of their hands, but in places the cut-off was barely wide
+enough to let the long slender floats by, and the water was rushing
+through with terrific force. The moon trembled on the brink of the
+jungle. Would they reach the other side in time to aid Kali? Suppose
+he was driven back before Piang and his men could attack from the
+other side?
+
+"_Ala! ala!_" ("Quickly! quickly!") Piang called softly. His raft
+came up with a sudden jerk, almost throwing him into the seething,
+muddy torrent. Other rafts bumped into his, and soon a blockade was
+forming as the swift current bore them down upon him. Piang cut and
+slashed at the banks, tearing away protruding vines and accumulating
+driftwood. The moon, the moon, would it wait? Frantically he toiled
+while Tooloowee held off the other rafts with his long pole. When
+Piang's float was finally released, it bounded joyously along, nosing
+first one bank, then the other. The river! He could see it! Only a
+few rods more!
+
+At the mouth of the ditch there was more trouble. Mud and debris had
+collected along the sides, but these were quickly worked through and
+they passed into the main river. Little short of a miracle had been
+performed. The ditch was growing wider and deeper every moment and
+judging from the enormous flow of water, it would not be long before
+the river deserted its circuitous route in favor of this direct one.
+
+"Quick! quick!" whispered Piang. "Bungao, bind the siwaka rafts
+together and head for Cotabato. We will overtake you before
+sunrise." A faint cry reached them. Kali had begun the attack. In
+an agony of suspense the brave Moros worked their way up toward the
+Big Bend. Suddenly Piang grasped Tooloowee's arm and pointed toward
+a streak that ran across the river.
+
+"The boom! We must cut it!" They made a dash toward the obstacle that
+stood in Kali's path, but an arrow whizzed by their heads.
+
+"Tooloowee, we have been discovered. I go to cut the way!" and before
+the astonished Tooloowee could prevent, Piang had dived into the
+water and disappeared.
+
+"Piang, the crocodiles, the crocodiles!" wailed Tooloowee, but the
+charm boy could not hear as he slipped up the muddy river, swimming
+easily under water. Just as Kali was preparing to retreat, driven back
+by the fierce storm of arrows, he gave the signal that had been agreed
+upon. Three loud calls in imitation of the mina-bird went wailing
+through the night. What was Kali's surprise to hear the answer a few
+yards in front of him! And what was that dark shape bobbing up and
+down on the boom?
+
+While he watched, amazed, the big clumsy logs divided, and swung slowly
+out, leaving the channel clear. Piang had severed the ratan thongs.
+
+"Lééééé lelele ouiiiiii!" crashed through the night, and Kali
+recognized his tribal war-cry.
+
+"Piang! Piang!" he cried. The dark shape, clinging to the drifting
+boom answered, and Kali rushed toward it. Before the enemy could
+gather their scattered wits, the whole party was sweeping by, on
+toward freedom. As Kali bore down on Piang, the boy raised himself
+to meet the raft. It was coming at a terrific rate, and he feared it
+would knock him off the boom; measuring the distance, he prepared to
+leap. On came the raft, Kali leaning far over the side, arms extended
+to grab the boy. When Kali was only a few yards off, Piang screamed:
+
+"_Boia! boia!_" ("Crocodile! crocodile!") The men on the raft saw the
+water stir and hurled spear and arrow, but they glanced off the scaly
+hide. It was a race with death, and what a miserable death for Piang,
+their idol! The boy grew cold and sick as he waited. Suddenly the raft
+paused, held in check by Kali's pole. Piang almost fainted. What was
+his chief doing? In a moment he realized that the quick action had
+saved his life. The raft swerved, bumped against the crocodile, and
+came between it and Piang. The next moment Piang was in Kali's arms.
+
+In the light of the gray dawn, Sicto watched these two as they gazed
+into each other's eyes; they swept triumphantly by, heedless of
+flying arrows. The radiant fire-tree blooms still clustered around
+Piang's head, and his sacred charm gleamed in the early light. Firmly
+believing that spirits had aided Piang in his remarkable feat, Sicto
+trembled with fear, and, with a last glance at the victorious charm
+boy, he turned and fled into the jungle.
+
+Wonderingly, Kali Pandapatan and his followers viewed the new cut-off
+as they floated by. Amazed, they listened to the marvelous tale. Old
+Dato Kali Pandapatan laid his hands once again on his favorite's head:
+
+"Little brother," he said, "this shall be known as Piang's
+Cut-off. Some day you will be the greatest dato in Mindanao."
+
+
+
+
+FIFTH ADVENTURE
+
+RIDING THE CATARACT
+
+
+News that a strange craft had put into Cotabato reached Piang in his
+mountain home. Hurriedly he gathered his few weapons together and
+started down the trail. He passed many traders and venders, who had
+also heard of the boat, and he hastened his steps in his desire to
+be there early.
+
+"_Un-di?_" ("Whither?") called Sicto as Piang trotted past him.
+
+"To the barrio," replied Piang. Sicto hurried to keep up with him,
+but Piang had no wish to be in company with the ne'er-do-well Moro
+boy, and he did not try to conceal his feelings. The natural dignity
+of the Oriental kept Sicto from displaying his anger at the repulse,
+but he sullenly slackened his pace and registered a black mark against
+this haughty Piang.
+
+Piang loved to be alone; his playmates were too noisy, too talkative;
+he, too, loved to chatter and play games at times, but now in the
+jungle, as the morning light slowly broke through the damp foliage,
+he wished to be alone and watch nature unfold to the coming day. It
+seemed to him that the huge elephant ears lifted their dew-weighted
+leaves and shook themselves in the gentle wind. The monkeys peeped out
+at him and continued to make their toilet undisturbed. Other travelers
+startled the little creatures into watchfulness, but Piang came upon
+them so silently, so peacefully, that they scarcely noticed him.
+
+There was one spot, half-way down the trail which he wanted to reach
+alone; there the jungle seemed to part, as if to grant a glimpse of
+the harbor below. He quickened his stride, and as he passed a party
+of men one of them called to him, "You will be first to-day, little
+fleet one." So there was none before him. He was glad, and when he
+came within sight of the clearing, he rejoiced in his solitude. He
+wondered if the boat was a vinta from Borneo, or if it was loaded
+with copra for Japan. There now, when that mist lifted, he would know.
+
+As the beautiful harbor broke upon his sight, Piang paused, holding
+his breath, for out of the boat, the only one in view, smoke was
+pouring. It was on fire! But why were the people not trying to save
+the cargo? A huge black stick standing in the middle of the hull was
+belching smoke. While he was regretting that he would be too late
+to assist at the rescue, he was startled by a thin white stream
+spurting out of the mast-head. Gradually he connected it with the
+shrill whistle that pierced his ears.
+
+Piang wanted to run back, to warn the others that some strange monster
+had sailed into their midst; but he saw that his brothers in the barrio
+were calmly watching the thing, and as it did not seem to hurt them,
+he took courage and dashed on down the trail into the jungle. All the
+rest of the journey he strained his ears to catch that shrill voice,
+which he was now sure came from the boat. As he flew through the silent
+forest he recalled the tales of the demons that the wise men talked
+about, and he decided to approach the thing with caution. Finally he
+stood on the shore, and there before his eyes was a boat that seemed
+to be alive. It was breathing. But where were its sails? How did it
+move? Clusters of natives, their fear stilled by curiosity, watched
+the approach. Breathlessly they waited. It was coming toward the tiny
+wharf, and just as it settled alongside, a piercing screech from it
+sent them tumbling over each other in a mad attempt to get away. From
+the safety of trees and huts they waited. Big men, pale and straight,
+walked from the boat and beckoned them to descend. Cautiously the
+more daring ones responded, and soon the whole population was gathered
+around the visitors.
+
+Curious to see what the strangers were showing the dato, Piang slipped
+quietly up behind and caught sight of the most beautiful colored
+cloth he had ever seen. "Bandana," the pale man called it. Piang
+longed to possess it for his mother; how she would love to wear it
+for her gala head-dress! The sailor then produced a tiny object that
+glistened and sparkled in the sun; it was about as large as the palm
+of Piang's hand and very thin. The Moros were very much excited over
+it, and when Piang reached up on tip-toes to peer through the crowd,
+he cried aloud, for there, staring back at him was a boy he had
+seen somewhere. The little brown face and the piercing black eyes,
+the long hair twisted in a knot with the ends flying loose, were all
+strangely familiar. It was--Piang! "Mir-ro," he repeated after the
+white man when his scattered wits permitted, and the crowd had ceased
+its merriment at his expense. The Moros were more interested in the
+knives, tobacco, and strange food that the strangers had brought than
+in the red bandana handkerchief and the toy mirror; but Piang longed
+to carry the two things that had caught his eye back to his mother,
+and he was silently gazing at them when Sicto, attracted by Piang's
+admiration, picked the mirror up to look at it.
+
+Before Piang realized it, Sicto was negotiating with the owner,
+offering in trade his brass buyo, or betel-box, used for containing a
+preparation of the betel pepper, extensively chewed in the East. Why
+had Piang not brought his brass? He would run and fetch it; but the man
+would not wait. Just as he saw the things about to pass into the hands
+of his rival, he remembered his ring. Attracting the attention of the
+trader, he quickly unscrewed the tiny center and proudly displayed a
+few glittering flakes; Piang did not know that they were gold dust;
+but the trader whistled a low note of surprise and called one of
+his shipmates aside. The Moro boy had seen the Japanese trade whole
+shiploads of copra for the shiny stuff, so, when he had found some
+in the sand one day, he had gathered it.
+
+When the trader made it clear to Piang that he could have the
+treasures for more of the flakes, he was delighted, and without a
+moment's delay started off up the trail, not deigning to glance at
+the disappointed Sicto.
+
+
+
+Up, up, he climbed. Heat, thirst, nothing slackened his pace. Arriving
+at his home, he flew to the lake, and, without a word to any one,
+jumped into his banco and pushed out into the water. Sweat poured
+down his face; mosquitos buzzed around his head: but he had no time
+to build a smudge. He must hurry, or the strange boat would leave
+the island and take forever the treasures Piang so coveted.
+
+Soon he struck the current, and when he felt the boat settle into
+it he dropped over the side, holding on to the outriggers, and let
+the boat pull him through the cool water. He noticed another banco
+in the distance and wondered what brought another person out on the
+lake in the heat, but the mosquitos occupied all his attention, and
+he dived and swam under the water to avoid them, soon forgetting the
+other boatman.
+
+Which stream had he paddled up before, when he had found the bright
+sand? He examined the shore carefully as he climbed into the boat. It
+must be there. Yes, he remembered the orchids in that tree. Cautiously
+he guided the banco to the mouth of the creek, and he shuddered as he
+caught sight of a shiny black object slipping into the water. It was
+a harmless snake, but Piang did not like snakes and he hurried past
+the spot. Gradually he lost sight of the lake and the sun; overhanging
+vegetation and fallen trees engulfed him. At times he could not use
+his paddle, and cautiously avoiding the thorns and poisoned things,
+he pulled the boat along from above. Soon this little stream would
+take him into the big river where he had found the pretty sand.
+
+Piang was startled by a sound behind him. Surely he had heard a
+paddle. But all was silence when he paused to listen. When he came
+to the river he shouted with delight, for his journey was half over,
+and there in the sun sparkled his treasure. Taking his gourd from
+the boat, he filled it with sand and then started the long process
+of washing it away. Always in the bottom would be left a few of
+the bright grains. These he poured on a leaf, but he discovered in
+dismay that they stuck there, and when he tried to brush them off,
+they sank into the leaf.
+
+While he was pondering on his predicament he heard the chatter of a
+hablar-bird, and he chuckled to himself. He searched his banco for
+his bow and arrows, but was astonished to find only the bow. What a
+misfortune! He must have lost the arrows on the trail. Nothing daunted,
+little Piang set about his task in another manner. Scattering a handful
+of parched corn in a clearing, he laid the noose of his rope around
+it, and taking the end of it in his hand, silently withdrew into the
+thicket and waited.
+
+Soon the big bird discovered the handy meal and, loudly proclaiming
+its rights to possession, flapped its way to the earth and lighted
+right in Piang's noose. The hablar-bird fluttered and chattered as it
+settled to the task of filling its craw with the good food. Cautiously
+Piang watched his chance and, with a deft twitch of the rope, secured
+the noose around the bird's foot. Such screaming and flapping! "Now
+you be good bird, and I no hurt you," Piang admonished. Catching hold
+of the creature behind the head, Piang held it firmly and quickly
+plucked three large feathers from its brilliant plumage. He then set
+it free and laughed to see it searching for its lost glories.
+
+Piang would have enjoyed watching it, as it scolded him from a high
+limb, but he could not delay and he set about his task quickly. Cutting
+off the end of each quill, he scraped it clean inside and washed the
+pithy part out. He had seen his father prepare a quill in this way
+for packing tobacco-powder.
+
+When these receptacles were ready to receive the gold-dust, he
+began washing the sand again; and when he had secured enough to
+fill all three quills he stuck a piece of green banana on the ends
+for a stopper. Now he would have the treasures for his mother--that
+beautiful cloth and the funny, thin thing that played pranks on you
+when you looked into it.
+
+What was that sound? Surely some one was spying on him. In a
+flash he remembered the banco on the lake, the other sounds he had
+heard. Also he remembered that Sicto wanted the same treasures that
+he coveted. He had been followed by the bully, and now, without his
+bow and arrows, he was helpless. To gain the lake again, he must
+pass through that treacherous creek, and he knew that Sicto would
+think nothing of robbing him and hastening to the village to buy
+the treasures with Piang's hard-earned bright sand. Somewhere those
+wicked eyes were watching him from the foliage, but Piang bravely
+covered his misgivings.
+
+There were two trails to the village; one lay to the west through
+the lake that he had crossed; the other was straight ahead, down the
+river. But there were cataracts on this river, and Piang wondered if
+he could make his way on foot from the head of the first one to the
+right trail. He decided to take the risk and quickly headed his banco
+in that direction. As he started down the river, he heard a howl of
+rage, and glancing back, saw Sicto preparing to follow.
+
+So! It was to be a race! Piang had foiled the bully, and his little
+heart beat faster as he realized the consequences if Sicto should
+catch him. Piang had a good start, but the river was so treacherous,
+the eddies so powerful, that sometimes his boat seemed to stand still
+or almost turn around when it was caught by the counter-current. How
+he loved his slim little craft! Whenever possible, it obeyed his wish,
+and he chuckled to see Sicto struggling with his heavy boat. If he
+could only reach the first head-water and land on the opposite shore,
+he would not fear defeat. For who was more fleet-footed than Piang,
+who more able to ferret his way through the almost impenetrable jungle?
+
+Cautiously he watched the shore; he had been this way only once before,
+and wondered if he could remember where the trail began at the water's
+edge. The current was so swift here that it was hardly necessary to
+paddle at all; so he rested to examine the shore.
+
+But what was the matter with Sicto? Why had he stopped paddling? In a
+flash it came over Piang that the cataract was near, and he started to
+back water with all his might. To his horror he found that he could not
+control the boat; fight as he would, it paid no heed to his struggle,
+but dashed on toward the waterfall. At first Piang thought he would
+swim, but realized that he would be swept over just the same. There
+was only one thing to be done--he must ride the cataract. Sicto was
+left far behind, clinging to the bank, watching with a sneer the boy
+going as he thought, to his death. He wondered why Piang was standing
+up in the banco; surely it would be best to lie flat in the boat and
+cling to the bottom.
+
+Gracefully Piang poised his body for the dive. The feathers were safely
+thrust into his long hair, and his bolo secured in his belt. With hands
+outstretched above his head, he waited for the great moment. He knew
+that if he was skilful he could clear the dangerous waters below the
+falls and either swim to the shore or reach his banco. Faster, faster
+went the boat, and his little heart thumped so that he feared it would
+burst. He tried to remember that this was not such a dangerous feat;
+others had accomplished it, and he could, if he was careful. The drop
+was only a few yards, but the danger lay in the shoals at the foot of
+the falls. What a beautiful sight Piang was, poised on the brink of
+that foaming cataract, the black jungle for a background! As he felt
+the banco quiver and twist he prepared for the dive. Finally the boat
+reached the crest and, with a lurch, shot from under the boy as he
+sprang far out into space. It seemed an eternity to Piang before he
+plunged into the waters below; then he sank down, down. The roaring
+and thundering deafened him, and he wondered if he should ever stop
+tumbling over in the water. It tossed him, tore from his hands any
+support he was able to grasp, and finally, after almost depriving
+him of breath, left him floating on the surface of a calm pool. How
+delicious the rest seemed! How tired he was! As he lay there on his
+back, he watched the water pour over the rocks above his head, and
+marveled that he had accomplished it all so easily.
+
+Gradually Piang regained his composure, and his first thought was for
+the quills. Yes, they were still safe, and he must hurry. Not fearing
+Sicto's interference any more, he began to wonder how he should
+find the trail. Searching the river for his banco, he discovered
+it caught by some reeds near the shore. It was easy to swim on that
+side of the river; so he slowly made his way to the overturned canoe,
+deftly righting it, and in a moment was over the side, searching for
+the extra paddle he always kept tied in the bottom. Fortunately it
+had not been torn away, and avoiding the rapids, he hugged the shore
+and finally resumed his journey down the river.
+
+What a wonderful experience Piang had had! How he would boast of his
+bravery, Moro fashion, and maybe the wise men would praise him. As
+he paddled down the river he kept his eyes open for trails; and when
+he heard the next cataract thundering its menace in the distance, he
+decided to land and search the jungle for a path. Beaching his banco,
+he hid it in the undergrowth, and, carefully avoiding the stinging
+vines, crept into the shadow of the jungle.
+
+The great silence was everywhere, and Piang wondered if he could
+trust his instinct to lead him aright. The heavy vines obstructed his
+passage, and he was forced to cut and hew his way through the edge of
+the forest. Nature does her best to protect the jungle, for always, on
+the edges, bamboo, and _bajuca_ (pronounced bah-hoo-kah) vie with each
+other in forming an impenetrable wall; but after the first few yards
+the obstinacy of the vines seems to relax, their sentinel duty over.
+
+Luckily for Piang, the jungle was well supplied with paths here, and
+he soon found the one leading down to the barrio. His heart was light,
+now, and he threw back his head and shouted with glee as he remembered
+Sicto, pale with terror, lest he too be swept over the cataract. Very
+quickly his exultation subsided, however, when he realized that Sicto
+could easily be on this same trail, and he redoubled his efforts as
+he imagined he heard twigs snapping behind him. What if the boat had
+already gone. What if its coveted treasures were lost forever?
+
+From his customary trot Piang broke into a run, and, panting and
+sweating, pushed forward. Soon the trail joined the one he had
+taken that morning, and in a moment he would come to the clearing
+where he had first seen the strange boat. Yes, there it was;
+ugly, cross-looking, without one of those bright-patched sails that
+decorated all the boats Piang had ever seen. But--was it moving? With
+a cry, Piang started forward as the white smoke appeared, and the
+shriek echoed and reëchoed through the jungle. Fury, resentment, and
+determination flashed across his face; with a howl he darted down the
+trail. There was only a little way to go now, and he would run like the
+wind. Friends and strangers tried to speak to him as he approached them
+on the trail, but he brushed them aside impatiently and rushed onward.
+
+With his last bit of breath he stumbled through the barrio, but the
+boat was steadily moving out to sea. He threw himself on his face and
+beat the wharf with his clenched fists. All was lost--the beautiful
+"ban-da-na" for his mother, the "mir-ro," too! An exclamation from
+one of the men arrested his attention, and he sprang to his feet in
+an instant. The boat had stopped; and--could he believe his eyes?--the
+man with the treasures was getting into a small skiff and was beckoning
+to Piang!
+
+Quickly the boy responded. Making sure that the precious quills were
+safe, he dived into the sea and struck out toward the approaching
+boat. When they pulled him over the side, a cheer went up from
+the Moros on the bank and was answered by another from the strange
+boat. Eagerly Piang searched the boat for the two objects so dear to
+his heart, but the trader silently tapped the ring and waited. Slyly
+the boy considered. Finally he drew forth one quill and offered
+it to the man. He handed Piang the red calico handkerchief, saying
+"ban-da-na." Eagerly the boy grabbed it. Guardedly the two contemplated
+each other. The trader reached into his pocket and produced the
+toy mirror, surrounded by colored pins; Piang offered to trade for
+another quill, but the man shook his head. Piang resolutely shook
+his, and the owner intimated that the trade was over by slipping
+the mirror back into his pocket. Piang could not stand the suspense,
+despite his passion for making a good trade, so he thrust the other
+quill into the stranger's hand, grasped the treasure, and, saluting
+them in his dignified fashion, slipped over the side and was off.
+
+
+
+When Sicto slunk into the hill barrio that night he was anxious to
+avoid Piang, but our hero was not concerned about him at all. Around
+the great fire in the center of the village were seated all the
+important members of the tribe, and Sicto's envy was complete when he
+saw that Piang's mother was the object of adoration. There she sat,
+the coveted "ban-da-na" crowning her stately head, and around her neck
+was suspended the funny thing that laughed back at you. Silently she
+offered each member of the circle one of the colored pins, and when
+all were supplied, they fell to the task of picking their teeth,
+at intervals reverently examining the instrument. When the allotted
+period had elapsed, Piang's mother again extended the mirror, and
+when each one had gazed into the depth, the pin was replaced, later
+to be handed on to a new comer.
+
+Sicto had joined the less fortunate persons who were watching the
+ceremony from a distance. Only the elect were permitted to approach
+the circle. From his place of honor Piang glanced loftily in their
+direction, and as his eyes met Sicto's, his triumph was complete. Under
+Piang's steady gaze, the bully quailed and, dropping his eyes,
+shambled off into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+SIXTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE JUNGLE MENACE
+
+
+Dato Kali Pandapatan had declared a three days' holiday in honor of
+Piang's safe return from his long journey to the haunt of Ganassi,
+the wonder man. That one so young had accomplished the difficult task
+proved to the tribe conclusively that Piang was indeed the chosen of
+Allah, the charm boy by divine right. Kali was glad of the opportunity
+to plunge his people into gaieties, for a mysterious shadow had hovered
+over the barrio for a week, and he hoped to dispel the effects of a
+recent disaster by merriment and fiesta. In the night an infant had
+disappeared from its hammock under the mango-tree and no trace of it
+had ever been found. The mother, who had been sleeping on the ground
+near her babe, told a strange story of being awakened by a suffocating
+pressure on her chest; as she stretched out her hand in the dark,
+she encountered a cold, clammy mass that moved under her touch. She
+must have fainted, for when she was able to scream for assistance,
+her baby was gone, and there were no tracks in the sand. The river
+was searched, but the crocodile pickets were intact; no monster from
+the river had broken through the barriers.
+
+The ominous whisper, "Bal-Bal," passed from lip to lip. Only that
+supernatural jinn could have whisked the infant from their midst;
+only Bal-Bal, with his demon body, sailing through the air on
+enormous wings, could have descended upon them so silently, so
+stealthily. Fearfully the wise men kept watch for the return of
+Bal-Bal, whose fateful visits were believed to come in pairs.
+
+At first the news of the fiesta failed to rouse the people from the
+lethargy into which they had sunk, but gradually their pleasure-loving
+natures responded, and preparations were begun for the three days'
+play.
+
+"Goody-goody!" exclaimed Papita, the little slave girl, dancing about,
+clapping her hands. "We are to have the macasla fiesta, Piang. Just
+think, we are to go to the ocean to-morrow!" Piang's newly acquired
+dignity would not permit him to respond to Papita's levity, but he
+secretly rejoiced, too, over the prospects of fun and excitement at
+the macasla.
+
+Runners were sent into the jungle to procure the all-important
+macasla herb, and that night the mixture was prepared. Macasla,
+chilli-peppers, carot, and tobah shrub were pounded together in an
+old dug-out canoe. Wood-ashes, earth, alcohol, and water were added,
+and the mixture was allowed to ferment. Early the next morning nearly
+all the inhabitants embarked upon the short journey to Parang-Parang,
+their seaport barrio. Every available boat was filled with the merry
+throng, and the river sang a soft accompaniment to their chatter;
+pet monkeys, parrots, and mongoosen joined in the hubbub, and the
+din echoed through the forest, to be taken up by nature's wild
+children. Bal-Bal was forgotten, for the moment, by all except the
+bereaved parents, who had remained behind with the aged, to mourn
+their loss.
+
+"I see the ocean! Oh, I saw it first!" cried Papita, nearly upsetting
+the banco in her glee. "Piang, do stop being so solemn and look--over
+there--through the trees!"
+
+"I saw the ocean long ago, Papita," answered the boy with exaggerated
+dignity.
+
+With a sigh the girl turned away, despairing of drawing him into
+sociability. Piang, the playfellow, had vanished, and Piang, the
+charm boy, was so superior, so awe-inspiring. Out of the corner of
+his eye Piang watched her. He longed to frolic and play, as of old,
+but the weight of the tribe was on his young shoulders, and he must
+put aside childish things. With folded arms he watched the revelers;
+his heart beat violently, but, to the envy and admiration of all,
+he retained his dignity and rigidity.
+
+The travelers gave a shout as they rounded a bend and came upon the
+sea. The curving coast line seemed to be ever smiling as the waves
+wooed it with cajoling and caressing whispers.
+
+The tide was on the turn; not a moment was to be lost. Men, women,
+and children assembled about the dug-out, carrying wicker baskets
+which they filled with the macasla mixture. Scattering quickly along
+the extensive shoals, they ran into the water, waist deep, immersing
+the baskets, jerking them about until the macasla was all washed out;
+slowly they retreated to the shore. Impatiently they waited five,
+ten minutes; then things began to happen. Crabs abandoned their holes
+and scurried about aimlessly; children, wild with delight, pursued
+and captured the bewildered creatures, tossing them into a brass pot
+of water over the fire. Small fish came gasping to the top; finally
+large ones began to show signs of distress. Screaming and laughing
+at the top of their voices, the Moros pursued; the men harpooning
+the largest fish, the women skilfully dipping up the smaller ones
+with nets. Helplessly the beautiful, rainbow-tinted creatures floated
+about, their opalescent hues fading soon after the Moros took them from
+the water. Monsters over a yard long fought for their freedom; giant
+crabs and shrimp struggled in the nets. A _liendoeng_ (water-snake),
+brilliantly striped with red and black, made the women scream with
+fright. Dashing among them, laughing and yelling as merrily as the
+other boys, Piang pursued the offending reptile, here, there, and
+finally grabbed the wriggling creature and ran to the beach.
+
+"Ah là là là lélé!" he cried, dancing and jumping about, waving the
+snake above his head.
+
+"Oh, goody! Piang has come back to us," cried the delighted
+Papita. "You will not frown and scowl again, will you, Piang?"
+
+A shadow fell upon the manly young brow of Piang. He had transgressed;
+he had forgotten his responsibility for the moment and had allowed
+his glee to banish the dignity of his calling: Throwing the snake
+into the basket, he quietly walked away from the merry-makers.
+
+Crowds of friendly natives swarmed along the beach, hoping the
+kill would be great enough to supply food for all. At other times
+the Moros would have preserved any surplus fish, but those caught
+under the influence of macasla cannot be cured or dried, as they
+soon putrify. The macasla only blinds them temporarily, however,
+and those fortunate enough to escape soon recover, suffering no ill
+effects. Ten canoes, full of splendid fish, were the reward of the
+macasla fiesta. A huge fire was built on the beach, and the small
+fish, stuffed into green bamboo joints, were thrown in the ashes;
+larger ones were sprinkled with _lombak_ dust (seasoning) and wrapped
+in pisang leaves. Weird instruments made their appearance: drums of
+bell-metal, jew's-harps of bamboo. The _gansas_, a flute that the
+performer plays from one nostril, would have distracted an American's
+attention from the music, holding him in suspense, anticipating the
+dire consequences of a sneeze.
+
+Gradually the monotonous music stirred the savages to action. Solemnly
+they formed a circle around the fire, arms extended, lightly touching
+each other's finger-tips. To and fro they swayed in time to the
+crude music, and when the drums thundered out a sonorous crescendo,
+they crouched to the earth, springing up in unison, uttering fearful
+yells. When the individual dancing commenced, exhausted members began
+to fall out, leaving the youth and vigor of the tribe to compete
+for the honors. A maiden must prevent a youth from confronting
+her; the youth, while attempting to gain his position, must beware
+lest the maiden present her back to him. Fast and furiously they
+whirled and dodged, and a shout went up from the bystanders as each
+unfortunate dancer was compelled to retire. Finally there were only
+three contestants left; Papita, Piang, and Sicto. Gracefully the
+little slave girl eluded the boys; slyly she circumvented their
+attacks. Her little bare feet twinkled daintily about on the sand;
+her brass anklets jingled merrily; and the fireflies, confined in
+her hair, glowed contentedly.
+
+Now the hands must be held behind the back at all times during
+the dance, and when Sicto, exasperated at the girl's nimbleness,
+attempted to grab her, Piang protested loudly. A surly growl was
+Sicto's response, and during the hot dispute that followed, as
+the dancers swayed and dodged, Papita caught Sicto off his guard,
+and to his mortification he found himself contemplating the comely
+back of the girl. Over her shoulder she taunted the astonished boy,
+and thunderous applause greeted his defeat. Sicto slunk off into the
+shadow, muttering maledictions against Piang, whom he blamed primarily
+for his downfall. Papita, Piang, which would win? Breathlessly the
+audience followed the agile movements of the two; eagerly they claimed
+the honors for their favorite.
+
+The music ceased abruptly. With fear in their hearts and bated breath,
+the tribe waited again for the sound that had disturbed their revelry:
+
+"_Le le, li li._" The tribal call rang through the forest faintly.
+
+"_Blako ampoen_, Allah," ("I beg for mercy, Allah,") whispered Kali
+Pandapatan, supplicatingly.
+
+The call was repeated, came steadily nearer. Finally from the gloom
+of the river shot a banco, a very old man working at the paddle. It
+was Pandita Asin from the barrio.
+
+"_Un-di?_" ("Whither?") called Kali Pandapatan.
+
+"The barrio--Bal-Bal!" gasped the exhausted old man.
+
+The night pressed upon them. Up the river darted Asin's slender banco
+with Kali Pandapatan and a few picked warriors.
+
+"Asin, we shall need you, and you, Piang," the chief had said, and
+the boy jumped into the boat. Far behind they left the terrified,
+confused throng, preparing to embark, and soon the night swallowed
+up the little advance party, as it hurried toward the stricken barrio.
+
+A white mist rose from the water, obscuring the view; a damp breeze
+chilled the travelers, and they anxiously scanned the heavens for
+Bal-Bal, the terrible. Obstructions in the river were numerous and
+dangerous. Once they grazed the side of a floating log; it immediately
+turned upon them, emitting blood-curdling bellows through gaping
+jaws. Piang's spear silenced the menacing crocodile, and the party
+hurried on. A _taloetook_ (owl) wailed his melancholy koekh-koekh,
+and the mournful sound seemed to draw the handful of men closer
+together. Through the jungle the river wound its serpentine way; dense
+growths crowded the bank and leaned far out over the stream. Trailing
+vines and hanging ferns brushed the occupants of the canoe, and in
+fear they avoided contact with them, so often did their velvety green
+conceal wicked thorns and poisonous spines. Fiery eyes dotted the
+jungle, stealthily watching for a chance to pounce upon the intruders;
+rustling of the rushes warned them of invisible dangers.
+
+"_Karangan!_" ("Sand-bar!") cried Piang, and just in time the banco
+swerved, avoiding the slimy mud that might have held them prisoners,
+at the mercy of prowling night terrors.
+
+A light twinkled in the distance; confused sounds reached the rescuers,
+and they pushed forward with renewed energy.
+
+"Ooooh, Mihing!" called Asin, in his cracked, wavering voice.
+
+"Ooooh!" came the answer from the barrio.
+
+"Piang, we look to you to protect us from Bal-Bal, to you and your
+sacred anting-anting." Solemnly Kali Pandapatan made this announcement.
+
+The boy was the first to land. The lame and the halt crowded around
+him, imploring him to save them. Confused, Piang wondered what was
+expected of him but suddenly he remembered what the great Ganassi
+had said:
+
+"The source of power is faith!"
+
+His proud little head went up; his brave eyes smiled:
+
+"Have no fear, my people. Piang, the charm boy, will protect you."
+
+A startling phenomenon had terrified the barrio. Just at dusk,
+old Asin had been squatting in the doorway of his hut, dreamily
+watching Papita's little white fawn munching mangos under the fatal
+tree, when suddenly he saw it rise, struggle, suspended in the air,
+then disappear. Its pathetic cry was heard once, high above their
+heads. Then there was silence. The aged populace had been too
+frightened to investigate and had hovered around the fire, afraid
+to venture beyond its circle of light. Asin had been despatched to
+notify the head of the tribe that Bal-Bal was hovering near.
+
+All eyes turned toward the charm boy.
+
+"La ilaha illa llahoe," softly prayed Piang, scrutinizing the frowning
+jungle, as it closed in on all sides.
+
+"Kali Pandapatan," finally announced the boy, "it is given that we
+act as brave men. If it is Bal-Bal who has been swooping upon us,
+have no fear; he can come no more with Piang, the charm boy, prepared
+to meet him. If it is something else that is hovering near, we must
+go boldly forth and slay our enemy."
+
+A relieved sigh from the listeners greeted this speech.
+
+"Bravely spoken, little brother," said Kali Pandapatan.
+
+Another boat load arrived from the sea, and when the nature of
+the calamity had been explained, all volunteered to aid in the
+search. Each man bearing a torch, they went in pairs, scattering
+through the jungle. At given intervals, Piang who remained in the
+barrio at the entreaty of the aged, was to respond to the clan call.
+
+"Le le li li!" echoed through the somber night, giving courage to the
+faint of heart and keeping the searching party's spirits up. Stealthily
+the charm boy crept around the edge of the clearing, examining every
+possible opening; cautiously he peered into nooks and crannies.
+
+The mango-tree! What was there about that old jungle veteran that
+drew the boy toward it? The babe had disappeared from under its
+shelter; the fawn had been whisked from its protection. A cry from
+the circle around the fire arrested him as he approached the tree, but
+he reassured them, exposing the charm, and bravely went forward. Dew
+on the heavy, dark foliage glistened in the firelight, and the golden
+fruit peeped forth temptingly. Piang reached up on tiptoe to pluck a
+ripe mango, supporting his body against a large vine that hung from the
+tree. The vine stirred, trembled, and disappeared. With a low cry the
+boy recoiled. The tree was bewitched, was alive. Would its huge limbs
+enfold him in its embrace as it had done the other two victims? Piang
+was unable to move. Fascinated, he stared wide-eyed at the tree
+with its wealth of parasite life sapping its vitality. Trailing
+orchids and tree-ferns festooned its limbs; _liana_ and _bajuca_
+vines smothered it in death-like embrace. Coil upon coil of these
+serpent-like jungle creepers, ignoring or circumventing the smudge
+platform halfway up the trunk, ascended to the tree's very crest,
+only to return, dangling and swinging like the ragged draperies of
+a slattern, reaching out tenacious arms in search of new support.
+
+At any moment Piang expected to be seized by this supernatural
+monster, and yet he could not cry out or move. Where did it hide
+its victims? Did it inhale life or suck it into its trunk? Scarcely
+realizing what he was doing, the boy focused his gaze upon two dazzling
+points of light that gradually came nearer, nearer. A peacefulness
+came over him, and he wondered why he had been so terrified a moment
+before. Slowly a numbness crept up his limbs; a giddiness attacked
+him. On came the hypnotic, icy lights, until they were within a few
+feet of his face.
+
+"Le le li li!" crashed through the stillness. With the dim past Piang
+connected the disturbing sounds. The gleaming lights were beautiful,
+compelling.
+
+"Le le li li!" A memory of some duty faintly stirred Piang's
+subconsciousness, and his senses tried to respond to the call. Bright
+and intense grew the twin fires. One instant they seemed as minute
+as fireflies, the next as large as moons. Yes, the tree was alive;
+it was moving. A giant creeper was swaying toward him, would grasp
+him in its toils.
+
+"Le le li li!" persistently the call was repeated. "Le le li li!" A
+duty! What was it? Charm boy? Who was charm boy? Involuntarily Piang's
+hand sought the charm on his breast and grasped it. He was saved! With
+a shriek he darted back just in time. The vine lunged out, quivered,
+and recoiled.
+
+Asin, who had been curiously watching Piang for some time, rushed
+toward him and caught the fainting boy in his arms.
+
+
+
+Quietly Piang gave his orders; unquestioningly he was obeyed. After his
+mishap he had not regained consciousness for two days, and during his
+illness he had prated senselessly about trees that were alive and vines
+that had eyes, much to the disturbance of Kali Pandapatan and Asin. But
+when he whispered his suspicions to his chief, Kali gave a low whistle.
+
+Asin and Tooloowee were taken into the secret, and they set to work
+to develop Piang's plan. A wild boar, which had been captured for
+crocodile bait, was fastened to a pole in the middle of the _campong_
+(clearing). Around it was built a bamboo pen, opened at one end, from
+which extended a low, fenced-in lane about forty feet long. Arranged
+in this lane, at intervals, were slip nooses of ratan, which, rising
+above the structure, looked like skeleton arches.
+
+Impatiently the Moros waited for night; fearfully they watched the
+mango-tree. There was no tom-tom serenade such as usually heralds
+the coming of night; no fires were lighted; the evening meal was
+forgotten. An ominous silence pervaded the barrio.
+
+Night came--soft, fragrant night, with its thousand wonders. The
+inquisitive moon peeped over the palm fronds, peeped again, and
+decided to remain. Papita, her anklets and bangles clinking dully,
+moved listlessly about, sorrowing for her lost pet; Sicto followed
+her persistently, annoying her with his attentions. The sulky mestizo
+took pleasure in provoking the little girl, for was she not Piang's
+favorite, and was not Piang his enemy? He moodily contemplated the
+charm boy at work on the silly-looking structure that he was not
+allowed to approach.
+
+When it was finished, Kali Pandapatan ordered every one to go to
+their homes, to lock and bar the doors, and, under pain of his
+displeasure, to make no sound. The death-like stillness was fraught
+with tension. From the window in the nearest house, Piang kept
+watch with Kali, Asin, and Tooloowee; in his hand he held the ratan
+cable that controlled the nooses in the narrow lane. Minutes, hours
+trailed by, and still the barrio watched. A gentle wind awakened the
+forest whispers and gathered its freight of seed and pollen to scatter
+abroad. The prisoner in the deserted campong protested and struggled,
+its ugly grunts disturbing the jungle peace. Dull clouds obscured the
+moon, and for a long time the barrio was in darkness. When the light
+burst suddenly upon them, the Moros started from their drowsiness
+and gazed with awe on the swaying, shuddering mango-tree. Not a leaf
+was stirring on the surrounding trees, but the mango rustled and
+trembled ominously.
+
+"See, Kali! I was right!" whispered Piang. No superstitious horror
+pervaded the hut where the four men watched, but in every other house
+Moros fell upon their faces, beseeching Allah to protect them from
+Bal-Bal. The capricious moon plunged into a shadowy cloud again. The
+next flood of light disclosed a vision so horrible that even Kali and
+his brave followers stiffened with fear. Out of the mango-tree a black,
+writhing mass crept toward the terrified squealing boar. Unfolding
+length after length, the thing advanced, until nearly thirty feet
+of sinuous, undulating life stretched between the mango tree and
+the boar's cage. Papita, sickened with fear, buried her face in her
+mother's bosom, weeping hysterically; Sicto, pale and trembling,
+grasped the window for support.
+
+"_Ular-Sawa!_" ("Giant python!") he gasped, hastily closing the
+window. A little captive monkey whined pitifully.
+
+The massive creature, distracted by the sound, paused, head up,
+forked tongue darting in and out of the open jaws, for the Regal
+Python has no ears, but hears with its tongue. That delicate nerve
+center registers sounds by vibration, and when a python is eager to
+listen, it extends its black, forked tongue.
+
+"Oh, will it go into the trap?" breathed Piang. The boar, watching
+its fate, squealed, and the python advanced. Missing the easy lane,
+it approached the cage from the side, and tried to batter it down
+with its powerful head. Failing in this, it attempted to slip over
+the fence, but the pickets had been sharpened to prevent this, and
+finally it discovered the opening.
+
+Seeming to disapprove of the symmetrical structure, it hesitated to
+thrust its enormous length into the strange-looking thing. The Moros
+were fearful lest the creature escape and continue to overshadow their
+barrio. Once the python seemed about to retreat, but at that moment
+the boar struggled so desperately that the python's natural instinct
+prevailed, and without a moment's hesitation, it writhed into the lane,
+past the first loop, past the second, until it reached the cage.
+
+"Now, Piang, now!" softly whispered Kali. Calculating the distance,
+Piang jerked the ratan cable, and the noose tightened around the
+snake's throat.
+
+In a moment the fence was lashed to pieces, and the pickets were flying
+about like so many chips, as the serpent fought and struggled. Piang
+and his helpers secured the cable to a post and rushed into the
+campong. Catching hold of the other cables, they pulled them tighter
+and tighter until the snake was unable to move.
+
+The clouds were heavy and the moon shone fitfully.
+
+"Torches!" yelled Kali, and the women scurried about in search
+of them. Piang and Tooloowee cautiously approached the monster's
+head, holding on a stick some cotton soaked with poison. Savagely
+the python bit at the extended stick, and the cotton caught on the
+long recurved teeth. Try as it would, it could not get rid of its
+mouthful. The Moros congratulated themselves, thinking the danger
+past, little knowing what the fatal consequences would be. Under the
+stimulus of the poison the python began to expand, until the loops
+of ratan creaked and snapped. The snake did not plunge or struggle,
+but quietly, steadily pulled. That python broke green ratan thongs
+half an inch in diameter, and soon twisted out of all its fastenings
+except the one about its neck. Catching hold of the mango-tree with its
+tail, it pulled until its eyes bulged from the sockets, but the ratan
+held. Releasing its hold on the tree, it flopped about the campong,
+pulling and straining at the cable.
+
+Finally it lay perfectly still, its dull, lidless eyes rolling
+upward. Without any warning, its lithe tail shot outward, swept the
+crowd of bystanders, and those fatal, living rings closed around Sicto,
+compressing the unfortunate boy with such force that he gasped for
+breath. Without a thought for the helpless boy, the women dropped
+the torches and fled screaming through the night, leaving the campong
+in darkness.
+
+Only Piang came to the none too popular mestizo's assistance. He hurled
+himself at the reptile's head, campilan raised to strike, but instead
+of falling upon the mark, his knife severed the one remaining cable
+and set the monster free. Perceiving its new antagonist, and feeling
+its freedom, the snake rapidly unwound its tail from Sicto, who fell to
+the ground with a dull thud. Darting forward with lightening rapidity,
+it caught Piang in its circular embrace, and, coiling its tail around
+the tree, flattened the boy against it, as if in a mill. Tighter,
+closer hugged those massive, chilling rings, but Piang fought bravely.
+
+"A light! a light!" screamed Tooloowee, as he dragged the insensible
+Sicto away, and, out of a nearby hut dashed a slender, graceful figure
+in response to the call, a fresh torch streaming its smoke and sparks
+around her head.
+
+"Quick, Papita," urged Tooloowee, and the girl came fearlessly to
+the aid of Piang.
+
+"Piang!" she wailed. "Why didn't you let it have Sicto!" Her
+voice seemed to put new life into the suffocating boy. With one
+supreme effort Piang managed to loosen his arm and struck once,
+twice. The python, now bleeding profusely, hissed and writhed, still
+tightening around the boy. Once again Piang thrust, at last reaching
+the creature's heart. The rings loosened, relaxed, and Tooloowee's
+well-aimed blow severed the awful head, which bounced and rolled to
+Papita's feet.
+
+
+
+When they carried the limp, lacerated body of Piang to his hut,
+there was lamenting and weeping in the barrio. Piang, their beloved
+charm boy was dead. A mournful _tilick_ (death signal) was sounded
+on the tom-toms, and the wail soon gathered volume until the jungle
+and river seemed to take up the plaint.
+
+Dead? Could Piang, the invincible, be killed? Papita crouched in the
+doorway. Kali Pandapatan bent over the still little form. Anxiously
+he watched the eyelids quiver, the lips part. A sigh of relief broke
+from the chief, and he murmured softly:
+
+"Little brother, you have the strength of a packda; the cunning of
+the civet-cat, and the wisdom of the mina-bird. May your days be long."
+
+A knowing smile flitted across Kali's face as he caught the irrelevant
+reply:
+
+"Papita--is she safe?"
+
+
+
+
+SEVENTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE SECRET OF THE SOURCE
+
+
+There had been a great drought. Plague was sure to follow such
+weather, and the Moros were already dying of starvation. "Rice,
+rice!" was the cry, but everywhere the crop had failed, and the
+natives were desperate.
+
+Piang had been more successful in foraging than the other lads had,
+and his mother was safe for a time, but there seemed to be no hope,
+and he sorrowed as he pictured her dying for want of the food that
+it was his business to provide for her.
+
+In the stifling heat of midday, the village was startled by the
+appearance of several white men on the biggest animals they had ever
+seen. Tiny ponies, straying about the village, fled to cover at sight
+of the strange creatures, and most of the women hid themselves in
+fright. The Moro men sullenly watched the strangers advance, making
+no attempt to stop them, but there was no mistaking their hostile
+attitude.
+
+"Where is the dato?" asked the interpreter, who rode in ahead of the
+men. There was no answer.
+
+"Come, where is the chief? The white men bring good news; they
+bring food."
+
+Instantly there was a change. Kali Pandapatan stepped in front of
+the others and said in his musical patois:
+
+"I am Dato Kali Pandapatan. Speak. Do not deceive us."
+
+A lengthy conversation followed, and while the two men were arguing
+and gesticulating, the strangers gradually coaxed some of the children
+toward them. Finally the women sidled nearer, and soon the entire
+population had hedged the little company in, and were gazing with
+awe at the huge American horses with their odd trappings. One mare
+stamped her foot and neighed loudly, scattering the spectators in
+every direction, greatly to the amusement of the white men.
+
+It was all very hard for the dato to understand. He explained to his
+people that some great power had sent the white men to save them from
+starvation. The interpreter had told him that the Moros all belonged
+now to some nation called the United States. A fierce murmur rippled
+through the crowd at this piece of news. The dato raised his hand
+for quiet.
+
+"Let us hear them through. We are hungry; let them feed us. We will
+fight for our freedom later, if necessary."
+
+Haughtily Dato Kali Pandapatan faced the newcomers and bade them
+speak. The interpreter explained that the men were United States
+soldiers, and that their chief had commanded them to search the
+islands for starving Moros and to relieve their suffering. The crafty
+dato pondered long before he accepted their offer, all the while
+watching for an attack. It was impossible for him to believe their
+generosity could be genuine, so used was he to the treachery of Spanish
+strangers. When the pack-train loaded with supplies appeared at the
+head of the steep mountain pass, a cry went up from the hungry people,
+and a rush was made toward it. When the supplies had been portioned
+out to each family, and suspicion banished from the minds of the
+natives, the "Americanos" were hailed as their saviors. Lieutenant
+Lewis, in charge of the expedition, was offered every courtesy, and
+the soldiers were showered with gifts of brass and trinkets. Dato
+Kali Pandapatan vowed his allegiance to the soldiers and offered the
+services of his tribe.
+
+"Ask the dato if he has heard of the mysterious rice that has been
+found on Lake Lanao, Ricardo," said Lieutenant Lewis.
+
+The interpreter addressed the dato and learned that it was a well
+known fact that rice had appeared on the surface of the lake from
+no apparent source. As it had never been grown in that district,
+the authorities were puzzled over the persistent rumors. If it could
+be cultivated there, it might be possible to supply the tribes with
+enough to avoid these frequent famines.
+
+"He says he is not sure, sir, but travelers from that section all
+bring the same tales of gathering rice in an eddy at one corner of the
+lake. The tribes are very fierce around there, and as they will not
+tolerate interference from strangers, no one has dared to investigate."
+
+"I can easily believe it. General Bushing's expedition through that
+country met with fearful opposition. It's a wonder to me that so
+many of them came out alive." The lieutenant was silent for a time,
+then said:
+
+"Ask him if he has a swift runner, some one that he can trust."
+
+Ricardo questioned the chief.
+
+"Yes, sir, he says there is a boy named Piang, who is fleeter than
+the wind, surer than the sun."
+
+"Ask him if he will send this boy for me to the lake to search out
+the truth about this rice. Offer him fifty bushels of corn for the
+lad's family and tell him I will send him twenty-five bushels whether
+he is successful or not."
+
+"Piang! Piang!" the name was on every one's lips. From out the crowd
+stepped a slender faun of a youth, slim and supple as a reed. The
+gaily-colored breech-cloth wound about his loins supported his bolo
+and small knives, and in his tightly knotted long hair, glistened
+a creese. With silent dignity he awaited his orders. No curiosity
+manifested itself in his face; no question was on his lips; he simply
+waited. Lieutenant Lewis marveled at the boy's indifference, but
+when the mission was explained to Piang, the light that sparkled in
+his eyes and the expressions of excitement and joy that chased each
+other across his face removed all doubt from the lieutenant's mind.
+
+Piang was chosen! Piang was to ferret out the secret of the lake! Piang
+was to bring honor to his tribe! When it was explained to him that
+his mother would be provided for, he abruptly turned from the dato
+and dashed off to his hut to procure weapons and scanty provisions. A
+silence held the natives as they waited for Piang to reappear. They
+all seemed to sense the dangers that were confronting the boy so
+eager to undertake the task. Hardly ten minutes had elapsed before
+he was in their midst again. He salaamed before the dato and, without
+a glance at the others, bounded up the trail, away into the jungle.
+
+"But," protested the lieutenant, "no one has given him any orders,
+any directions." The interpreter conveyed the American's misgivings
+to the dato. A smile broke over his face.
+
+"Piang needs no directions, no advice. No jungle is too thick for him
+to penetrate, no water deep enough to hide its secrets from him. Piang
+will bring you news of the rice. I have spoken."
+
+"And to think of the fuss it takes to get a few dough-boys ready for
+a hike!" exclaimed the amazed lieutenant.
+
+
+
+The jungle was terrible. Everywhere Piang came across victims of
+the drought. Little monkeys, huddled together, cried like babies;
+big birds, perched on the sun-scorched trees, were motionless. He
+stumbled over something soft. Always on the alert, his bolo was ready
+in an instant, but there was no need for it. He looked down into the
+dying eyes of a little musk-deer. Pity and misgiving filled his heart,
+and he wondered if he would be able to reach the Big Pass before he
+starved. Surely, up there it would be different; they always had rain,
+and if he could only hold out.... A snuff-like dust constantly rose
+from the decayed vegetation; it pained his nostrils, and he muffled
+his face in his head-cloth as he penetrated deeper into the jungle. He
+must reach a clearing before night; it would mean almost certain death
+to sleep in the jungle's poisonous atmosphere. There was a good spot
+further up, and he worked his way toward it, determined to reach it
+for his first night. The liana-vine that he cut for water was dry. He
+listened for the trickle of a brook. The jungle is usually full of
+little streams, but no sound rewarded his vigilance. Stumbling along,
+he began to think his journey would end there, when he was startled by
+loud chattering. A monkey settlement was evidently near, and he knew
+by their liveliness that they were not famishing for water. Spurred
+on by hope, he redoubled his efforts and was rewarded by the sight
+of a cocoanut grove in a clearing.
+
+There was a general protest from the inhabitants as he made his
+appearance, but he paid no attention to the monkey insults hurled at
+him and gratefully picked up the cocoanuts with which they bombarded
+him. Shaking each one, he tossed it from him. They were all dry. The
+monkeys were too clever to waste any nuts that had milk in them. Piang
+tied his feet together loosely with his head-cloth, and, using it as
+a brace, hopped up one of the trees as easily as a monkey. Sitting
+in the branches, he drained one cocoanut after another, and when his
+thirst was slaked, he amused himself by returning the bombardment. He
+was surrounded by monkey snipers and he laughingly rubbed his head
+where one of their shots had struck home. With careful aim he showered
+the trees, and gradually the monkeys began to disperse. He had won;
+the fun was over. He watched them scold and fuss as they retreated
+into the jungle, regretting that he had not kept them with him a
+little longer for company.
+
+The big sun was dipping into the trees now, and he descended to gather
+material for his bed. High up in the cocoanut-tree Piang built his
+couch. He selected two trees that were close together, and, cutting
+strips of ratan, bound stalks of bamboo together making a platform
+which he lashed to the trees, far out of reach of night prowlers. He
+dipped into his scanty provisions, and then, scrambling to his nest,
+covered himself with palm branches, which afford warmth as well
+as protection from the unhealthy dew. Quickly Piang sank into an
+untroubled slumber. All night long creatures fought below him for the
+few remaining drops of moisture in the discarded shells, but he knew
+that he was safe, and their snarls and bickerings did not alarm him.
+
+
+
+Piang started guiltily. He must have overslept. The sun was high, but
+for some reason the heat had not awakened him. Sitting up, he rubbed
+his eyes, sniffed the air, and uttered a shout of joy. A gentle rain
+was trickling through the foliage; the spell was broken; the jungle
+would live again. After hastily gathering a few nuts he climbed down
+the tree and prepared for his journey, thankful that the drought
+was to be broken by the gentle "liquid sunshine," as it is called,
+instead of by a violent typhoon. Eating what he wanted of the soft,
+green cocoanut meat, he tied two nuts to the ends of a ratan strip,
+and, slinging them across his shoulder, was off again, darting here
+and there to avoid the stinging vines and treacherous pitfalls.
+
+How many days was he from Lake Lanao? He counted the suns that must
+rise and set before he should arrive. There were four, if he should be
+fortunate enough to find the Ganassi trail. Piang had not lost time by
+returning to the coast to pick up the trail, but had trusted to his
+instinct to lead him aright. Surely, if he followed the sun by day,
+and the big bright evening star by night, he would come upon the
+trail the second day. He must avoid the lake people at all costs;
+they were not to be trusted, and his life would pay the penalty if
+they caught him spying. Silently the jungle child sped along. Nothing
+escaped his watchful eye; no sound eluded his trained ear. Once he
+darted aside just in time to escape the toils of the dread python as
+it swooped from above to claim its victim. Another time his bolo saved
+him, and a wild civet-cat lay at his feet. Chuckling at his prowess,
+Piang drew his knife across the animal's belly, and slipped off the
+skin, almost whole. It would be useful to him, and maybe he could
+find the herb that is used to cure pelts.
+
+It was very difficult traveling. The sun was not visible during the
+afternoon, and Piang lost his direction. Blundering here and there,
+he often came back to the same place. It was no use; he could not find
+the trail without the assistance of sun or stars. Sometimes it was
+days before either could penetrate the dense mist that accompanies
+the tropical rains. Discouraged, he threw himself on the ground.
+
+An unusual sound made him jerk his head up to listen. It came again,
+and the boy rose quietly to his feet, focusing his senses on the
+sound. Cautiously he advanced toward it. In the jungle it is always
+wiser to be the one to attack. The sound was repeated, and Piang
+breathed easier. It was made by an animal, not by his dread lake
+enemies. Gradually he crept nearer and when he parted the bushes and
+peeped through, he almost shouted in his excitement. He had reached
+the Big Pass. A broad river swept rapidly by, and along the banks
+wild carabao rolled and splashed, making queer diminutive sounds, not
+in keeping with their ungainly size. Piang was careful to keep out
+of sight, as they are apt to be dangerous when their very uncertain
+nerves are startled.
+
+For more than two days Piang fought his way through the entanglement
+of cogon grass and vicious vines, cutting and hewing his way,
+afraid to cross the river and follow the Ganassi trail. Finally,
+one rosy dawn, he came upon the lake as it sparkled and shimmered in
+the early light. The boy held his breath, delighted with the beauty
+of the view. Far in the distance mountains rose in a blue and purple
+haze. The lake was nestled in the heart of them, fed by many clear
+brooks and springs. Its bed had once been the crater of an active
+volcano, but Piang did not know this.
+
+From his retreat, built high among the dense trees, Piang watched
+the lake people ply their way to and fro across the water. Somewhere
+on that lake was the secret of the floating rice, and the boy was
+determined to discover the truth. He hid before dawn at the water's
+edge near a spot that he had noticed was much frequented. As usual,
+a swarm of natives visited it about noon. Piang watched them dip
+up gourds and cocoanut-shell cups full of water. They strained it
+through cloths, repeating and repeating the action. He was sure it was
+the coveted rice that they were gathering and he impatiently waited
+for them to go; no sooner had they departed, however, than others
+arrived to take up the task. There was nothing to do, but wait again
+for dawn, and Piang wriggled himself back to his grove and mounted
+his platform home.
+
+He was very restless all night and hardly slept at all, so anxious
+was he for the first streaks of light. As he lay with eyes upturned,
+he watched the stars grow dim: before they had entirely disappeared,
+Piang was standing by the water ready for the dive. His bolo was slung
+at his side, and in his mouth he carried a smaller knife. One never
+knows what one may meet at the bottom of an unknown lake, and Piang
+was prepared for any emergency.
+
+At last it was light, at last he could see into the clear
+lake. Climbing out on the rocks as far as he could, he let himself
+down into the cool water. How he rejoiced at the feel of it and how
+easily he slipped along toward the spot where he had watched the
+natives the day before!
+
+He looked for signs of rice. Seaweed tricked him; bubbles vanished
+and he reached to grasp them. Round and round he swam, and finally
+his hands closed over something small and slippery. Breathlessly he
+fingered it, and opening his hand as he trod water, he beheld the
+mushy rice grains.
+
+Taking a long survey, he assured himself that there was no one in
+sight. Yesterday the Moros had not come before noon; and if he worked
+quickly, he might discover the secret to-day. Taking a long breath,
+Piang dived straight down and, swimming along the bottom, examined
+the rocks carefully; but he came back to the surface none the wiser
+for his plunge. A puzzled look puckered his face. Tilting his head
+to one side, he considered. That was surely rice; it did not grow
+here, so it must come from under the water. Again he dived, but this
+time he swam nearer the surface and he saw that there was more rice
+floating by than he had imagined. It was not coming from the bottom,
+it was drifting from the center of the lake!
+
+Excitedly he headed in that direction, swimming under water whenever
+he lost the trail of the rice. It was not strange that it only came
+to the top in that one spot. There was a strong current that bore it
+upward, whirling it in an eddy before it sank to the bottom. Farther,
+farther he went, always swimming toward the center of the lake;
+and as he went, the rice grew thicker. Eagerly he plunged forward,
+keeping his eyes open, watching the rice.
+
+He stopped. What was that dark object resting on the bottom? He
+did not know how exhausted he was until he paused for breath; then,
+knowing that his next dive would take him far down, he rolled over on
+his back and floated quietly. Burning with curiosity, he could hardly
+wait to see what was there. Slowly he swam downward. Something warned
+him to be more careful, and afterward he was grateful for his caution,
+for had he plunged recklessly to the bottom, in all probability in
+would have been his last dive.
+
+He was aware of a large body moving near him and he dodged just in time
+to avoid a collision, striking out for the surface. Lying flat on the
+water, he peered into the depth and discovered several dark things
+swimming about. Frightened at first, he remembered that sharks and
+crocodiles do not live in mountain lakes. Bravely he descended, but
+this time he swam with his bolo in his hand. Down, down, and again he
+saw the queer, square things flopping about. They were huge tortoises,
+clustered around a darker object at the very bottom of the lake. Once
+more Piang came to the top. He was not afraid now; tortoises do not
+fight unless attacked, and the boy could easily outswim any of the
+clumsy creatures. But what were they doing out there in the middle of
+the lake? Tortoises live near shoals and feed on fungi and roots. As
+he plunged down once more, he was met by a strong up-current and had to
+fight his way through. Tiny particles stung him as they rushed by, and
+it seemed to him that millions of fish were darting here and there,
+snapping at something. It was rice. Gradually it dawned on Piang
+that he had reached his goal; the tortoise had reached it first,
+and the secret lay hidden in that dark thing at the bottom.
+
+Frantically, but steadily, he worked his way down, avoiding weeds and
+driftwood. The water grew calmer as he neared the bottom, the rush of
+the current less. His breath was almost gone; he could hardly stand
+it a few seconds longer, but he must see what it was there. With one
+supreme effort, he struggled and reached the hard sand of the lake
+floor. A trifle dazed, he looked about, and there, towering above him,
+was a ship.
+
+Piang was almost unconscious when he reached the air. Had he
+been dreaming? How could a ship be resting on the bottom of Lake
+Lanao? Restraining his curiosity, he forced himself to rest. Lying on
+his back again, he took long regular breaths until he was entirely
+rested. Slowly he descended and, avoiding contact with the loggy
+tortoise, circled around the dark thing. Yes, it was a boat. Piang
+had seen only one other boat like it in his life. It was only about
+thirty-five feet long, but to the boy it seemed to rise above him
+like a mountain. Fascinated, he sank lower until he was standing on
+the deck. The tortoises and fish paid no attention to him, and he
+examined it carefully. The big tube, sticking up in its middle Piang
+recognized as the thing that belches smoke, and along the sides,
+covered with slime and weeds, were small black objects. He had heard
+that these boats hurl "hot-spit" into the jungle when they are angry,
+and he supposed it must come from these ugly things. All this occupied
+only a few seconds, but to Piang it seemed like years. Making a hasty
+ascent, he again filled his lungs and prepared to explore farther. As
+he worked his way back, he crossed the current that was bearing the
+rice to the surface and remembered his mission. Following the milky
+trail, he arrived at the stern of the boat and shuddered to see the
+mass of animal life clustered there. Worming his way alongside, he
+frightened the swarming creatures, and they scattered, leaving him a
+clear view of the boat. Only one old tortoise refused to be disturbed,
+and Piang watched it pull and bite at something. He was very close
+to it, when suddenly something blinded him. He put out his hands to
+ward it off, but the rush increased, and when he found his way to the
+top his hands were full of soggy rice. The old tortoise had torn the
+end of a rice-sack, and the contents were being whirled upward.
+
+As the boy lay on the water, reviewing his remarkable discovery,
+his strength almost exhausted, he was startled into the realization
+of a new danger. Quickly he dived, but not before a man in a vinta,
+headed that way, had seen him. Piang was caught. In his excitement
+he had failed to watch for the coming of his enemies, and now he
+must fight. Swiftly the vinta approached. Piang could see it through
+the water and he watched until it was over his head. With a lunge,
+he struck at it with all his might, upsetting it and throwing the
+occupant out. With a yell the man grabbed Piang, and the startled boy
+recognized his old enemy, Sicto, the outcast, who drifted from tribe
+to tribe, a parasite on all who would tolerate him. He was making
+his home with the lake people just now and had discovered Piang's
+hiding-place. Guessing that the boy was after the secret of the rice,
+he had watched his chance and had pounced on him when he was least
+able to protect himself.
+
+Over and over they rolled, splashing and fighting. Piang was struggling
+for breath, but luckily he still had his bolo in his hand. The big
+bully was sure to win the fight unless Piang could escape soon, as
+he was already winded and exhausted. A happy thought flashed through
+Piang's mind. He watched for one of the tortoises to swim near the
+surface, and then shrieking "Crocodile," he pointed toward it. When
+the frightened Sicto shrank from the tortoise, Piang struck with all
+his might, but he was so weak and his knife was so heavy that he only
+stunned his adversary.
+
+Then he was away like a flash. Before the bully could recover, Piang
+had righted the vinta and was paddling off in the direction of the
+river. Sicto tried to follow him, but Piang only laughed and paddled
+faster. He was free again; he had a boat, and knew the secret of the
+rice. Allah was indeed good to little Piang.
+
+Rapidly he plied his paddle. The current was against him as he headed
+for the mouth of the river, but he worked steadily and soon lost
+sight of the infuriated Sicto.
+
+He paused. Coming out of the river was a flotilla of boats. They were
+the usual rice-fishers, and he must pass them to gain the outlet. What
+if they called to him? He could not speak their dialect, and they
+would surely recognize Sicto's boat. He did not think they had seen
+him, so he changed his course to the east-ward and slowly paddled in
+that direction. They soon passed behind him, paying no attention to
+the solitary boatman, and he thankfully headed toward the river. As
+soon as the men reached Sicto, he would tell them of the fight, and
+they would give chase. Piang's chances of escape were indeed slim,
+but he had a little start.
+
+Stubbornly he fought the current; patiently he worked against the
+swift water. At last he was in the river, but he knew that by this
+time the Moros were in pursuit. That they did not appear in the river
+behind him was no reason to feel safe. He was sure they would try to
+head him off by land, as the river wound round and round through the
+valleys. The odds were certainly against Piang. He was in a strange
+country, unfamiliar with the trails and hunted by the swiftest tribe
+of Moros. The Ganassi trail was out of the question. It would be
+lined with the lake people watching for him. The jungle, which he
+had worked his way through, would be searched, and his recent camping
+site discovered. Every passable trail to his home would be watched.
+
+Suddenly Piang remembered the "Americano" soldiers. They
+lived somewhere off in the other direction, beyond the terrible
+marshlands. Without a moment's hesitation, he headed toward the shore,
+pulled up the vinta, and secured it. He then plunged into the stream
+and swam to the opposite shore. When the lake people found the vinta,
+they would search that side of the jungle. Piang was pleased at
+his ruse.
+
+Bravely the boy faced his only avenue of escape. The journey through
+the marshlands and over the mountains was considered impossible,
+but Piang was not discouraged. Searching the surrounding jungle, he
+made sure that he had not been discovered, and, turning his back on
+his home as well as on his enemies, headed toward the distant peaks,
+the Dos Hermanas.
+
+
+
+"Halt!" The sentry on Post No. 4 wheeled and took aim. There was
+another rustle in the bushes. "Halt!" came the second warning. Luckily
+the man was an old soldier, whose nerves were well seasoned. There
+would be only one more warning; the bullet would come then. Tensely
+the sentry listened. In the jungle one does not wait long out of
+curiosity. Just as he was about to utter his ultimatum and emphasize
+it with lead, a slender form tottered through the bushes and fell to
+the ground.
+
+"Sure, an' he 's a-playin' dead. None of that game for yer Uncle
+Dudley." The Irishman, coming to port arms, sang out:
+
+"Corporal of the guard. Number Four!" Never taking his eyes off the
+still form, he waited.
+
+"What's up?" called the corporal, as he came running up the trail
+with his squad.
+
+"Suspicious greaser!" The sentry pointed at the prostrate
+form. Cautiously they approached it. Too many times their humane
+sympathy had been rewarded by treachery. The native did not stir. One
+of the guard poked him with his foot. There was no resistance.
+
+"Guess he's all in, all right," announced the corporal. "Heave him
+up. Never mind the leeches; they won't hurt you." The boy was lifted
+to the top of a woodpile. He bore the marks of the jungle. His hands
+and feet were scratched and torn by thorns, some of which still showed
+in the flesh. His ribs showed plainly through the tightly pulled skin,
+and leeches clung to him, sucking the blood from his tired body. The
+long hair had been jerked from its customary chignon, and was hanging
+loose around his head. His thin arms hung listlessly at his side.
+
+"Gosh, he needs a wash bad enough. Must have been starving, too." With
+his bayonet the corporal removed the black hair from the face. Uttering
+an exclamation, he bent over the boy.
+
+"Well, I'll be dinged! This is the kid Lieutenant Lewis sent up to the
+lake! How in tarnation did he get to us from this direction?" The men
+silently exchanged glances, all remembering their fruitless attempts
+to make a trail over the Dos Hermanas. Forcing water between the
+parched lips, the corporal gently shook Piang. The boy opened his
+eyes and shuddered.
+
+"You're all right now, little 'un," the corporal said, and although
+Piang did not understand the language, he responded to the kind tone
+with a weak smile. Slowly getting to his elbow, he motioned toward
+the garrison:
+
+"_Hombre!_" ("Man!") he muttered. It was the only Spanish word he knew,
+and the soldiers guessed that he wanted Lieutenant Lewis.
+
+"Give him a lift, boys," said the corporal and set the example by
+helping Piang to stand.
+
+
+
+"Why, the boy's story is incredible, Lewis. It is simply impossible
+that a gunboat could be at the bottom of Lake Lanao," General
+Beech protested as he walked to and fro in front of his desk in the
+administration building.
+
+"If you will search the records at headquarters, sir, I think you
+will find mention of three gunboats that were shipped to this island
+by the Spanish government and disappeared mysteriously on the eve of
+our occupancy."
+
+And so it turned out. Inquiries among the older natives of the barrio
+brought confirmation of the report, and weird tales of transporting
+the diminutive gunboats in sections over the mountain passes began
+to float about. Finally General Beech was convinced and gave the
+necessary orders to equip and send an investigating party to the
+lake. Piang was to be the guide.
+
+The transport _Seward_ carried the troops around to Iligan, and the
+struggle up the mountain trail to Lake Lanao began.
+
+Sicto was the first to give warning of the approach. He came upon the
+party one morning as they were breaking camp near the Marie Christina
+falls and immediately dashed off to Marahui.
+
+"The white devils are coming," he shrieked. "Piang, the traitor,
+is leading them to us!"
+
+Dato Grande assembled his council, and they awaited the coming
+of the soldiers with misgivings. They had good reason to fear the
+Americans. General Bushing had swept that district in his marvelous
+campaign, and there was many a cripple among the lake people to
+testify to the accuracy of his marksmen. But they were relieved by
+the appearance of Ricardo, the interpreter, who explained to the dato
+that the troops were not hostile, but had come to make friends with
+the Moros.
+
+Proudly Piang swung along at the head of the column, guiding them
+to his recent platform home. Camp was pitched on the shore, and the
+engineers commenced work at once. The boy impatiently waited for
+the divers to fix their cumbersome suits, and when all was ready,
+he plunged into the water and disappeared from view. The grotesque
+figures floating down with him made Piang want to laugh. They looked
+like huge devil-fish, and he wondered how they could stand the clumsy
+dress. After he had led the men to the boat he came to the top and
+swam with eyes down. If there were more boats, he wanted to find them
+first. The men on the bank were watching his agile movements with
+interest. With a shout he disappeared again. Yes, yes, there was a
+second boat. And as he circled the sunken craft he spied another near
+it. Striking out for the shore, he swam to where the general and the
+lieutenant were waiting.
+
+"What is he chattering about, Ricardo?" asked the general.
+
+"He says he has seen the other two boats, sir."
+
+"This is certainly a fortunate discovery, Lewis. I shall make a
+report to Washington on the matter, and you shall be commended for
+your sagacity."
+
+The young officer flushed with pleasure, but replied:
+
+"Thank you, sir, but I think the boy Piang deserves all the credit."
+
+It was many days before the task was completed. The rice had remained
+a mystery to the last, and the officers puzzled over the fact that it
+had not rotted entirely. The first report from the divers confirmed
+the rumor that the boats had been scuttled, presumably to prevent
+the Americans from capturing them. They had all been loaded with
+rice packed in sacks, and secured in tin-lined boxes. Until recently
+it had been protected from the water, but something heavy from above
+had fallen on them, crushing the outside coverings. The tortoise had
+done the rest.
+
+Another surprise awaited the troops. A diver brought up a handful of
+Krag cartridges.
+
+"This _is_ a mystery," said Lieutenant Lewis. "The Spanish never used
+Krags; we were the first to bring them to this part of the world,
+weren't we?"
+
+A shadow crossed General Beech's face. Quietly he ordered the divers to
+search for more ammunition. Silently they waited, and Lewis wondered
+what had brought the sad expression to his chief's face. When the
+divers brought up a wooden box half filled with cartridges, the two
+officers bent over it; on one side, branded in the wood, was plainly
+visible:
+
+"Depot Quartermaster, San Francisco, Cal."
+
+"I thought so," murmured the general.
+
+"Well, what do you know about that!" exclaimed Lewis. "The public
+has been wondering for years what became of the thousands of rounds
+of ammunition General Bushing took with him on his spectacular march
+through Mindanao. Murder will out. It is here!" He rubbed his hands
+together in glee, laughing softly.
+
+"How do you suppose this ammunition got here, Lewis?" General Beech
+asked gravely.
+
+"Why, dumped here, of course. Don't you remember the Sunday editions
+at home proclaiming Bushing a hero because he had used more ammunition
+and apparently done more fighting, than any one on record? Why didn't
+he come out with the truth?"
+
+General Beech colored at this injustice to his colleague.
+
+"The usual hasty conclusion characteristic of Young America!" said the
+General, sharply. "Do you know, young man, that General Bushing is not
+only one of our ablest soldiers, but one of the most finished diplomats
+in the service?" Lewis had never seen General Beech so agitated.
+
+"This discovery will be no news to the war department; they are
+in possession of the detailed account of the accident." He paused,
+his eyes sweeping the lake. "Lewis, this lake is the site of a most
+unfortunate accident. Out there," General Beech pointed toward the
+center of the lake, "dozens of our soldiers were lost, and the public
+will never know the tragic story of their fall. General Bushing
+was trying to transport six rafts of ammunition across the lake
+to the troops stranded at Camp Vicars. During a wild night storm,
+the handful of men set out on improvised rafts, but half-way across
+they were attacked from all sides and nearly annihilated. Only the
+wisdom and bravery of General Bushing saved the entire detachment
+from death; he ordered the ammunition thrown overboard and rescued
+his remaining men after a hard fight. That the survivors, one and
+all, have kept faith, and never divulged the story of the lost Krags,
+proves the remarkable influence General Bushing had over his command,
+for had the Moros got wind of this handy arsenal--!"
+
+
+
+The day finally came when the tiny flotilla was at last raised, and,
+gay in its paint and polished metal, gallantly rode at anchor. All the
+lake tribes were assembled to witness the celebration, and they gazed
+with wonder at the strange craft. Many Americans had been attracted to
+the lake by news of the discovery, and the camp had grown to almost
+twice its original size. Some of the officers' wives had endured the
+hardships of the journey to witness the novel sight.
+
+The boats were pronounced seaworthy and were to be tested. The
+largest boat, the flagship, was decorated from one end to the other
+with its faded pennants, but in the stern, proudly proclaiming its
+present nationality, flew the Stars and Stripes. Under the flag
+at the bow stood a sturdy, nonchalant figure, arms folded, head
+erect. Condescendingly Piang swept the crowd of wondering natives
+with his haughty eye. He paid no more attention to Sicto than to the
+others. In his supreme self-confidence Piang scorned to report Sicto
+to the authorities. He was clothed in a new dignity that put him far
+above considering such an unworthy opponent as Sicto and he silently
+cherished the hope that other opportunities to outwit the mestizo
+would be granted him.
+
+An order was given. A shrill whistle startled the jungle folk. The
+engines throbbed, and one after another the boats responded. A cheer
+went up from the banks.
+
+Piang had been given the honor of renaming the boats. The smallest
+one bore the name of his mother, Minka. The next was dedicated to the
+memory of his tribe's greatest hero, Dato Ali, and characteristically,
+on the bow of the flagship, beneath the boy's feet, glittered the
+bright gold letters, "P-I-A-N-G."
+
+
+
+
+EIGHTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE JURAMENTADO GUNBOAT
+
+
+The transport _Seward_ was approaching Jolo. Far in the distance the
+sunset tinged the coast with myriads of delicate tints, softening the
+harsh outline of the jungle. A flock of wild pigeons hovering over
+the town, suggested domestic peace, which was far from the actual
+state of affairs in that hotbed of intrigue. Glasses were trained on
+the isolated garrison, a mere speck of civilization, hurled at the
+foot of the jungle, and the excited tourists covered themselves with
+glory by their foolish questions.
+
+Queer, dark-skinned people in dirty, many-colored garments, looking
+like a rainbow fallen in disgrace, greeted the newcomers in sullen
+silence, their disapproval very evident. A quarantine officer boarded
+and asked for the young lieutenant who was to join the Siasi garrison.
+
+"Hello, Lewis! There is some uprising in Basilan. Jekiri again,
+I guess. They want you up at headquarters immediately."
+
+
+
+The chug-chug of the engine was the only sound as the trim little
+gunboat _Sabah_ slipped along. Lewis had been given command of a
+squad of cavalry and ordered to proceed to Basilan to put down any
+outbreak that might threaten. "Juramentado," was whispered, and his
+orders were not to allow the troops to become involved but to quell
+any trouble that was brewing.
+
+"A pretty big order for a shave-tail (greenhorn) Lewis," General
+Beech had said at parting, "but I bet you and that dark shadow of
+yours will make good." The hearty handclasp and kind smile warmed the
+young officer's heart. General Beech was unusually young for his post
+as division commander, and he had endeared himself to his followers
+by his kindly manner and dignified directness, and Lewis would have
+faced death for him.
+
+"Thank you, sir," was all that he said, and "the dark shadow" salaamed
+according to his custom.
+
+That night as the Americans swung along under the dome of brilliant
+stars, a question arose as to the meaning of juramentado.
+
+"Piang," Lieutenant Lewis said, "tell us about this custom of your
+people, won't you?"
+
+Bashfully the boy hung his head and wriggled his toes. He was ashamed
+of his fierce people since the good American had taken him into his
+home, but they prevailed upon him to explain, and among them they
+gathered the following story from his funny, broken English:
+
+When a Moro wearies of life and wishes to take a short cut to paradise,
+he bathes in a holy spring, shaves his eyebrows, clothes himself
+in white and is blessed by the pandita. The oath he takes is called
+_juramentar_ (die killing Christians), and he arms himself with his
+wicked knife and starts forth. Selecting a gathering, well sprinkled
+with Christians, he begins his deadly work, and as long as he breathes,
+he hews right and left. Piang told them that he had seen one strong
+Moro juramentado pierced by a bayonet, drive the steel further into
+himself, in order to reach the soldier at the other end of the gun,
+whom he cut in two before he died.
+
+The horror on the faces of his listeners made Piang pause, but they
+urged him on.
+
+"Since we are headed toward Jekiri's sanctum, I guess it behooves us
+to get all the dope goin' about these fellows," interjected a recruit.
+
+Piang's big, black eyes filled with mystery when he described how
+the juramentado rides to the abode of the blessed on a shadowy,
+white horse, taller than a carabao, just as dusk is falling. Indeed,
+he assured them that he had seen this very phenomenon himself and
+shivered at the recollection of the unnatural chill and damp that
+crept through the jungle while the spirit was passing.
+
+"Bosh, Piang, you mustn't believe those fairy tales now. You are a
+good American."
+
+"Sure, me good American, now," grinned the boy.
+
+
+
+There is nothing to differentiate the island of Basilan from the many
+others in the Sulu group. The natives seemed far from hostile, however,
+and Lieutenant Lewis remarked upon their docility to Sergeant Greer.
+
+"Don't let 'em fool you, sir; they're not to be trusted," he replied.
+
+"Oh, Sergeant, I think we are all too scared of the dirty beggars. If
+we ever stop dodging them, they will stop lying in wait for us."
+
+The old man's face did not reveal his misgivings, but he wondered
+where this young upstart would lead the men and inwardly cursed the
+war department for sending troops into the jungle under the command
+of a baby. He was soon to change his opinion of this particular "baby."
+
+Camp was pitched near the water's edge in a tall cocoanut grove that
+supplied them with food and water as well as shade. The chores over,
+liberty was granted to explore the island. The sergeant shook his head;
+he seemed to feel the inexperience of the new officer and overstepped
+the bounds of discipline when he warned him again of the treachery
+of the natives, advising him to keep the men in camp.
+
+"That will do, Sergeant," replied the lieutenant. The old man stiffened
+into a salute, wheeled, and disappeared down the company street.
+
+At sunset retreat was sounded, and after all the men had been
+accounted for, they gathered around the fires. Picturesque natives
+mingled with the jolly soldiers, bartering and arguing over trifling
+purchases. Through the warm fragrance, unfamiliar sounds kept
+reminding Lewis that he was far from home. The twilight deepened
+into night, and pipe in hand, he reviewed the strange scene. Folks at
+home were celebrating Christmas Eve. Somewhere the snow was falling,
+bells jingling, and a mother's prayers were being whispered for the
+far-away boy in the Sulu jungle. Little Piang was squatting at his
+feet, silently watching the scene, happy because he was near his
+master. Suddenly the boy jumped up, dashed into the crowd, and yelled:
+
+"Juramentado!"
+
+A tall Moro, without any warning, had begun to shriek and whirl,
+cutting to and fro with his terrible campilan, and before any one could
+prevent, he had felled two troopers. With a howl, Lewis plunged into
+their midst, pistol leveled, but before he could pull the trigger,
+the Moro buried the sword in his own vitals and pitched forward, dead.
+
+"See, another!" cried Piang.
+
+Just in time a bullet from the lieutenant's revolver silenced another
+deadly fanatic. They had slipped into the gathering, well concealed
+beneath enshrouding green sarongs, but Piang's quick eye had detected
+them before they had a good start.
+
+"Piang has saved us from a terrible row, boys," said Sergeant Greer,
+and when the wounded were cared for, the rough soldiers tossed the
+graceful boy on their shoulders and paraded through the camp, much
+to the delight of the hero.
+
+"I go to find the sultan to-morrow, sir?" asked Piang. "Him at
+Isabella, and I must give him Kali Pandapatan's message."
+
+"Well, Piang, I am with you. I'm going to face that old codger and
+tell him what I think of his fiendish tricks of killing us off by
+this beastly juramentado, when he claims to be at peace with America."
+
+Lewis learned many things during the trip, and Piang delighted in
+guiding his friends through the jungle he loved so well, through the
+grass eight feet high, under trees laden with strange fruits. Monkeys
+were swinging in the trees chattering and scolding the intruders.
+
+"You want monkey, sir?" asked Piang.
+
+"Can you catch one without hurting it?"
+
+"You watch Piang," chuckled the boy. The others hid, and Piang
+struck a match. The tree, full of curious little people, shook as
+they scampered about trying to see what Piang was doing. He paid no
+attention to them, and as he struck match after match, they gradually
+crept nearer. Shielding the flame from the inquisitive creatures,
+he excited their curiosity until they were unable to resist, and
+soon one hopped to the ground. Another came, and another. Piang paid
+no attention to the visitors, continuing to hide the flame in his
+hands. Lewis almost spoiled it all by laughing outright, for it was
+indeed a ridiculous sight to see the little wild things consumed with
+curiosity. Walking upright, their funny hands dangling from the stiff
+elbows, they advanced. One venturesome little gray form clinging to
+the branch overhead by its tail, timidly touched Piang's shoulder. It
+paused, touched it again, and finally confidently hopped upon it,
+all the while craning its neck, making absurd faces at the sulphur
+fumes. Two little arms went around Piang's neck; a soft little body
+cuddled up against him, and all the while the monkey twisted and
+turned in its efforts to discover the mystery of the flame.
+
+The click of a camera sounded like a gunshot in the intense stillness,
+and up the trees went the little band in a flash, all but the prisoner
+in Piang's arms.
+
+"Great, Piang," called Lewis. "I hope the picture will be good,
+for it was the strangest sight I ever saw in my life."
+
+"Oh, me love monkeys," replied the boy, stroking and soothing the
+frightened creature. "You want this one?"
+
+"No, let the little beast off, I couldn't bear to cage it up." A banana
+and some sugar repaid the monkey for the experiment and after he was
+free, he followed the travelers, chattering and begging for sweets.
+
+When they came to Isabella, capital of Basilan Island, Piang scurried
+off in search of the sultan. The men amused themselves watching
+the excitement they created. An American soldier is a wonderful and
+dreadful thing to these wild folk.
+
+"The sultan, he out in other barrio. Me catchim." This being
+interpreted meant that Piang would guide them to his house.
+
+When they finally came to a clearing, Lewis wondered why Piang stopped
+in front of a filthy hut, half-way up two cocoanut-trees; he was
+impatient to be off, as he wanted to reach the sultan's palace before
+dark. Piang was arguing with a dirty woman cleaning fish in the river.
+
+"Piang, what's the idea? Let's get on," impatiently said Lewis.
+
+"This His Excellency Paduca Majasari Amiril Sultan Harun Narrasid's
+house," replied Piang with awe.
+
+"Gee, what a name!" exclaimed Lewis. "And to go with that dugout,
+too. Say, Piang, I suppose we could call the old chap Pad for short?"
+
+Piang grinned, but instantly went on his knees, head touching the
+ground as a sullen, dark face, a white scar slashed across the cheek,
+appeared at the opening.
+
+"What does the beggar mean by that grunt, Sergeant?" asked Lewis.
+
+"That's the old boy himself, sir, wanting to know why you have
+disturbed his royal sleep."
+
+Lewis was dumfounded! This dirty, insignificant creature the sultan! He
+wanted to laugh, but the solemn little figure, prostrate before the
+man, made him say quietly:
+
+"Piang, get up, I want you to talk to him."
+
+Timidly the boy raised his eyes to his august lord; another grunt
+seemed to give Piang permission, for he rose and faced Lewis.
+
+"What you want Piang to say? Be careful. He not like joke and might
+chop off Americanos."
+
+Lewis realized it was no trifling matter to meet this scoundrel alone
+in the jungle, far from reinforcements. His message was simple, short,
+and impressive:
+
+"Ask him why the devil he allowed those juramentados to invade
+my camp?"
+
+With much ceremony Piang addressed the sultan, bowing and scraping
+before him. The low, ugly growls in response made Lewis furious,
+but he refrained from showing his anger. The sultan's reply amazed him.
+
+He expressed his regrets indifferently, that the camp had been
+disturbed. But (he threw up his hands to indicate his helplessness)
+who could stop the sacred juramentado? Not he, powerful sultan that
+he was. To-day was a feast of the Mohammedans. To-day was a most
+holy day, and, of course, the sultan could not be held responsible
+if some of his men had become excited. True, many good Americans had
+met their death in this way; it was most unfortunate, but how could
+it be stopped? Did the Christians not have their Christmas, and did
+they not kill turkeys and cut trees? The Moros are a fierce people
+and celebrate their feast days in a more violent manner.
+
+Poor Lewis! Thoroughly exasperated, he tried to argue through Piang,
+but finding it hopeless, he told the boy to finish Kali Pandapatan's
+business with the sultan as quickly as possible.
+
+Discouraged, he started back through the jungle, wondering how many
+more fanatics had broken loose during his absence. The sultan was
+deliberately picking the troops off, a few at a time, always insisting
+that he was at peace with the Americans. The war department, many miles
+away, was unable to understand the situation. Orders required that
+the Moro receive humane treatment, and forbade any drastic measures
+being taken against the juramentados, saying time would cure it. It
+was outrageous, and intelligent men were being made fools of by the
+sultan, who understood the state of affairs perfectly.
+
+The jungle began to irritate Lewis; it was a constant fight. The
+terrible heat, the tenacity of the vines and undergrowth seemed
+directed toward him personally, as he stumbled and fought his way
+along. How impossible to deal with the crafty sultan according to
+Christian standards! He should be given treatment that would bring
+him to terms quickly, and Lewis longed to get a chance at him.
+
+Suddenly an idea flashed into his head. He hurried Piang, bidding
+him find a shorter cut home, as night was gathering.
+
+"Sergeant Greer, come to my tent immediately," ordered the lieutenant
+when he had looked over the camp and found everything safe.
+
+"Allow no one to enter, orderly," he said and closed the flaps.
+
+"Sergeant, I have a plan and I need your experience and advice to
+carry it out. That old sultan is a fiend, and I am going to get him!"
+
+"That's been tried many times, sir, and he is still ahead of the game."
+
+But after Lewis had talked rapidly for a few minutes, disclosing
+the plan that was slated to best his majesty, a smile broke over the
+weather-beaten features of the sergeant, and he slapped his thighs
+in appreciation.
+
+"Well, sir, we can try it, and if it does work, headquarters will
+flood you with thanks; if it fails, and I warn you it might, you will
+be cut into hash either by the sultan or the war department." This
+was good advice from the old soldier.
+
+"I know it, Sergeant, but I am going to take the risk if you are with
+me." The enthusiastic young man dashed out of the tent to make the
+necessary preparations for the great event.
+
+
+
+Christmas morning dawned sultry and heavy. The mist lifted after
+reveille and the troops were astonished that the _Sabah_ had
+disappeared. Their surprise was greater to find a corporal in charge
+of the camp. There was a positive order that no trooper should enter
+the barrio, and an air of mystery hung over the whole camp. Where
+was the gunboat, the lieutenant, the sergeant, and the interpreter,
+Piang? The corporal shook his head to all these questions.
+
+Suddenly rapid firing was heard in the direction of the barrio,
+and every soldier seized his gun and ran into the company streets,
+but the corporal, calm and undisturbed, dismissed them.
+
+Nervously the men wandered about; the two wounded men became the center
+of attraction and related for the hundredth time their sensations
+when the juramentado had struck them down. They were not seriously
+wounded, but the cruel cuts were displayed, and they did not prove
+an antidote to the tenseness of the situation.
+
+The firing had ceased after about ten minutes, and new sounds took
+its place: wails and shrieks, the crackling of bamboo, told the story
+of the burning village. But who had attacked the town? The corporal
+smiled to himself, quietly.
+
+Cheerily a whistle rang out, sending the men running to the beach;
+there was the _Sabah_, tripping jauntily through the water toward
+her recent mooring-place, and on her deck, smiling and waving, were
+the missing men.
+
+"Merry Christmas," Lewis greeted the men, as he walked down the
+company street. Stopping at the cook's tent, he inquired what there
+was for dinner.
+
+"Beans, bacon, and hardbread," was the reply.
+
+"Tough menu for Christmas, eh, cook?"
+
+Since their arrival, every turkey and duck had disappeared, and the
+barrio offered nothing to enhance their limited ration. It was an
+old trick; the natives objected to sharing their food with soldiers,
+and as soon as any troops landed on the island, ever possible article
+was spirited away into the jungle.
+
+It was a bad day for every one. Most of the men were homesick, and
+they all felt the shadow of impending disaster; only Lewis and his
+confidants realized the seriousness of the situation, however.
+
+"Corporal, take four men with bolos and cut six banana trees," called
+Lewis. "Plant them in a row down the company street."
+
+Curiosity and amusement were mingled with indifference as the men
+started toward the thicket to execute the order. What had come
+over the lieutenant? Obediently the trees were brought, and Lewis
+superintended the planting. The squad was kept busy cutting ferns
+and palms, and it began to dawn on the astonished men that they were
+preparing for a holiday. The spirit was taken up generally, and the
+gloom was gradually dispelled.
+
+"Here, Jake, hang this mistletoe up over the folding doors," commanded
+the corporal, handing him a bamboo shoot, and pointing to the tent
+door. "Now when she comes asailin' in to dinner, all unaware of your
+presence, smack her a good one, right on the bull's eye."
+
+Laughter and shouts greeted this order, and when Kid Conner offered to
+impersonate a lovely damsel and, with mincing step and bashful mien,
+appeared at the opening, Jake was game, and a skuffle ensued. Shrieks
+of merriment coming from the cook tent aroused Lewis's curiosity, and
+even his weighty matters were forgotten when he beheld Irish cooky
+on his knees before the incinerator arranging a row of well-worn
+socks. Solemnly folding his hands he raised his eyes in supplication:
+
+"Dear Santa, don't forget your children in this far-away jungle. We
+are minus a chimney on this insinuator, but we are bettin' on you and
+the reindeers just the same, to slip one over on us and come shinnin'
+down a cocoanut-tree with your pack. Never mind the trimmin's and
+holly, just bring plenty of cut plug and dry matches."
+
+And so the day worn on. Toward noon the storm broke; runners announced
+the approach of the sultan, and Lewis was far from calm when he gave
+the order to admit him to camp.
+
+"Piang," he said, "there is the deuce to pay, I know, but you stick
+by your uncle, and we will pull through."
+
+No insignificant nigger greeted Lewis this time. The sultan had come
+in state. Where he had gathered his train, the men could not imagine,
+but there he was, garbed in royal raiment, attended by slaves and
+retainers. Solemnly the procession advanced. Advisers, wives, slaves,
+and boys with buyo-boxes followed his majesty, who was arrayed in a red
+silk sarong, grotesquely embroidered with glass beads, colored stones,
+and real pearls. His hair was festooned with trinkets strung on wire,
+and on his fingers were fastened tiny bells that jingled and tinkled
+incessantly. They got on Lewis's nerves, and he quaked inwardly when
+he realized why he was honored by this visit.
+
+Finally when the members of the court had arranged themselves around
+their master, he loftily signaled for his buyo; Lewis, nothing
+daunted, motioned to his striker. Amid smothered laughter he produced
+the lieutenant's pipe and tobacco, using a tin wash-basin for a
+tray. Mimicking the actions of the royal slave the man salaamed before
+Lewis and proffered the pipe. Lest the sultan should despise his barren
+state, minus slaves, advisers, and wives, Lewis summoned Sergeant Greer
+and directed him to remain beside him to share the honor of the visit.
+
+When Lewis caught Irish cooky, arrayed in apron and undershirt, with
+a basting spoon and a meat ax held at attention, making faces at his
+old sergeant, the humor of the situation came over him, and he smiled
+to himself as he looked at the scene before him: the banana-trees,
+loosely flapping their wilted leaves, the socks idly waiting to
+be the center of merriment again, the troop drawn up at attention,
+regardless of the variety of uniform, and beyond, the _Sabah_, sole
+reminder of civilization, bobbing at anchor.
+
+Never removing his eyes from Lewis's face, the sultan completed
+the ceremony of the buyo, and after deliberately rolling a quid of
+betel-nut, lime-dust, and tobacco leaves, the august person stuffed
+it into his mouth.
+
+The trees rang with silence. Lewis thought his ears would burst as
+he strained them to catch the first sound that was to decide his
+fate. Faithfully Piang remained by his friend's side, despite the
+angry glances directed toward him from the sultan's party; the lad
+was fearful of the outcome of this tangle.
+
+Finally the spell was broken. Women giggled, slaves flitted about,
+administering to the wants of the party, and the interpreter rose to
+deliver the complaint.
+
+Had there not been a treaty of peace signed between Moroland and
+America?
+
+"Yes," replied Lewis. "And I am happy to serve a government that greets
+the Moro as brother." The sultan stirred, perplexed by the reply.
+
+"Then what right had that boat," asked the interpreter, pointing to
+the _Sabah_, "to shell the barrio, destroying property and killing?"
+
+This question was received by Lewis and the sergeant with grave
+surprise. Solemnly they exchanged inquiring glances, then in
+mock indignation glowered at the _Sabah_. The _Sabah_ disturb the
+peace? When had that happened?
+
+Insolently the interpreter related the story of the attack, and a
+rustle of surprise and delight ran through the troop. Sorrowfully
+Lewis and the sergeant shook their heads, and the sultan, puzzled
+at first, began to realize that he was dealing with a new kind of
+"Americano." The two men's heads bent lower and lower as they sorrowed
+over the misdemeanor of their little boat. Weighed down with grief,
+Lewis signaled Piang to prepare for his reply to the noble visitor.
+
+How could he (Lewis) appease the powerful sultan for this mishap? What
+amends could he make for the treachery of his little gunboat? Not
+even he [his hands went up in imitation of the sultan's own gesture
+of the day before] could help it, powerful officer though he was. It
+was Christmas, a most holy day, and doubtless before dawn the truant
+craft had slipped out of the harbor without permission and had gone
+juramentadoing.
+
+"Attention!" commanded Sergeant Greer, startling the troop into
+rigidness. Their delight had almost expressed itself in a whoop.
+
+With exaggerated gestures, Lewis continued.
+
+Did the Moro not have similar customs? And did the sultan
+not sympathize with him in his inability to stop this dreadful
+practice in the Celebes Sea? American boats are dangerous on their
+feast days, and no one can tell when they may go juramentadoing to
+celebrate the occasion. That is the only custom they could celebrate
+to-day. Look! [He pointed at the pitiful banana-trees.] There are no
+gifts to adorn them with, no turkeys to kill; and the soldiers' hearts
+are sad. But the _Sabah_ evidently appreciated her capabilities,
+and doubtless before night she would again honor her country by
+recklessly shelling the jungle.
+
+At this moment from the _Sabah_ a shrill whistle echoed through the
+forest, scattering the assembled guests in all directions. Some took
+to trees, others threw themselves face down, on the ground.
+
+The sultan was furious. He gruffly ordered his subjects back, and his
+beady eyes glared at the impostor, but he was too much of a diplomat to
+display his feelings further. The soldiers had been amused at first,
+but they realized the danger of trifling with the sultan. Every tree
+and corner of the jungle would respond with an armed savage, eager
+to destroy them, should the order be given, and uneasy glances were
+directed at the irate potentate. All the recent good humor and mirth
+had vanished; only the sergeant and the lieutenant retained an air of
+utter indifference. They quietly continued to smoke, gazing off into
+the far horizon, oblivious of their surroundings. Were they pushing
+that huge American bluff too far?
+
+After long deliberation, the sultan apparently reached his
+conclusion. He whispered an order, and several runners disappeared into
+the jungle. Lewis heard the sergeant catch his breath, but the old
+man preserved his dignity admirably. More silent waiting and smoking
+followed. The sultan growled his displeasure as an adviser attempted to
+give some piece of advice, displaying a far from lovely temper. Piang
+valiantly stood his ground, ready to fight and die by his friend.
+
+Finally sounds of the returning slaves reached the gathering. What was
+coming? Armed savages? Or had he ordered his poison reptiles to be let
+loose among the soldiers? The stillness was oppressive. No one moved,
+and the sultan continued to study the averted face of the officer.
+
+A sound floated to them, nearer, nearer. The men braced themselves
+for a fight. But the sound? It was one they had all heard, a familiar,
+homelike sound.
+
+"Gobble-gobble!" It was answered from all directions. Gradually the
+truth dawned on Lewis. He had won, and the warm blood rushed through
+his tired limbs.
+
+"Turkeys, by gosh!" shouted a recruit, and the cry was taken up by
+the whole command, for slaves were pouring in with fowls of every
+description. The sergeant vainly tried to establish order in the ranks,
+but the reaction was too great. All the good humor and excitement of
+the morning was restored, and the innate childishness of the soldier
+began to assert itself.
+
+"Here, Jake, hang this fellow up on that tree so he can salute his
+majesty in true turkey fashion," shouted one man, and Jake, game as
+usual, tossed a big gobbler up in one of the mock Christmas-trees. From
+this point of vantage the bird made the jungle resound with its
+protests, while the troop screamed with laughter as Jake undertook
+to interpret the creature's address.
+
+"Piang, what will we say to the old codger now?" asked Lewis.
+
+"I ask for gift for _Sabah_; it keep her good," grinned the boy,
+and when he delivered that message to his majesty, a smile nearly
+destroyed the immobility of his features. A slave handed Lewis a
+package done up in green leaves, and when he curiously loosened the
+wrappings, a handful of seed-pearls, beautiful in luster and coloring
+fell in his palm.
+
+"Thank him for the _Sabah_, Piang. I guess this will ease her restless
+spirit, all right. Tell him it will also serve as a balm for the
+wounds of the men who were attacked by the juramentados."
+
+Regally the old potentate rose to take leave. Lewis wanted to slap
+him on the back in that "bully-for-you-old-top" manner, but the farce
+must be completed. When the sultan paused opposite Lewis, measuring
+him with those cruel, steely eyes, Lewis's only indiscretion was a
+wavering of the eyelid, just one little waver, but it was very much
+like a wink. There was undoubtedly a response in the other's eyes,
+but that is between the sultan and Lewis.
+
+As solemnly as they had come, the procession disappeared into the
+jungle. The giant trees, smothered by vines and noxious growths,
+swallowed the brilliant throng and seemed to symbolize the union
+of the savage and the jungle. The sergeant's great, brawny hand was
+extended and grasped by Lewis in appreciation of what they had been
+through together.
+
+Excitement reigned everywhere. The bedlam of fowls about to be
+decapitated and the shrieks of the troopers vied with each other for
+supremacy. Piang was being lionized by the men, toasted and praised
+in high fashion.
+
+When Lewis inspected the Christmas dinner, the old Irishman winked
+a solemn wink, as he reminded the lieutenant of the discarded menu.
+
+"You knew it all the time, sor; why didn't you put me on?" With a
+noncommittal smile, Lewis proceeded on his usual inspection tour. After
+he had returned to his tent and was settling himself to enjoy the
+hard-earned meal, he was startled by an unusually loud outburst among
+the men. It gradually dawned upon him what it was. "Three cheers
+for the lieutenant! Three cheers for Piang!" was the cry that was
+disturbing the jungle twilight.
+
+
+
+
+NINTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE BICHARA [1]
+
+
+Piang was about to land for the first time at Zamboanga. His tribe
+had looked with distrust upon the overtures made by Governor Findy,
+and although they obeyed his command to appear at the _bichara_, they
+were prepared to fight if necessary. Pagans, Mohammedans, Catholics,
+and Protestants were ordered to assemble at Zamboanga to establish
+peaceful trading relations, a thing that had never been dreamed
+of in the belligerent Sulu Isles, and Americans as well as natives
+were fearful of the outcome. The governor was severely criticized
+for his experiment, but he had made a deep study of the Moros,
+and was willing to run the risks of the present in his desire to
+bring the light of freedom and peace to the misguided savages. After
+centuries of oppression and outrages against them, the Moros had of
+necessity become suspicious and cautious. Preyed upon by Jesuits,
+Filipinos, and Spaniards, they had long ago found a ready bolo the
+safest argument. Governor Findy had sent them word that they were
+to be protected from their enemies, and that Americans were their
+friends, but disturbing whispers of traps and bondage made the wild
+folk hesitate to obey the summons.
+
+Thus, a strange scene was being enacted at the Zamboanga wharf. From
+all directions weird crafts made their way hesitatingly toward it. The
+sentries were distrustfully scrutinized, but not a soldier was armed.
+
+"See, Kali Pandapatan, I told you the new governor was good. He trusts
+us and permits us to enter his barrio as friends." Proudly the tribe's
+charm boy sprang from the war-prau, and, to the astonishment of the
+soldiers, as well as the Moros, strutted up to the sergeant in charge
+and offered his hand, American fashion.
+
+"I'll be dinged, if it ain't Piang!" exclaimed Sergeant Greer. "Is
+this your old man, Piang?" he asked genially, pointing to Kali
+Pandapatan. The old chief stiffened at the apparent familiarity.
+
+"Him big chief! Him Kali Pandapatan," hastily corrected Piang.
+
+"Excuse me, sor; no hard feelings, I hope. Had a rough trip over,
+I hear; how did you leave the missus?"
+
+When the remark had been interpreted, a murmur rippled through
+Kali's ranks, and hands flew to hips. No Moro permits his women to
+be spoken of.
+
+"What's all the fuss, kid?" asked the sergeant, innocently.
+
+With an impish grin, Piang replied:
+
+"Him no like talk about missus; him got twenty."
+
+"The deuce he has!" laughed the sergeant. "Some old scout!"
+
+The good-natured Irishman finally gained the confidence of the ruffled
+potentate, and when Piang explained that he and the soldier were old
+friends, Kali solemnly acknowledged the union with a stiff handshake.
+
+"Ver' good," said the savage with a grin. Piang glowed with pride at
+Kali's display of English.
+
+"Now what do you know 'bout that?" commented Greer.
+
+The savages were for all the world like packs of wild animals brought
+to bay. Gaudy Bogobos from Davao brushed shoulders for the first time
+with Sabanas and Kalibugans, and their snarls and bickerings boded
+ill for the success of the bichara; but finally the natives huddled
+together, linked by the common suspicion of their Christian enemy.
+
+Before entering the town, every visitor was required to place
+his weapons in the _lanceria_. Now a weaponless Moro is the most
+embarrassed of men, with the possible exception of the dreamer who
+finds himself at a party in pajamas. A Moro's idea of his costume,
+arranged in order of its importance is: first, weapons; second, hat;
+third, shirt, and, incidentally, trousers.
+
+The timid creatures slunk along, looking suspiciously behind them, but
+as the soldiers paid no attention to them, they gradually forgot their
+enmity toward civilization and became engrossed in the new delights:
+pink lemonade, pop-corn, toy balloons. They were beside themselves
+with joy. When ice-cream was introduced, and they had been assured
+that it would not burn them, their admiration was unbounded. Piang
+surreptitiously slipped some of the heavenly sweet into his wallet
+for future consumption and was dismayed a little later to find a thin
+stream trickling down his leg and an empty wallet.
+
+Governor Findy watched with interest the mingling of the many alien
+people. Wily Chinamen behind their bamboo street-stalls ministered
+to the wants of the throng, taking in trade bits of gold-dust and
+trinkets of brass; Filipinos offered their wares, cooling drinks and
+sweets. The Filipino's costume is very different from that of the
+Moro. He wears stiff, white trousers, carefully creased and immaculate
+shirts which hang outside the trousers. He wears no shoes, and his
+short black hair is oiled and brushed very carefully.
+
+"Now, it's many times I've been wonderin' what the advantage is in
+wearin' your shirt outside your trousers," said Sergeant Greer to a
+sentry. "That's what I call practical," and he pointed to an ice-cream
+vender, industriously wiping a spoon on the tail of his shirt, before
+offering it to a new customer.
+
+There was great excitement over the coming _baile_ (ball). That night
+savages and Christians were to enjoy the festivities side by side, and
+marvelous tales of preparation were being circulated. Piang and Kali
+Pandapatan wandered about the village, pausing here and there, filled
+with awe at the novel sights. The value of garters as necklaces had
+been discovered, and a brilliant crimson pair decorated the chief's
+neck (he had gladly parted with five dollars' worth of gold-dust
+for the treasure). Gilt collar buttons were forced into the holes
+in his ears. Safety-pins and their surprises had to be investigated,
+and an admiring throng crowded around, marveling at Kali's daring.
+
+"Kali!" Piang exclaimed suddenly. "Look!"
+
+Seated at a table in front of a Chino café, were three men in
+earnest conversation: Alverez, a Filipino mestizo, who had acquired
+by deception the Moro title, Dato Tamangung; his cousin Vincente; and
+the Moro malcontent, Sicto. The two Filipinos were disloyal employees
+of the government, already suspected of being the instigators of
+unrest among the Moros. Sicto was a deserter from Kali's ranks and
+was wanted by that august chief for many serious offenses. Dato Kali
+Pandapatan scorned to report Sicto to the authorities. A Moro dato
+is supreme and has the right to punish his subjects according to his
+own lights. A woman, mingling with the gala bichara throng had a mere
+stump for an arm; she was a thief and her hand had been severed to
+prevent it from offending again. A man with face half covered showed
+the savage justice dealt a liar; his mouth had been split from ear
+to ear to permit easier passage of the truth. Sicto would be handled
+according to Moro law, but not here.
+
+Kali and Piang exchanged a knowing look, and Piang wandered off,
+apparently seeking new pleasures, but furtively watching the three
+men. He wormed his way through the crowd intent on a game of chess,
+played by two venerable old Chinamen. A sudden "Sssshhh" from Sicto
+interrupted Alverez's excited whisper, but not before Piang had caught
+a few significant words:
+
+"The baile--juramentado--Findy."
+
+The little charm boy's heart beat violently, but his face never
+changed expression. Juramentado! So some poor misguided fanatic
+had been persuaded to assassinate the governor. He and Kali must
+prevent the outrage, for had they not sworn allegiance to this new
+chief? Piang feared that Sicto suspected the words had been overheard,
+so he carefully avoided Kali and strolled on among the people. A
+glance at his chief had warned Kali that trouble was in the air.
+
+Sicto, Alverez, and Vincente moved off toward the dock.
+
+"Sicto, did Piang hear what I said?" asked Alverez.
+
+"Does the jungle hear the trumpeting of the elephant?" angrily
+retorted Sicto.
+
+"He hasn't spoken to any one yet," said Vincente, significantly. "We
+had better get rid of him before--"
+
+A whispered conversation followed, and Alverez finally exclaimed:
+
+"I'll do it! Wait here. Watch Piang." Then he hurried off.
+
+Without approaching Kali, or divulging the secret to any one, Piang
+followed the men to the dock, and Sicto laughed softly as he watched
+the unsuspecting boy walk into the trap. The little gunboat _Sabah_
+was bobbing at her moorings, and Piang joined the crowd that was
+gazing in wonder at the strange craft. A shrill whistle, signifying
+the _Sabah's_ intention of immediate departure, so terrified the Moros
+that some took to their heels while others sought the safety of tall
+lamp-posts. Piang was laughing merrily when he was startled by a noise,
+and turning, he saw Alverez and a soldier running toward him.
+
+Instantly everything was confusion, and Piang realized that he was
+the center of the excitement.
+
+"Are you Piang?" asked the soldier, cautiously approaching him.
+
+"Sure, me Piang."
+
+"Hike! Beat it!" said the man, pointing to the _Sabah_.
+
+What did he mean? Was Piang to be allowed to go aboard the boat?
+
+The soldier made it very plain, finally, that such was the case, but
+Piang insisted that he could not depart on a pleasure ride without
+getting his chief's permission.
+
+"_Sigi_, beat it, I tell you, _pronto_!" said the soldier impatiently,
+emphasizing the command with a push. Almost before Piang realized it,
+he found himself on the gunboat, which was slowly moving out toward
+the channel. In his hand was a crumpled piece of paper which the
+soldier had gingerly thrust into it.
+
+"Here's your passport, kid," he had said with a grin. Piang carefully
+unrolled the paper and stared at the queer American characters. A
+sailor offered to translate it for him, but when he glanced over the
+paper, he uttered a low whistle.
+
+"Say, you go away back and sit down! Don't you come near me or any
+one else, sabe?"
+
+Piang recoiled before the look of disgust on the sailor's face. What
+was the matter with every one? Why were they all afraid to come near
+him, and where were they taking him? He summoned up enough courage to
+ask who had written the letter, and when he was told that it was signed
+by Governor Findy, he felt reassured. Surely if the good governor was
+sending him somewhere, it would be all right. Disconsolately, Piang
+crouched in a corner, watching sharks and dolphins sporting in the
+foaming wake. He wondered how long the boat was going to be out, if
+it would return in time for him to save the governor. When he started
+toward a group of men to ask for information he was met with a shout.
+
+"Get out of here, you!" they yelled, and poor Piang hurriedly retreated
+to the stern. Much talk of the coming baile seemed to indicate that
+the sailors expected to return before evening, so Piang patiently
+squatted on a coil of rope, wondering when the mysteries of his errand
+would be revealed to him.
+
+The ocean is dotted with many lovely islands off Zamboanga. Somber,
+lowering Basilan guards its secrets to this day; Sacol, home of Dato
+Mandi, invites and then repels the intruder; tiny clumps of vivid
+green rise out of the channel in the most unexpected places, as if
+timidly wishing to investigate before adding their emerald mite to
+crown the Celebes. The island toward which the _Sabah_ was making her
+way seemed blacker and denser than its more frivolous neighbors. Two
+staccato whistles warned the islanders of the _Sabah's_ approach,
+and the beach was soon the scene of lively commotion. The engines
+stopped, and the gunboat slid along easily. A boat was lowered. The
+sailors were speaking in low voices; one looked toward Piang and
+shook his head sadly.
+
+"My task is not to be an easy one," thought the charm boy, but his
+head went up proudly. These sailor men should see how a brave Moro
+executed the commands of his superiors.
+
+"Come on, kid," called a jacky, and just as Piang stepped over the
+side a kindly sailor slipped a quarter in his hand. It was evidently
+a gift, and the boy grinned appreciatively.
+
+"Wastin' your coin, man," remarked another sailor with a harsh
+laugh. "He's not likely to need _dinero_ (a silver coin) soon." Piang
+wondered again at the pitying looks that were cast at him, but he only
+held his head higher and climbed into the boat. The men seemed in a
+great hurry; they landed far up the beach, and bags and provisions
+were hastily dumped on the sand.
+
+"Here you are, young 'un," said a sailor, and Piang looked up eagerly.
+
+"Me, here?"
+
+"Yep, this is your place," replied the man, looking away quickly from
+the soft brown eyes.
+
+Obediently the jungle boy jumped out, awaiting instructions. The
+sailor in charge pointed to the paper in Piang's hand and waved toward
+the barrio.
+
+"For dato?" Piang asked, with a puzzled look.
+
+"Sure, the dato," replied the man evasively, and Piang turned and
+started off through the jungle, following a well defined path.
+
+"Plucky kid, that," said the sailor who pushed off. "Wonder if he
+knows what's up? Half the time they don't tell the poor devils. Row
+over toward the patrol-boat, and I'll warn them to watch carefully
+to-night in case he tries to escape. When they first land here they
+kick up a terrible row and usually try to make a get-away or commit
+their particular brand of hari-kari [suicide]."
+
+Piang was in a great hurry. There was no time to be lost and whatever
+the business in hand might be, it must be finished quickly. He wondered
+why some of the sailors had not come with him. Americans are always
+so curious and never lose an opportunity to visit a strange barrio. He
+ran on swiftly.
+
+Two sounds broke simultaneously on his ears. What was there in them
+to strike a chill to his heart, to fill him with forebodings? That
+shrill whistle! It was surely the _Sabah's_, and as Piang came to
+a small clearing, he caught a glimpse of the harbor. A cry broke
+from him. The _Sabah_ was sailing away. Before he could fully
+realize the calamity, that other sound, ominous and terrible, came
+again from the barrio. A low rumbling, punctuated with shrieks and
+screams, came nearer, nearer. Suddenly from out the dense undergrowth
+protruded a face, shoulders, and finally a woman, old and bent, crept
+through. Spell-bound, Piang watched her. Wisps of unkempt gray hair
+straggled around her head; filthy rags hung from her lean, stooping
+shoulders; sunken eyes, sly and vicious, glared at Piang. Tremblingly
+the boy watched her creep toward him. There was something about the old
+hag that turned his blood cold. The distant rumble became individual
+howls, and Piang suddenly realized that he was being hunted. But why,
+and by whom? The innocent paper in his hand crackled. The old hag
+was very near, was about to touch him. With a shriek, Piang jumped
+back. Her hands were festered; her face and neck were covered with
+white splotches.
+
+"A leper!" cried the boy and suddenly he realized that he had been
+trapped by that villain, Sicto. Not Sicto, but Alverez had filched
+the order for the confinement of a leper, had erased the name, and
+substituted Piang's. He flung the damning paper from him.
+
+As the boy darted off through the jungle, the old woman yelled. The
+cry brought the others, and when Piang caught sight of them, he
+almost lost hope. Would he be able to escape the contamination
+of this island? With mad shrieks, the lepers gave chase, eager to
+lay hands on one so lately relegated to their colony. Was he not a
+leper too? What right had he to scorn them, his brothers? Hotter,
+fiercer grew the chase. The island was so small that it afforded
+little refuge for the hunted boy. Sounds from all sides indicated
+that the chase was almost over; it was only a matter of minutes now,
+and never again could he leave the dread colony.
+
+A rustle at his feet startled him, and some animal scurried off
+into the bush. A dark hole from which it had evidently crawled
+attracted Piang's attention, and without an instant's hesitation,
+he flung himself on the ground and wormed his body into the welcoming
+shelter. Pulling a fallen branch in front of the opening, he shrank
+farther back into the cave. Cave? No, he had taken refuge in a fallen
+tree trunk, hollowed out by the persistent ferreting of termites
+(ants).
+
+"He was here, here," screamed the old woman. The pursuers flocked to
+the spot, and Piang listened as they beat the bush, clamoring for their
+victim. They were so infuriated at the new arrival's unsociability
+that they would probably kill him if they found him.
+
+Piang crouched back in his cramped quarters. The tiny white ants
+announced their disapproval of the intrusion by vicious stings, but
+Piang did not move. A sudden jolt made his heart beat wildly. Some
+one had jumped on the other end of the log, and the rotting wood had
+caved in. He expected each moment to be his last. Over his head the
+pattering of bare feet, running along the trunk, sounded like thunder.
+
+When the lepers moved off into the jungle, Piang was not deceived. They
+would lie in wait, and their revenge would be the more terrible for
+the delay. Sweat poured down Piang's face; his body ached where the
+ants had stung him. He tried to plan some means of escape, but none
+came to his tired brain.
+
+"There is no God but Allah," whispered the charm boy, and a peace
+seemed to fall upon him.
+
+Many weary hours went by before a squawk penetrated the death-like
+stillness. Fruit-bats! It must be night. Very slowly he made his
+way toward the opening. Unfortunately for Piang the full moon was
+rising, making the soft, tropical night a wonder of beauty and
+loveliness. Cautiously he thrust his head through the branches that
+shielded his retreat. He was very near the ocean; the other end of the
+fallen tree, in which he had found refuge, was lying in the water, and
+the rising tide was gradually creeping up over it. The gentle swish
+of the sea comforted Piang. It was his friend, the only friend that
+could help him escape from this island of decay. His practised eyes
+discerned the shadowy forms of watchers squatting along the beach;
+beyond, the patrol-boat moved about restlessly, and in the distance
+twinkled the lights of Zamboanga.
+
+"If I could only get past the lepers and the boat, I could swim back,"
+thought Piang, and he looked with longing at the oily smoothness of
+the water. Nothing could slip past the boat on that sea of glass in
+the bright moonlight. He remembered the schools of sharks he had seen
+in the _Sabah's_ wake and shuddered; but even that was better than
+being doomed to die here. He pillowed his head on his arms and leaned
+against the trunk; his hand closed over a piece of dry bamboo. Lifting
+it to his eye, he idly squinted through it; it was smooth and clean.
+
+Piang fell to soliloquizing. How many times, surrounded by his
+friends, he had swum in the moonlight. He remembered one night in
+particular. How they had sported with bamboo sticks, blowing the
+spray high in the air, laughing as it fell upon each other! Piang
+could swim miles with arms folded, pushing through the water like a
+fish, rolling over on his back or sides, when tired. He had fooled
+the tribe by staying under water for three minutes, breathing easily
+through his hollow, bamboo tube. Kali had given him a prize.
+
+Piang's eyes widened, brightened. With the bamboo stick--could he? He
+blew through it softly and laughed. But how to get into the water
+without being detected? The approaching tide, lapping the other end
+of the fallen log, seemed to be caressing it in pity. Piang examined
+it closely. Dared he crawl along the trunk? His eyes fell upon the
+hole just above the water where one of his pursuers had broken through.
+
+"Allah, I thank Thee," breathed the excited boy. He had found his
+chance, had discovered a possible means of escape.
+
+Crawling back into the log, he tested the heart of the tree and to
+his joy, it crumbled under his touch. With a smothered cry, he began
+to cut his way through the pithy, dust-like wood, and as he gradually
+worked quantities of the soft fiber loose, he tossed it behind him. If
+he could work his way through the rotted trunk before the tide turned,
+it would be an easy matter to slip through the hole into the water.
+
+It was suffocating in the damp inclosure, as the discarded pith
+began to fill the opening. Tiny apertures let in just enough air,
+but Piang was panting and dripping with sweat. As he struggled on
+toward the hole, he could feel the water under him, as it swayed the
+log gently. Only a little further!
+
+The moonlight bathed Piang in its soft light; a cool breeze blew
+across his face. One of the watching lepers stood up suddenly.
+
+"There are many crocodiles to-night," he finally said, pointing toward
+the log where a slight ripple, widening into vanishing rings, closed
+over a dark form.
+
+
+
+"That's a queer kind of fish!"
+
+The sailors on the patrol-boat crowded around the speaker, glad of
+any excitement to break the monotony of their vigil. A thin stream of
+water had spurted up, disturbing the perfect calm of the surface, and
+a small black object could plainly be seen, hurrying through the water.
+
+"Now what the deuce?" said the captain. Two bells were loudly sounded,
+and the boat bounded forward.
+
+"Look out, don't run it down. Steer to one side."
+
+The search-light, turned full upon the strange object, revealed to
+the puzzled sailors a slim bamboo tube, sticking upright, propelled
+by a strong force from below.
+
+"Now, why don't that stick float, instead of sailing along like a
+periscope?" pondered the captain.
+
+As suddenly as the phenomenon had appeared, it sank from sight and
+the chase ended abruptly.
+
+"Look at our visitors," said a sailor, pointing over the side. Long
+streaks of phosphorescence darted back and forth in the shadow of
+the boat.
+
+"That's a pretty bunch of shovel-nosed man-eaters, for you," remarked
+the mate. "Gosh, wouldn't you hate to give the hungry devils a chance
+at you, though?"
+
+
+
+The baile was in full swing. The bichara was proving a great
+success. Governor Findy graciously accepted the savages' allegiance
+to the new government and their promises to make the trading system
+a success. The small park in the center of the garrison was teeming
+with life. On one side the American band gave the first notes of
+civilized music that the Moros had ever heard; opposite, rows of brass
+tom-toms responded mournfully. Gaudy lanterns festooned the tall trees
+and swung between, describing graceful curves. Flickering moonlight
+and fireflies added their bit. At one end of the park a platform had
+been erected for the officers and their families. The savages crowded
+around as the Americans swayed to the waltz, and their surprise was
+no less than that of the Americans, when the tom-toms stirred the
+Moros to the dance and they whirled and crouched in native fashion.
+
+Governor Findy was surrounded by his personal guard; burly Irishmen
+shared this honor with stalwart Moros, thus proving the governor's
+trust in the wild people.
+
+Dato Mandi, Dato Kali Pandapatan, and Governor Findy were conversing
+on the steps of the dancing platform.
+
+"Kali says that Piang mysteriously disappeared about noon to-day,"
+explained Mandi in excellent English.
+
+"Who is this Piang, Mandi?" asked the governor.
+
+"Piang is the idol of the Buldoon tribe. He is Kali Pandapatan's
+famous charm boy, friend of General Beech and Lieutenant Lewis,"
+replied Mandi.
+
+"Strange that one so well known should disappear. Yes, I have heard
+much of this boy's loyalty and sagacity." The two Moros turned quickly,
+warned by a startled look on the governor's face. Far down the smooth
+shell road a figure was staggering, wavering toward them.
+
+"Trouble, trouble," muttered Findy.
+
+The music ceased with a discordant jar, there was a slight stir among
+the spectators as Sicto and his companions attempted to retire, but to
+their surprise, Kali's faithful men closed about them significantly. On
+came the figure, lithe, slim, and brown.
+
+"Piang!" cried Kali Pandapatan, and instantly his eyes sought out
+the cowering Sicto.
+
+The heavy, labored breathing became audible as the exhausted boy
+stumbled through the crowd. A sentry started forward to seize him,
+but the governor waved him aside. Dripping and panting, Piang staggered
+toward his chief.
+
+"Juramentado--gobernador!" faintly whispered Piang.
+
+A wild shriek crashed through the intense stillness; a green sarong
+was torn off, and the white-clad figure of a juramentado rushed at the
+governor. But Kali Pandapatan was quicker, and just as the assassin
+raised his barong, a slender kriss glistened in the moonlight and
+descended. The juramentado lay bathed in his own blood.
+
+Jumping up to the platform, Kali Pandapatan raised his hands.
+
+"My brother chiefs," he cried, "did any of you know of this foul plot?"
+
+"No, no!" came the quick response from every Moro, and although the
+Americans could not understand his words, they began to realize that
+Kali was exhorting his people to disclaim knowledge of the outrage.
+
+"Viviz Gobernador!" came from the full, savage throats, and the cry
+was taken up by the multitude.
+
+The dazed governor looked down at the prostrate figure at his feet,
+looked long, and sorrowed.
+
+"But for the brave Piang I should have been lying there," he murmured.
+
+Piang supported by Kali watched this new chief.
+
+"Come here, Piang," said the governor. Fumbling with the collar of
+his white uniform, he loosened something.
+
+"My lad, I thank you for your bravery," he said, his voice shaking
+slightly. "For your timely arrival, and your courage. Your name shall
+be sent to the great chief at Washington."
+
+The words were repeated to the jungle boy, and his manly little chest
+swelled with pride.
+
+"Piang, I am about to decorate you with the emblem of our government;
+these infantry cross-guns I shall pin on your breast." The dignified
+governor reached forward to make good his words, but he paused
+in embarrassment, the noble speech dying on his lips. He gazed in
+dismay at the naked little savage, standing straight and expectantly
+before him.
+
+"I shall _place_ this emblem." The officer began again. There was a
+titter among the spectators.
+
+Piang, eagerly eyeing the treasure, wondered why the governor
+delayed. Suddenly a gleam of understanding broke over him, and he
+grinned, broadly. With the tip of his finger he touched the shining
+cross-guns, then his necklace of crocodile teeth. The situation
+was saved.
+
+Amid thunderous applause the smiling governor fastened the guns to
+the indicated article of dress, and loud and clear rose the shout:
+
+"Piang! Piang!"
+
+
+
+
+TENTH ADVENTURE
+
+PIANG'S TRIUMPH
+
+
+Two years had passed since the bichara. Prosperity and honor had come
+to Dato Kali Pandapatan and his people under the rule of General Beech
+and Governor Findy, and Piang had been raised to the post of official
+interpreter. Sicto, the disturber, had been seized in Zamboanga
+on the charge of complicity in the plot on Governor Findy's life;
+he had attempted to escape, and there were varying reports as to the
+results. Some said that he had been killed by a crocodile, others that
+he had escaped and swum to Basilan; but the tribe had not heard of him
+since the bichara, and they were relieved to be rid of his bullying
+presence. Especially the little slave girl, Papita, whom Sicto had
+annoyed since infancy, was glad that he was gone. Sicto's father had
+captured the little maid in a raid on the Bogobo country, and the
+boy seemed to think it his special privilege to abuse and torment her.
+
+Along the steep mountain trail, dividing the jungle as a river might,
+crept a slow procession. A lumbering carabao swayed lazily forward,
+and on each side walked four stalwart Moros, ever heedful of the
+dignified figure astride the beast. Dato Kali Pandapatan rode in
+silence. Occasionally he gazed down into the deep valleys or off in
+the direction of Ganassi Peak, but the sorrowful, patient expression
+never left his face.
+
+Where was Piang? For three days the boy had been missing, and Kali
+guessed only too easily what had taken him away in such haste. A
+few days before little Papita had mysteriously disappeared. It was
+whispered that the notorious Dato Ynoch (Ee-nock) had kidnapped her,
+and Kali was already preparing an expedition against the marauder. He
+felt the strain of civilization for the first time, for he had given
+his word never to assemble his warriors without the permission of
+the white chiefs at Zamboanga. But Piang, the impatient, the valiant,
+could not brook the delay, and had in all probability started after
+his little friend alone. Kali's messengers should return to-day,
+and he had ridden far out to watch for their coming.
+
+The procession reached the clearing that gave a full view of the
+sea. In the distance the eye could discern the curving coast of tiny
+Bongao; Kali was impervious to the summer beauty and youth of the
+sparkling ocean, to the charm of the dainty island so gaily chatting
+with the garrulous waves. He did not see the graceful, white rice-birds
+or the regal aigrets flitting about among the trees; he saw only the
+vast, restless ocean. There were no boats in sight.
+
+Slowly the willing carabao was turned homeward, and the aged monarch
+sorrowfully gave up hope of sending succor to Piang that night. The
+recent storm had probably delayed his envoys, and he must wait the
+_Sabah's_ monthly visit, which would come the next day.
+
+At the door of his hut Kali Pandapatan was helped from the royal
+beast's back and up the steep ladder entrance into the cool dusk of
+the interior where industrious women squatted at their several tasks.
+
+"I miss the child's lively chatter," Aioi was saying sadly.
+
+"She was a trying pupil, I can tell you," remarked the woman at the
+loom, "but a winning child." She leaned closer to Aioi and whispered:
+
+"Did you know that Papita had been asked in marriage?" The surprised
+look on Aioi's face made an answer unnecessary.
+
+"Our chief is said to have spurned the offer. You know he has always
+hoped to prove Papita's noble birth; he wanted Piang to have her,
+so when the terrible Dato Ynoch's offer came--"
+
+"Who speaks the name of our enemy in my house?" thundered Kali,
+glowering at the chattering women. "Bend to your tasks and have done
+with idle gossip."
+
+
+
+What difference did it make to Piang if he was alone, if he had only
+the barest clue to Papita's whereabouts? He was going to follow up
+that clue, and something seemed to tell him that he was on the right
+track. The jungle was dripping and steaming after a three days'
+downpour; monkeys and birds were huddled in the trees, melancholy,
+but patient, knowing that their friend, the burning tropic sun, would
+come to them again, some day. Piang trudged on through the sticky,
+slippery jungle. An occasional fresh track or recent camping site
+made him push forward eagerly. What he should do when he did overtake
+the kidnappers, he had no idea, but something always happened to help
+Piang. He reverently touched his sacred charm.
+
+The deluge through this lower jungle must have been terrific. Piang was
+glad that he had been in his mountain barrio during the tempest. Strewn
+everywhere were branches and enormous tree-ferns; a dead hablar-bird
+lay in his path. Leeches, hiding on the backs of leaves and twigs,
+caught at Piang as he brushed by, clinging and sucking their fill,
+before he could discover them. He raised one foot quickly and yelled:
+
+"_Tinick!_" ("Thorn!") While he was searching for the thorn his
+other foot began to ache and pain. Piang was too wise to hesitate
+a moment, so he swung up to a low branch and sat there nursing his
+feet. He was puzzled; there was no thorns in them, and he could find
+no cuts. Gradually the soles of the feet began to swell and take on a
+purplish hue. Piang gave a low whistle and bent to examine the ground.
+
+"_Badjanji!_" ("Bees!") he exclaimed. The ground was yellow with
+the little bedraggled, stupified creatures. They had been beaten
+down by the storm and would remain there until the sun came to coax
+them into industry again. Swinging lightly from one tree to another,
+Piang reached one of the numberless brooks that ramble aimlessly
+about through the jungle, and, dropping to its banks, buried his
+feet in the healing clay. After a short time the pain grew better,
+and he continued his journey.
+
+He was nearing Dato Ynoch's domain on the banks of Lake
+Liguasan. The outlaw had chosen his lair well, for it was one of
+the most inaccessible spots in Mindanao. On all sides treacherous
+marsh lands reached out from the lake, and it was almost impossible
+to tell when one might step from the solid jungle into a dangerous
+morass. A few hidden trails led to the barrio, and by great good luck
+Piang discovered one. Quietly he crept along into the ever-increasing
+twilight, for the trail led deep into the jungle's very heart where
+daylight and sunshine never penetrate. Sounds came faintly from the
+barrio; tom-toms and many drums beat a monotonous serenade. A fiesta
+must be in progress. A fiesta? Piang's face grew hot, and his black
+eyes flamed. Could it be that the fiesta was poor Papita's wedding? He
+broke into a run and, panting and sweating, pushed farther into the
+darkening jungle; but the trail was evidently an abandoned one, for
+it brought up suddenly against a wall of thorns and closely woven
+vines. Throwing himself on the ground, Piang wriggled through the
+offensive marsh weeds, and finally found himself almost on the edge
+of Lake Liguasan. From his retreat he could plainly see the village
+streets. The barrio was certainly preparing for a fiesta and no
+ordinary one, either, for elaborate and barbaric decorations shrouded
+huts and street. Raised on two posts at the entrance of the village,
+was a carcass of a mammoth crocodile, in its opened jaws a human
+skull. Piang shuddered. He had heard that Dato Ynoch's followers were
+gathered from among the renegade Dyak pirate head-hunters, who fled
+to Mindanao from Borneo justice. The human skull confirmed the rumor,
+for there are no cannibal tribes among the Moros.
+
+It was certainly a marriage feast that the women were preparing. A
+raised platform in the middle of the campong (common), tastefully
+decorated with skulls small, skulls large, and skulls medium,
+formed the altar, and a large black bullock was already tied to the
+_sapoendoes_ (sacrifice post). Piang flushed with excitement at an
+unusually loud beating of tom-toms; the chief was coming. Piang had
+long wished to see this terrible Ynoch. Weird stories of his terrible
+personality, his disfigured countenance were widespread. That so
+powerful a dato could have sprung up so suddenly puzzled the Moros,
+and Ynoch's identity still remained a mystery.
+
+Down the center of the street advanced a gaudy procession headed
+by a barbaric priestess. From her head protruded massive horns
+decorated with flaming red flowers. Around her loins was strapped a
+crimson sarong; her body swayed and twisted to the savage rhythm of
+the tom-toms. A tall, amazingly fat man stepped to the platform. His
+back seemed oddly familiar to Piang, as well as the slinking gait, the
+shambling step. Straining his eyes, Piang waited. Dato Ynoch raised
+his hand for silence and turned toward the waiting populace. Piang
+nearly cried out as he caught sight of the face.
+
+Oily of hair, oily of eye was this Dato out-law. His shifting glance
+wandered restlessly over the heads of the people, meeting no man's
+eye. Beneath the pomp of his trappings, the fat, overfed body protruded
+grotesquely, and his movements were slow and clumsy. One almond-shaped
+eye had been partly torn from its socket, leaving a hideous, red
+scar. An ear, which appeared to have slipped from the side of the
+oily head and lodged on a fold of the fat neck, had in reality been
+neatly carved from its proper place by an enraged slave and poorly
+replaced by a crude surgeon. A bamboo tube had been inserted in the
+original ear-drum.
+
+"Sicto!" gasped Piang. The mysterious Dato Ynoch, was Sicto, the
+mestizo.
+
+That Papita had been dragged to the barrio, Piang now had no doubt,
+and his nimble wits began to look about for a way of escape. He was
+near the banks of a creek that led to the Cotabato River and thinking
+that the most likely escape, he wormed his way toward it. Along the
+bank were canoes of every description. The swift ones seemed to be all
+four-oared, and he knew that he must have a fleet, light vinta to elude
+the Dyaks. He spied a tiny white boat tied to a gilded post, and his
+heart nearly stopped beating when he read the name "Papita" on the bow.
+
+"Papita!" Piang scornfully whispered. "Papita, indeed!" His lip curled,
+and he glared through the rushes at the hideous Sicto.
+
+"Well, it shall be Papita's after all!" Piang said and he smiled. He
+crept toward the little craft to see if there were paddles in it. There
+were two, and Piang suddenly remembered that part of the Dyak betrothal
+ceremony takes place upon the water.
+
+Long Piang pondered as he watched the preparations for Papita's
+betrothal. He examined the _cotta_, counted the praus, and his keen
+eyes followed the creek to its sharp turn. He crawled past the bend
+to make sure that the stream was navigable. Satisfied that he could
+escape through its waters, Piang began to cut rushes, and, squatting
+in the protecting undergrowth, busily worked while he indignantly
+listened to the loquacious Sicto telling his followers that Papita
+was no slave, but a maiden of royal Bogobo birth. He and his father
+had kept it secret because they intended her for his wife, and at
+last he had captured the girl from Kali Pandapatan. Faster and faster
+flew Piang's fingers, and finally a basket began to shape itself out
+of the rushes. Soon Piang had two perfect baskets, and he slung them
+over his shoulder. While Sicto and his villains were celebrating the
+coming wedding, Piang quietly slipped back through the jungle, back
+to the brook where the medicinal clay had cured the bee stings. When
+he returned later, he handled the baskets with great care and chuckled
+softly to himself.
+
+A second beating of tom-toms thundered through the barrio. The bride
+was coming. Down an avenue made for her by hostile looking women,
+crept a tiny, terrified figure. It was draped in the softest Eastern
+stuffs; jeweled anklets and bangles tinkled merrily. A gauzy veil of
+wondrous workmanship swathed the figure, but through it all Piang
+recognized his beloved Papita. Slowly she approached the altar;
+fearfully she raised her eyes to the man who awaited her there. Her
+little feet faltered, and the priestess supported her. Papita leaned
+heavily against the woman. Three soft notes of a mina-bird floated
+over the barrio, and Papita became suddenly alive. Again the notes
+stole through the jungle. The bride threw back her veil.
+
+"The unwilling maid seems to have forgot her woe," said one scornful
+woman to another. "Now that she is about to become our chief's first
+wife, she does not weep and cry to be taken home."
+
+The priestess commenced the ceremony that was to last all
+night. Chants, prayers, admonitions, all, Papita responded to with
+renewed vigor, and her eyes furtively glanced toward a spot near the
+curve of the creek where a slender reed swayed unceasingly. After
+many hours the priestess led the way to the water and Ynoch placed
+Papita in her gala vinta and pushed her out into the stream. He got
+into another, and the two boats nosed each other while the crowd
+showered them with oils and perfumes. When the command came to part,
+each boat shot off in an opposite direction. A maiden and a bridegroom
+are each supposed to meditate for the last time on the advisability of
+the union before the final ceremony; so reads the Dyak marriage laws.
+
+As indifferently as a queen, Papita plied her paddle, paying no heed
+to the unfriendly eyes and mutterings of the Dyaks; she seemed in no
+haste and managed her vinta with amazing skill for one so small. Only
+once she seemed to lose control; her vinta cut deep into the tall
+rushes near the bend of the creek. Had the Dyaks been less intent on
+exhibiting their scorn, they might have noticed that when the boat
+drew back from the rushes it rode deeper in the water, and the little
+figure labored harder at the paddle as the vinta turned the bend and
+passed from sight.
+
+"Piang! is it you?"
+
+As Papita spoke, the form lying in the bottom of the vinta slowly
+unfolded like a huge jack-knife. The merry eyes twinkled, the youthful,
+firm mouth curved at the corners, and Piang, the adventurer, smiled
+up at the astonished girl.
+
+"But yes, Chiquita, did you think that Piang would suffer the outcast
+Sicto to kidnap his little playmate?" Piang took up the paddle and
+the vinta shot forward. Silently the two bent to the task, every
+moment increasing the distance between them and their enemies.
+
+"Will they catch us, Piang?"
+
+"Of course not, my Papita. Piang, the charm boy comes to rescue
+you." The proud head went up with arrogant superiority.
+
+"But there are many hidden cut-offs and creeks between us and the
+river, Piang; Sicto will surely trap us." The terrified expression
+in the girl's soft eyes touched Piang's heart.
+
+"Have no fear, Papita. Let Sicto overtake us and he will be sorry. Put
+your ear to the baskets."
+
+As the girl bent over the two baskets, lying in the bottom of the
+vinta, a frown puckered her brow. A dull hum, like a caged wind
+protesting in faint whispers, rose from them. Gradually a smile broke
+over her face, and she laughed softly.
+
+"Yes; Sicto will be sorry if he overtakes us," she whispered.
+
+Through the deepening night, a roar came to the fugitives. A deep,
+cruel howl; tom-toms beat a ragged and violent alarm; savage war-cries
+rent the air, bounding back from one echo to another. Papita's hand
+wavered at her paddle. Piang's stroke grew swifter, surer. The outraged
+bridegroom had returned from his meditations to find himself brideless.
+
+"How will they come, Piang?" Papita's voice trembled.
+
+"Some by water, some by land. Work, Papita."
+
+And so the deadly tropic night closed about them. The little
+nut-shell sped down the river, past snags, skulking crocodiles,
+and many unseen dangers. The jungle came far out over the water,
+dangling her treacherous plant-life above them, ready to drag them
+from the vinta: it crept beneath them, shooting up in massive trees
+that obstructed their passage--trees loaded down with parasites,
+intertwined, interlaced in hopeless confusion, each trying to crush
+and climb over the other in the fight for supremacy.
+
+Where the creek empties into the Cotabato River, Piang paused; there
+were suspicious-looking shadows close to the bank, and he reached
+for his precious baskets.
+
+"Work slowly, Papita," he whispered, and the trembling girl kept
+the vinta just moving. From its ominous silence, the jungle crashed
+into chaos.
+
+"Lè lè lè lè iiiiiio!" shrieked the echoes.
+
+Piang was ready.
+
+"Lè lè lè lè iiiiiio!" he tauntingly replied.
+
+Kneeling in the bow of the vinta, he hastily lighted a green resinous
+torch and stuck it upright. It gave forth the pungent, heavy perfume
+of the jungle pitch. Waiting until his enemies were almost upon him,
+Piang raised one basket above his head and opened the trap. A sudden
+buzz and whirl filled the air; Piang reached for the second basket and
+held it in the smoke of the torch, ready to open. For a few moments,
+nothing happened, but the enemy slackened their pace, and the war
+cries were silenced. Finally yells of rage and pain broke from them:
+
+"Badjanji!" they screamed. The little insects, infuriated at the
+treatment they had received, fairly pounced upon the defenseless
+Dyaks. No jungle pest is so dreaded as the enraged honey-bee. Its
+envenomed stings are poisonous, deadly, and often cause more painful
+wounds than bolos. The men fought desperately. Tauntingly Piang
+laughed, swiftly he and Papita paddled, and the smoke from the torch
+enveloped them in its protecting waves. Coming abreast of the war-prau,
+Piang loosed the other basket of bees.
+
+On sped the vinta, and ever nearer came the great estuary that gave
+upon the Celebes Sea. The sounds of the sufferers grew fainter,
+and finally Papita and Piang were again alone in the great night.
+
+"They will return and assemble the war fleet, Papita; they will
+pursue us into the ocean. If the water is rough, we cannot cross the
+bay to Parang-Parang in this vinta. We must hide near the coast and
+make our way homeward on foot."
+
+Morning fairly burst upon them. Twilight in the tropics is a name only,
+for the sun rises and disappears abruptly, and it is day or night
+in a few moments. The early light showed the ocean in the distance,
+and at the same moment sounds behind made Piang listen anxiously.
+
+"They are coming, Papita; we must hide."
+
+As Piang headed for the bank, he noticed a thin stream of smoke
+trembling above Bongao. He paused and trained his eye on the
+blur. Suddenly he dug his paddle into the water.
+
+"Papita, quick! The _Sabah_ is coming!"
+
+Again the vinta shot forward, down through the shifting, treacherous
+delta, out into the ocean. Louder grew the beating of paddles against
+the Dyak war-praus, and Piang could hear the war chant. He knew that
+Sicto cared little for ships; he had evaded too many of them. Only
+the _Sabah_, Sicto feared, but he would probably take a chance on
+this being the Chino mail boat or a Spanish tramp. That the Dyaks
+would take the chance and follow, Piang was sure.
+
+The sea was choppy and fretful. The little bride boat danced and
+careened about recklessly. Between the _Sabah_ and Piang lay Bongao,
+and straight for Bongao he headed, skilfully keeping the vinta
+steady. A white mist rose, as if to hide the vinta from the pursuers,
+but when the fleet reached the river's mouth a yell announced that
+they had been discovered. The race was for life, for more than life,
+and the boy seemed possessed of a supernatural strength. Nearer came
+the smoke, and finally around the point of Bongao, burst the little
+gunboat. At first the Dyaks did not heed the stranger, so used were
+they to hurling contempt at island visitors, but when in answer to
+Papita's signal, as she stood up waving her disheveled wedding veil,
+there came a shrill whistle, they paused in dismay.
+
+In a very short time Papita and Piang were raised over the side of the
+_Sabah_, and General Beech and Governor Findy were questioning them.
+
+"You say that Dato Ynoch is pursuing you?"
+
+"Yes, yes, that is him in the first prau," excitedly replied Piang.
+
+"Well, Piang, it is Ynoch that brings the _Sabah_ here to-day. We
+thank you, my boy, for tempting him into the open."
+
+When the Moro boy disclosed Ynoch's identity, a grim smile settled
+over Governor Findy's face.
+
+"Man the guns, Captain!" commanded General Beech in his dignified,
+quiet way.
+
+The Dyaks were scattering in the wildest confusion, making their
+way back to the river with all speed, but the _Sabah_ relentlessly
+pursued. A sudden darkening shadow startled the captain of the _Sabah_,
+and he pointed toward the mountains.
+
+"Something queer hatchin' over there, General."
+
+A dense mist hid the hills; only old Ganassi Peak stood out, dignified
+and stern. Like a dirty piece of canvas, one cloud balanced itself on
+Ganassi's shoulder and rapidly spread itself around the peak. It seemed
+to sap the very life from Ganassi, as it enveloped it in a chilling
+embrace. Slowly the cloud loosed its hold and bounced along on the
+lower hills. In its center it seemed to bear a restless, struggling
+mass, and the passengers on the _Sabah_ watched it nervously. Strange
+things happen very suddenly in the sunny Celebes. Fascinated, they
+watched the odd cloud lumbering toward them, dipping and lifting its
+burden. It sailed over the mountains, flitted past the jungle and
+reached the ocean, where it hovered and waved as if undecided which
+way to go. At times, like canvas, it would belly down in the middle,
+almost burst, right itself, and come sailing on. Again and again the
+heavy contents pulled the cloud to earth, but valiantly struggling
+with its burden, it resisted. The cloud brought with it a death-like
+mist, damp and choking, and the sunshine was abruptly put out. The
+thing hesitated over the _Sabah_, dipping and sucking itself back,
+as if made of elastic; it wandered about aimlessly and paused over
+the fleeing Dyaks. Finally as if discouraged and strained beyond its
+endurance, it gave up.
+
+With shrieks and cries the Dyaks watched it. Tons and tons of water
+burst from the cloud, striking the sea with a hiss that sent the
+spray high in the air.
+
+"Waterspout!" yelled the captain and ordered the _Sabah's_ engines
+stopped. In horror they beheld the crazy column careen about, obeying
+its master, the capricious wind, and following any stray current;
+around and around the spiral, grinding mass of water veered and circled
+aimlessly. It danced and capered about the ocean like some malignant
+monster loosed from torment, and finally, as if by direct intent,
+started for the river's mouth. The Dyaks saw it coming, and in their
+puny efforts to escape, looked like ants before an elephant. The five
+streams, flowing through the delta of the Cotabato River, seemed to
+draw the vicious waterspout toward them, and on it went, directly
+in the wake of the doomed Dyaks. Tensely the _Sabah's_ passengers
+followed the course of the spout. The whirling Nemesis descended upon
+the pirates; their cries of anguish came faintly through the roar and
+hiss of water; crude Dyak prayers, shrieked by terrified worshipers,
+smote upon their ears, and finally, like a whirlwind, the waterspout
+pounced upon its victims. It caught at them with a thousand arms;
+it tossed them up, bore them down, tore them from the light eggshell
+praus, crushing them to bits.
+
+Through the entire fleet stalked the monster, dealing out death and
+destruction to all, and, when there remained naught to vent its wrath
+upon, like an insatiate giant, it turned toward the jungle. Straight
+up the river it marched, rooting up trees, tearing down banks, and
+gradually vanished in the distance, leaving wreckage and disaster in
+its path.
+
+Silenced by the terrible spectacle, the Americans seemed to huddle
+closer together for protection, or comfort. But two figures stood
+out alone on the _Sabah's_ deck.
+
+Papita's eyes were fastened on Piang, on the charm that dangled from
+his necklace of crocodile teeth; Piang was lost in Ganassi Peak. His
+eyes were filled with a divine awe as he silently faced his beloved
+peak, where dwelt his wonder man, the Hermit Ganassi. Every element
+of his being, his very attitude, proclaimed that his spirit was
+pouring out a thanksgiving to his patron, whose prayers to Allah,
+the Merciful, had sent the waterspout to destroy his enemies. The
+Christians, boasting a greater God, were put to shame by this artless
+exhibition of a faith that they could never feel, and their eyes were
+filled with admiration as they looked upon this Moro boy, transfigured
+in his faith, as he muttered softly:
+
+"There is no God but Allah!"
+
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+NOTES
+
+[1] _Bichara_ means meeting and corresponds to the East Indian word,
+_durbar_.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Piang the Moro
+Jungle Boy, by Florence Partello Stuart
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF PIANG ***
+
+***** This file should be named 22407-8.txt or 22407-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/2/4/0/22407/
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ from scans made
+available by Google Books.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/22407-8.zip b/22407-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eb68cc5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-8.zip
diff --git a/22407-h.zip b/22407-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0cf4b56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h.zip
diff --git a/22407-h/22407-h.htm b/22407-h/22407-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7775bde
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/22407-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,5118 @@
+
+<!DOCTYPE html
+PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd">
+
+<!-- This HTML file has been automatically generated from an XML source, using XSLT. If you find any mistakes, please edit the XML source. -->
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1">
+
+<title>The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy</title>
+<link rel="schema.DC" href="http://dublincore.org/documents/1998/09/dces/">
+<meta name="author" content="Florence Partello Stuart">
+<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Florence Partello Stuart">
+<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy">
+<meta name="DC.Date" content="#####">
+<meta name="DC.Language" content="en"><style type="text/css">
+/* Standard CSS stylesheet */
+
+
+
+body
+{
+font: 100%/1.2em "Times New Roman", Times, serif;
+margin: 1.58em 16%;
+text-align: left;
+}
+
+.titlePage
+{
+border: #DDDDDD 2px solid;
+margin: 3em 0% 7em 0%;
+padding: 5em 10% 6em 10%;
+}
+
+h1.docTitle
+{
+font-size:1.6em;
+line-height:2em;
+}
+
+h2.byline
+{
+font-size:1.1em;
+font-weight:normal;
+line-height:1.44em;
+}
+
+span.docAuthor
+{
+font-size:1.2em;
+font-weight:bold;
+}
+
+h2.docImprint
+{
+font-size:1.2em;
+font-weight:normal;
+}
+
+.transcribernote
+{
+background-color:#DDE;
+border:black 1px dotted;
+color:#000;
+font-family:sans-serif;
+font-size:80%;
+margin:2em 5%;
+padding:1em;
+}
+
+.div0
+{
+padding-top: 5.6em;
+}
+
+.div1
+{
+padding-top: 4.8em;
+}
+
+.index
+{
+font-size: 80%;
+}
+
+.div2
+{
+padding-top: 3.6em;
+}
+
+.div3, .div4, .div5
+{
+padding-top: 2.4em;
+}
+
+.footnotes .body,
+.footnotes .div1
+{
+padding: 0;
+}
+
+h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6
+{
+clear: both;
+font-style: normal;
+text-transform: none;
+}
+
+h3
+{
+font-size:1.2em;
+line-height:1.2em;
+}
+
+h3.label
+{
+font-size:1em;
+line-height:1.2em;
+margin-bottom:0;
+}
+
+h4
+{
+font-size:1em;
+line-height:1.2em;
+}
+
+h4.lghead
+{
+margin-left:10%;
+margin-right:10%;
+}
+
+.alignleft
+{
+text-align:left;
+}
+
+.alignright
+{
+text-align:right;
+}
+
+.alignblock
+{
+text-align:justify;
+}
+
+p.tb, hr.tb
+{
+margin-top: 1.6em;
+margin-bottom: 1.6em;
+margin-left: auto;
+margin-right: auto;
+text-align: center;
+}
+
+p.poetry
+{
+margin:0 10% 1.58em;
+}
+
+p.line
+{
+margin:0 10%;
+}
+
+p.argument, p.note, p.tocArgument
+{
+font-size:0.9em;
+line-height:1.2em;
+text-indent:0;
+}
+
+p.argument, p.tocArgument
+{
+margin:1.58em 10%;
+}
+
+p.tocChapter
+{
+margin:1.58em 0%;
+}
+
+p.tocSection
+{
+margin:0.7em 5%;
+}
+
+
+div.epigraph
+{
+font-size:0.9em;
+line-height:1.2em;
+width: 60%;
+margin-left: auto;
+}
+
+.epigraph .bibl
+{
+text-align: right;
+}
+
+.epigraph .poem
+{
+margin-left: 0;
+}
+
+.epigraph .line
+{
+margin-left: 0;
+text-indent: 0;
+}
+
+.trailer
+{
+clear: both;
+padding-top: 2.4em;
+padding-bottom: 1.6em;
+}
+
+.floatLeft
+{
+float:left;
+margin:10px 10px 10px 0;
+}
+
+.floatRight
+{
+float:right;
+margin:10px 0 10px 10px;
+}
+
+p.figureHead
+{
+font-size:100%;
+text-align:center;
+}
+
+.figure p
+{
+font-size:80%;
+margin-top:0;
+text-align:center;
+}
+
+p.smallprint,li.smallprint
+{
+color:#666666;
+font-size:80%;
+}
+
+span.parnum
+{
+font-weight: bold;
+}
+
+.leftnote
+{
+font-size:0.8em;
+height:0;
+left:1%;
+line-height:1.2em;
+position:absolute;
+text-indent:0;
+width:14%;
+}
+
+.pagenum
+{
+display:inline;
+font-size:70%;
+font-style:normal;
+margin:0;
+padding:0;
+position:absolute;
+right:1%;
+text-align:right;
+}
+
+a.noteref
+{
+font-size: 80%;
+text-decoration: none;
+vertical-align: 0.25em;
+}
+
+
+.displayfootnote
+{
+display: none;
+}
+
+div.footnotes
+{
+margin-top: 1em;
+padding: 0;
+}
+
+hr.fnsep
+{
+margin-left: 0;
+margin-right: 0;
+text-align: left;
+width: 25%;
+}
+
+p.footnote
+{
+font-size: 80%;
+margin-bottom: 0.5em;
+margin-top: 0.5em;
+}
+
+p.footnote .label
+{
+float: left;
+text-align:left;
+width:2em;
+}
+
+.footnotes td, .footnotes th, .footnotes .tablecaption
+{
+font-size: 80%;
+}
+
+
+.poem
+{
+margin-left:5%;
+position:relative;
+text-align:left;
+width:90%;
+}
+
+.poem h4
+{
+font-weight:normal;
+margin-left:5em;
+text-decoration:underline;
+}
+
+.poem .linenum
+{
+color:#777;
+font-size:90%;
+left:-2.5em;
+margin:0;
+position:absolute;
+text-align:center;
+text-indent:0;
+top:auto;
+width:1.75em;
+}
+
+.versenum
+{
+font-weight:bold;
+}
+
+.footnotes .line
+{
+font-size:80%;
+margin:0 5%;
+}
+
+.poem .i0
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:2em;
+}
+
+.poem .i1
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:3em;
+}
+
+.poem .i2
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:4em;
+}
+
+.poem .i3
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:5em;
+}
+
+.poem .i4
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:6em;
+}
+
+.poem .i5
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:7em;
+}
+
+.poem .i6
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:8em;
+}
+
+.poem .i7
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:9em;
+}
+
+.poem .i8
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:10em;
+}
+
+.poem .i9
+{
+display:block;
+margin-left:11em;
+}
+
+span.corr
+{
+border-bottom:1px dotted red;
+}
+
+span.abbr
+{
+border-bottom:1px dotted gray;
+}
+
+span.measure
+{
+border-bottom:1px dotted green;
+}
+
+.letterspaced
+{
+letter-spacing:0.2em;
+}
+
+.smallcaps
+{
+font-variant:small-caps;
+}
+
+hr
+{
+clear:both;
+height:1px;
+margin-left:auto;
+margin-right:auto;
+margin-top:1em;
+text-align:center;
+width:45%;
+}
+
+h2.docImprint,h1.docTitle,h2.byline,h2.docTitle,.aligncenter,div.figure
+{
+text-align:center;
+}
+
+h1,h2
+{
+font-size:1.44em;
+line-height:1.5em;
+}
+
+h1.label,h2.label
+{
+font-size:1.2em;
+line-height:1.2em;
+margin-bottom:0;
+}
+
+h5,h6
+{
+font-size:1em;
+font-style:italic;
+line-height:1em;
+}
+
+p,p.initial
+{
+text-indent:0;
+}
+
+.poem .stanza
+{
+padding: .5em 0% .5em 0%;
+}
+
+p.quote,div.blockquote,div.argument
+{
+font-size:0.9em;
+line-height:1.2em;
+margin:1.58em 5%;
+}
+
+.pagenum a, a.noteref:hover, a.hidden:hover, a.hidden
+{
+text-decoration:none;
+}
+
+
+
+
+/* Supplement CSS stylesheet "style/arctic.css.xml
+" */
+
+
+
+body
+{
+background: #FFFFFF;
+font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;
+}
+
+body, a.hidden
+{
+color: black;
+}
+
+h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6
+{
+color: #001FA4;
+font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;
+}
+
+p.byline
+{
+font-style: italic;
+margin-bottom: 2em;
+}
+
+.figureHead, .noteref, span.leftnote, p.legend, .versenum
+{
+color: #001FA4;
+}
+
+.rightnote, .pagenum, .linenum, .pagenum a
+{
+color: #AAAAAA;
+}
+
+a.hidden:hover, a.noteref:hover
+{
+color: red;
+}
+
+
+</style></head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy, by 
+Florence Partello Stuart
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy
+       A Book for Young and Old
+
+Author: Florence Partello Stuart
+
+Release Date: August 26, 2007 [EBook #22407]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF PIANG ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ from scans made
+available by Google Books.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="front"><div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><p class="aligncenter">The Adventures of
+
+</p>
+<p class="aligncenter">Piang
+
+</p>
+<p class="aligncenter">The Moro Jungle Boy
+
+
+</p>
+</div>
+<div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><p></p>
+<div id="d0e86" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p000.jpg" alt="Slowly he swam downward, conscious of a large body moving near him" width="384" height="512"><p class="figureHead">Slowly he swam downward, conscious of a large body moving near him</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+</div>
+<div class="titlePage">
+<h1 class="docTitle">The Adventures of</h1>
+<h1 class="docTitle"></h1>
+<h1 class="docTitle">Piang<br>
+The Moro Jungle Boy
+</h1><br><h1 class="docTitle">A Book for Young and Old</h1>
+<h2 class="byline">By
+
+<span class="docAuthor">Florence Partello Stuart</span>
+<br>
+Illustrated By
+<span class="docAuthor">Ellsworth Young</span></h2>
+<h2 class="docImprint">New York<br>
+The Century Co.
+1917
+</h2>
+</div><div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><p class="aligncenter">Copyright, 1917, by <span class="smallcaps">The Century Co.</span>
+
+</p>
+<p class="aligncenter">Copyright, 1916, by <br><span class="smallcaps">David C. Cook Publishing Company</span> <br>Copyright, 1917, Boys&#8217; Life <br><span class="smallcaps">The Boy Scouts Magazine</span>
+
+</p>
+<p class="aligncenter"><i>Published September, 1917</i>
+
+</p>
+</div>
+<div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><p class="aligncenter">To<br>
+&#8220;Buddy&#8221;
+
+</p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e149" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="normal">Contents</h2>
+<ul>
+<li>I <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e305">The Charm Boy</a></span> 6
+
+</li>
+<li>II <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e479">The Floating Island</a></span> 32
+
+</li>
+<li>III <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e591">The Hermit of Ganassi Peak</a></span> 51
+
+</li>
+<li>IV <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e830">The Fire Tree</a></span> 78
+
+</li>
+<li>V <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e1109">Riding the Cataract</a></span> 108
+
+</li>
+<li>VI <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e1229">The Jungle Menace</a></span> 129
+
+</li>
+<li>VII <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e1474">The Secret of the Source</a></span> 157
+
+</li>
+<li>VIII <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e1749">The Juramentado Gunboat</a></span> 193
+
+</li>
+<li>IX <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e2088">The Bichara</a></span> 223
+
+</li>
+<li>X <span class="smallcaps"><a href="#d0e2418">Piang&#8217;s Triumph</a></span> 251
+</li>
+</ul></div>
+<div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="normal">List of Illustrations</h2>
+<ul>
+<li><a href="#d0e86">Slowly he swam downward, conscious of a large body moving near him</a> <i>Frontispiece</i>
+
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e399">Rising to his feet, spear poised, he waited</a> 17
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e498">His hands closed over something</a> 36
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e747">On its neck it supported a weird creature</a> 70
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e925">&#8220;The boom! We must cut it!&#8221;</a> 87
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e1192">With hands outstretched above his head, he waited for the great moment</a> 122
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e1317">Piang reached up on tiptoe to pluck a ripe mango</a> 139
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e1410">Gracefully the little slave-girl eluded Piang and Sicto</a> 149
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e1560">Over and over they rolled, splashing and fighting</a> 167
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e1950">A shrill whistle echoed through the forest</a> 210
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e2145">&#8220;Juramentado! Gobernado!&#8221; faintly whispered Piang</a> 227
+
+</li>
+<li><a href="#d0e2500">The water spout caught the eggshell praus in its toils</a> 261
+</li>
+</ul><a id="d0e272"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e272">1</a>]</span><p class="aligncenter">The Adventures of Piang<br>
+The Moro Jungle Boy
+
+
+
+
+<a id="d0e277"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e277">2</a>]</span>
+
+
+</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="line" style=""><span>&#8220;Do you know the fragrant stillness of the orchid scented glade, </span></p>
+<p class="line" style=""><span>Where the blazoned, bird-winged butterflies flap through?&#8221;</span></p>
+</div>
+</div><a id="d0e284"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e284">3</a>]</span></div>
+<div class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="normal">The Adventures of Piang<br>
+The Moro Jungle Boy
+</h2>
+<p>Piang is a real boy. Dato Kali Pandapatan is a real Moro chief. The Moro is not a Filipino.
+
+</p>
+<p>When I returned from my life among the natives of the lower Philippines, I was appalled to find that America was not only
+ignorant of, but entirely indifferent to our colonies across the seas. The general impression seemed to be that Manila was
+a delightful Spanish city, and that Manila was the Philippines. That there are several thousand little islands in the Philippine
+group, each harboring its distinct tribe, each with its own dialect and religion, was entirely unknown. Impressed by the nobility
+of the Moro in contrast to the other tribes of the archipelago, by his unfortunate treatment and his possibilities for development,
+I found myself taking up his cause, <a id="d0e294"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e294">4</a>]</span>and was repaid by intense interest wherever I launched forth on my pet subject. I was so successful that gradually I began
+to idealize the Moro, weaving around him, not the &#8220;might have beens,&#8221; but the &#8220;might be&#8217;s.&#8221; Hence, &#8220;The Adventures of Piang.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Many of our military heros of other days share the honors with Piang; their exploits and privations are a romance in themselves,
+and among these pages the army and navy will recognize stories that have long since become history. I am indebted to Dean
+Worcester for statistics and a great deal of information on the origin and development of the Moro. Indeed some of Piang&#8217;s
+adventures are actual incidents of Dean Worcester&#8217;s travels. Robinson and Foreman have given me much material, and I find
+their books authentic and true chronicles of the Malay people. But most of all I am indebted to that great and wise man, Colonel
+John P. Finley, United States Army, who during his term as civil governor of the Moro provinces, did more to help a down-trodden
+people than any Christian who has ever attempted to bring them to the true light.
+<a id="d0e298"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e298">5</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Anticipating carping criticisms from geographic purists, the author is ready to admit taking liberties with longitudes and
+latitudes, juggling lakes and mountains to the envy of Atlas, in order to serve the picturesque and romantic purposes of Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>Some of the stories in this volume appeared in the juvenile magazines, &#8220;St. Nicholas,&#8221; &#8220;What To Do,&#8221; and &#8220;Boys&#8217; World,&#8221; and
+are reprinted through the courtesy of the editors.
+
+
+
+</p>
+</div>
+</div><a id="d0e303"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e303">6</a>]</span><div class="body">
+<div id="d0e305" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">First Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">The Charm Boy</h2>
+<p>In the warm Celebes Sea, four hundred miles south of Manila, lies the romantic, semi-mysterious island of Mindanao, home of
+the Moro. For three centuries Spain struggled to subjugate this fierce people, with little or no success, and she turned them
+over to America with a sigh of relief. Perpetual warfare is the pastime of the Moro; it is his sport, his vocation; and the
+Mother Jungle hurls a livelihood at his feet. Food, clothing, shelter are his birthright.
+
+</p>
+<p>One of the most powerful tribes of Moroland is ruled by Dato (chief) Kali Pandapatan. Far up in the hills dwells this powerful
+clan, arrogant and superior in its power. Piang, the chosen of Allah, dwells among them; haughtily the boy accepts their homage
+as his due, for he is destined to become their ruler some day. His prowess <a id="d0e314"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e314">7</a>]</span>and bravery are the boast of his people, and the name of Piang is known from one end of Mindanao to the other.
+
+</p>
+<p>The tribe was assembled for the ceremony. Within the hollow square stood Dato (chief) Kali Pandapatan and old Pandita (priest)
+Asin. There was a rustle of expectancy among the onlookers; their interest was divided between the two solitary figures, silently
+waiting, and a hut, much bedecked with gaudy trappings and greens. On all sides the silent jungle closed in around the brilliant
+throng, seeming to bear witness against mankind; men might force a tiny clearing in its very heart after years of struggle
+and work, but the virgin forest sang on, undisturbed, watchful.
+
+</p>
+<p>The grass flaps, forming the door of the hut, moved. Like a soft wind caressing the palm-trees, a murmur rustled through the
+crowd:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It is he!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Children scrambled away from restraining parents to get a better view; dogs, filled with uneasiness by this strange silence,
+whined. The stillness was unnatural. Distant cries of a mina-bird <a id="d0e324"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e324">8</a>]</span>floated to this strained audience; the river, muttering its plaints to the listening rushes, sounded like a cataract in their
+ears.
+
+</p>
+<p>Into the midst of this crowd walked a stately, graceful youth. The dusky goldenness of his skin was enhanced by his rainbow-hued
+garments. From waist to ankle he was encased in breeches as tight as any gymnast&#8217;s pantaloons; they were striped in greens
+and scarlets and had small gold filigree buttons down the sides. A tight jacket, buttoned to the throat, was fastened with
+another row of buttons, and around his waist was gracefully tied a crimson sash, the fringed ends heavy with glass beads and
+seed-pearls. A campilan (two-handled knife, double-edged), and a pearl-handled creese (dagger) were thrust into the sash.
+With arrogant tread he advanced, the ranks dividing like a wave before an aggressive war-prau. His piercing black eyes expressed
+utter indifference, and he ignored those gathered to witness his triumph. Only once he seemed to smile when the little slave
+girl, Papita, timidly touched his arm. The rebuke that fell upon her from the others, brought <a id="d0e328"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e328">9</a>]</span>a frown to the boy&#8217;s face, but he continued to advance until he stood beside Dato Kali Pandapatan and Pandita Asin. Here,
+like a sentinel giant, bereft of his nearest kin, one monster tree remained standing. It seemed to whisper to its distant
+mates, who nodded answer from their ranks at the edge of the clearing. Under this tree Piang paused, gazing fixedly at his
+beloved chief.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang,&#8221; said Kali, &#8220;the time has come for you to prove that you are the chosen of Allah.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A perceptible rustle followed this.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;On the night of your birth, the panditas announced that the charm boy, who was to lead the tribe to victory, would be born
+before the stars dimmed. Your cry came first, but there was another, also, fated to come to us that night. The mestizo (half-breed)
+boy, Sicto, opened his eyes before that same dawn, and you are destined to prove which is the chosen Allah.&#8221; Anxiously the
+Moro men and women gazed at their idol, Piang. His manly little head was held high, and the powerful shoulders squared as
+he listened.
+<a id="d0e336"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e336">10</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The sun, but lately risen, bathed the multitude in its early light and chased the light filigree of moisture from the foliage.
+Through the branches of the solitary tree, wavy sunbeams made their way to flicker and play around Piang, and one bold dart
+seemed to hesitate and caress the mass of glossy, black hair.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sicto!&#8221; called Kali. There was another murmur, but very different from the one that had preceded Piang&#8217;s coming. From the
+same hut came forth another boy. A little taller than Piang, was Sicto, lean and lank of limb. His skin was a dirty cream
+color, more like that of the Mongolian than the warm tinted Mohammedan. His costume was much like Piang&#8217;s, but it was not
+carried with the royal dignity of the other boy&#8217;s. Sicto&#8217;s head was held a little down; the murky eyes avoided meeting those
+of his tribesmen, and his whole attitude gave the impression of slinking. The high cheek-bones and slightly tilted eyes bore
+evidence of the Chinese blood that flowed in his veins, and the tribe shuddered at the thought of Sicto as charm boy. He advanced
+with a shambling gait.
+<a id="d0e341"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e341">11</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Sicto, it is given that you shall have your chance.&#8221; Kali Pandapatan spoke loudly, a frown on his brow. &#8220;Piang is of our
+own blood, and we, one and all, wish him to be our charm boy, but there shall be no injustice done. Born under the same star,
+within the same hour, it is not for me to decide whether you or Piang is the Heaven-sent.&#8221; Turning to the pandita, Kali whispered
+something. The old man nodded and advanced a few steps, saying:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My people, I shall leave it to you, whether or not I have made a wise decision. There is no way for us to prove the claim
+of either of these boys, so I am sending them to seek the answer for themselves.&#8221; Asin paused, and the crowd moved. &#8220;On yonder
+mountain dwells the wise hermit, Ganassi. He has lived there for many years, apart from man, alone in the jungle with beast
+and reptile.
+
+</p>
+<p>There are no trails to his haunt; no man has seen Ganassi for a generation, but that he still lives we know, for he answers
+our signal fires each year and replies to our questions.<span id="d0e348" class="corr" title="Source: ">&#8221;</span> Turning to the two boys, he addressed them directly: <a id="d0e351"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e351">12</a>]</span>&#8220;The mountain where he dwells has been named after him, Ganassi Peak, and friends through the hills will direct you toward
+it. You shall both start at the same time, but by different routes. One leads through the jungle, over the hills; the other
+follows the river to its head-water, the lake. Old Ganassi will guide the real charm boy to him; he is great; he is ubiquitous.
+Have no fear of the jungle or its creatures, for he will be with you.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Amazement and joy were written on Piang&#8217;s face. He was to penetrate the jungle at last, alone! His heart thrilled at the thought
+of the adventures waiting for him there, and with radiant face he turned toward the inviting forest.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang! Piang!&#8221; resounded through the stillness, as the excited Moros watched him.
+
+</p>
+<p>Sicto stood, head down, wriggling his toes in the sand. He did not like the idea of the lonely jungle, or the thought of the
+long hard days between him and Ganassi Peak, but he did not speak.
+
+</p>
+<p>With solemn ceremony the pandita prepared to anoint the boys according to the rites of the <a id="d0e361"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e361">13</a>]</span>tribe. A slave boy ran lightly forward and sank on his knees before the pandita. On his head he bore a basket covered with
+cool, green leaves. Praying and chanting, the priest uncovered the basket, revealing two beautiful dazzlingly white flowers.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The champakas!&#8221; cried Papita in amazement as the rare flowers were exposed. An admonishing hand was placed over her lips.
+Slowly Asin raised the flowers, heavy with dew, above the two boys, and the clear, crystal drops fell upon their heads. Across
+the sky trailed a flock of white rice-birds; as they flitted across the clearing, their shadows leaped from one picturesque
+Moro to another; a twig snapped, startling a baby, who cried out. The spell was broken.
+
+</p>
+<p>The chant was taken up by the entire tribe, and slowly at first, they began to revolve around the central figures. As their
+excitement grew, the pace quickened, until they were whirling and gyrating at a reckless rate. Like a pistol-shot came the
+command to cease, and quietly all returned to their original places. Kali Pandapatan raised his hand for silence.
+<a id="d0e367"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e367">14</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I shall throw my creese into the air. Sicto, you may have first choice. Do you choose the point, or the flat fall?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Sicto considered:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If the creese falls without sticking into the ground, I shall choose my route first.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The crowd instinctively pushed a little closer as Kali tossed the shining blade into the air. A gasp, forced from between
+some anxious lip, broke the stillness. Every eye followed the course described by the knife, and when it fell, clean as an
+arrow, the blade piercing the earth, there was a sigh of relief. Piang was to have first choice.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, it is given that you shall choose. Will you proceed by the river or take your chances with the jungle? One route is
+as safe as another, and only the real charm boy can reach Ganassi.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I will go by the river,&#8221; Piang answered quietly, with great dignity.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>It was a beautiful day. To us, the heat would <a id="d0e384"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e384">15</a>]</span>have been stifling, the humidity distressing, but Piang loved it all and joyfully looked forward to the trip up the river.
+
+</p>
+<p>The trying ceremony over, the two candidates had hurried off to prepare for the long journey. Cumbersome garments were discarded,
+and Piang was clothed in the easy costume of the jungle traveler; breech-clout, head-cloth, a sarong, flung carelessly over
+one shoulder, and a <i>pa&ntilde;uelo</i> (handkerchief) with a few necessary articles tied securely in it. His weapons were a bolo, a creese, and a bow and arrow.
+Piang&#8217;s bare limbs, bronze and powerful, glistened in the brilliant sunshine, and he was very picturesque as he paddled along
+the stream, dipping his slim hands into the current, arresting objects that floated by. He had made his <i>banco</i> (canoe) himself; had even felled the palma brava alone, and had spent days burning and chopping the center away, until at
+last he was the proud possessor of one of the swiftest canoes on the river. As on ice-boats, long outriggers of slender poles
+extended across the banco, and the ends were joined <a id="d0e394"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e394">16</a>]</span>by other bamboo poles, so that the canoe looked like a giant dragon-fly as it skimmed lightly over the water.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang stopped at a lily-pad to gather some of the inviting blossoms, but regretted it instantly, as a swarm of mosquitos rose
+and enveloped him. He thought to escape their vicious attacks by paddling faster, but it was no use; they had come to stay.
+Trailing after him a long uneven stream, they seemed to take turns in tormenting him, and as the leaders became satiated,
+they fell back, allowing the rear rankers to buzz forward and renew the attack. Piang longed for a certain kind of moss that
+grows at the roots of trees, but his keen eyes could not discover any.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e399" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p017.jpg" alt="Rising to his feet, spear poised, he waited" width="380" height="512"><p class="figureHead">Rising to his feet, spear poised, he waited</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>It was almost all he could do, to paddle his banco and fight the pests; his sarong was wrapped tightly around him, but it
+was no protection against the savage mosquitos, and he was about to drop in the water despite the crocodiles, when he spied
+some of the moss. With a cry of relief, he headed toward the bank and managed to pull some into the boat. Taking from his
+bundle a queerly shaped, wooden object, he spun it like <a id="d0e405"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e405">19</a>]</span>a top, rapidly, backward and forward in a pan until smoke appeared at the point of the rod. Powdering some bark, he threw
+it into the pan, and when it began to blaze, he added some of the damp moss. Gradually a thick, pungent smoke arose. It curled
+upward, enveloping him and almost choking him with its overwhelming aroma, but it dispelled the mosquitos immediately, and
+Piang continued his journey unmolested.
+
+</p>
+<p>He was very happy that morning, for was he not free, honored by his tribe, and engaged in the dearest of pastimes, adventure?
+The poor little girls have no choice in their occupations, for as soon as they are large enough, their tasks are allotted
+to them; they must sit all day and weave, or wear out their little backs pounding rice in the big wooden bowls. But the man
+child is free. The jungle is his task. He must learn to trap game, to find where the fruits abound, and to avoid the many
+dangers that wait for him. Piang broke into a native chant:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ee-ung pee-ang, unk ah-wang!&#8221; As it resounded through the forest in his high-pitched, nasal tones, he was answered from the
+trees, and <a id="d0e411"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e411">20</a>]</span>little, gray monkeys came swinging along to see who their visitor might be. Piang mischievously tossed a piece of the smoking
+moss to the bank and paused to see the fun. Their almost human coughs, as the smoke was wafted their way, made him laugh.
+They scampered down, tumbling over each other in their anxiety to be first, and one little fellow, who succeeded in out-distancing
+the others, stuck its hand into the smoldering embers. Astonished, at first, it nursed the injured member, but gradually becoming
+infuriated, it finally shrieked and jumped up and down. It began to pelt the smudge madly with stones, chattering excitedly
+to its companions, as if describing the tragedy. The others had climbed back into the trees, paying no attention to Piang,
+but keeping a watchful eye on the danger that had been hurled among them.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang lazily plied his paddle, laughing to himself at the foolishness of monkeys. He tried to peer through the dense trees
+that crowded toward the river, hiding the secrets of the jungle. He wanted to know those secrets, wanted to match his strength
+against the numberless dangers <a id="d0e415"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e415">21</a>]</span>that are always veiled by that twilight, which the sun strives in vain to penetrate, year after year, turning away discouraged.
+Piang listlessly examined the river, little knowing the perilous adventure that waited for him just beyond the bend.
+
+</p>
+<p>One lone log, majestic in its solitude, floated down the river, resisting the efforts of tenacious creepers to bind and hold
+it prisoner. Piang poked it with his paddle. Another was floating in its wake, and he idly tapped this, also. It stirred,
+turned over, and disappeared under the boat.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Boia!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Crocodile!&#8221;) breathed the startled boy. He had disturbed one of the sleeping monsters! Piang&#8217;s heart beat very fast, and
+a shudder passed through him as he felt something bump the bottom of the boat. The crocodile was just beneath him and if it
+rose suddenly, it would upset him. One, two, three seconds he waited, but they were the longest seconds Piang had ever known.
+There was a slight movement astern; the boat tipped forward, swerved, and before Piang could right himself, a vicious snort
+startled <a id="d0e424"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e424">22</a>]</span>him. The crocodile was lashing the water with its tail, and the light shell was pitching and rolling dangerously. Piang scrambled
+to his knees.
+
+</p>
+<p>There are only two vulnerable spots on a full-grown crocodile; under the left fore leg, where the heart can be pierced, and
+the jugular vein, easily reached through the opened jaws. Piang, in the bow of the boat, paused, arm raised, waiting for a
+favorable opportunity. The canoe was being swept backward, stern first, and the crocodile swam close, nosing it, making it
+careen perilously. Any moment the merciless jaws might close over the brittle wood, crushing it to splinters. The small, bleary
+eyes seemed to devour Piang as they tortured him with suspense, but he patiently waited for his chance, knowing that he would
+only have one. The banco gave a jerk as it bumped into an obstruction, and the impact forced it outward a few feet. The moment
+had come. As the crocodile plunged forward, Piang thrust his spear into its breast. There was a gurgling sound, a swishing
+of the water, and the Ugly thing rolled over on its back.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang never could remember just how he escaped. <a id="d0e430"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e430">23</a>]</span>From every sheltered cove, from behind innocent-looking snags, appeared the heads of hungry crocodiles, awakened by the fight.
+Luckily they were attracted by the blood of Piang&#8217;s victim, and he skilfully avoided the clumsy animals as they rushed after
+the fast disappearing meal. One powerful monster succeeded in dragging the body into the rushes, and the noise of the dispute,
+as they fought over their unfortunate mate, nauseated the boy. His arms were tired and stiff and his head was reeling, but
+he bravely worked at the paddle until he reached a bend of the river. It had been a narrow escape, and Piang had learned a
+lesson. Never again would he idly thump logs in a stream!
+
+</p>
+<p>The boat suddenly came to a standstill. It was turning as if on a pivot. It had been caught in one of the numerous eddies
+at the mouth of a small tributary stream. Vigorously he strove to gain the channel. He hugged the bank, hoping to free himself
+from the whirlpool, but his outrigger became entangled in some weeds, and the boat slowly began to tip. Frantically he reached
+toward the tall nipa-palms, nodding over his head, <a id="d0e434"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e434">24</a>]</span>but their flimsy stalks gave easily, and he was almost thrown out of the boat. The sparkling water, as if laughing at his
+predicament, caressed the helpless craft, drawing it closer and closer to its bosom. The banco gave a lurch; it was tipping;
+it shipped a quantity of water. All Piang&#8217;s weight thrown against the upturned outrigger had no effect. Helplessly, he looked
+into the green, whirling depths.
+
+</p>
+<p>There was only one thing to be done. Taking a long breath, he grabbed his creese and dived. Down, down; the current pulled
+and tugged at him; the rush of sand and mud blinded him, and he was almost swept out into the river. But he managed to catch
+hold of the roots that were twined about the boat and finally cut the banco free. With a bound it started down the river.
+The empty shell, at the mercy of the waves, danced and frolicked like a crazy thing, and Piang was almost stunned by a blow
+from the outrigger as it passed him.
+
+</p>
+<p>The boat was rushing right back into the midst of the crocodiles, but he bravely struck out after it. There was no chance
+for him if he failed <a id="d0e440"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e440">25</a>]</span>to reach it. The whispering rushes and feathery palms at the water&#8217;s edge hid evil-smelling mud, festering with fever, the
+home of reptiles and crocodiles. Desperately the boy strove to overtake the boat, and just as he was giving up hope, a friendly
+snag tempted the runaway to pause, and Piang&#8217;s strong, young hand closed over the outrigger. Then began the task of climbing
+back. A sudden movement might release the banco, and it would continue its mad flight, which he would be powerless to stop.
+Keeping his eye on the frail-looking snag, he threw himself on his back in the water and worked his way along the outrigger
+as he would climb a tree. Finally his hand touched the body of the boat, and, cautiously turning over, he sat straddling the
+bamboo frame. It was all he could do to keep from jumping into the boat, but he restrained his impatience and started worming
+over the side.
+
+</p>
+<p>Half-way in his heart gave a leap! He could hear the swish-swish of the water on the other side of the banco as something
+made its way toward him. The eddy was the only thing that saved him, for he could see the dread thing twirling <a id="d0e444"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e444">26</a>]</span>round and round as it tried to reach him. The boy was almost paralyzed with fear. As long as the crocodile was on the other
+side of the boat, he was safe, but now&#8212;the snag creaked, stirred.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang made one heroic effort, lifted himself clear of the water, and fell exhausted into the boat. He was not a moment too
+soon. The crunching sound, as the support began to give under the strain, was a fit accompaniment to the snarling and snapping
+of the crocodile, which, deprived of its prey, was lashing the water, trying to reach the frail outriggers. Piang thought
+he had never been swept through the water so rapidly, and that he would never gain control of his boat. Louder and clearer
+came the sounds of the fighting monsters beyond the bend, and there between him and safety lurked his latest enemy.
+
+</p>
+<p>An impertinent, ridiculous twitter came from a tiny scarlet-crowned songster, as if it were trying to advise and direct the
+hard-pressed boy. Its solemn, round eyes stared at him, reproving and admonishing him for his foolhardiness. Piang, on his
+knees, struggling with the current, <a id="d0e450"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e450">27</a>]</span>was unaware of his audience. Gradually he worked the boat around and headed up-stream, straight for the crocodile. Surprised
+by this sudden change in tactics, it snorted and opened its repulsive jaws. Piang had hoped to catch it in this position,
+so, pressing forward as rapidly as possible, he took careful aim and hurled his knife into its mouth. Rising to his feet,
+spear poised, he waited to see if the knife would be effective. The creature floundered and slashed the water, gave a blood-curdling
+bellow, and rolled over on its back, dead. A crocodile fights with its last breath to remain on its belly, for if not dead,
+it drowns as soon as it turns over.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang wanted his weapon. The body of the animal was caught by the current and shot rapidly past him down-stream, but the boy,
+warned by the commotion further down, hesitated to follow it. He realized, however, that his knife was very valuable to him,
+and that he was sure to have urgent need of it again, so he started after the ugly body. The sparkling wavelets sported and
+capered with their grewsome burden, sometimes dashing it against some <a id="d0e454"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e454">28</a>]</span>stray log, again bearing it far across the river as if purposely assisting it to elude its pursuer.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang skilfully guided his banco in its wake, and finally succeeded in thrusting his spear into its side, and pulled it toward
+the bank. The knife was embedded far down in the terrible jaws, and Piang wondered if he dared reach into them. He looked
+at the tusk-like teeth, the first he had ever seen at close quarters, but he remembered with a shudder the wounds that he
+had helped care for&#8212;wounds made by such poisonous tusks.
+
+</p>
+<p>Mustering his courage, he slowly extended his hand into its mouth. The big, wet tongue flopped against his hand; the powerful
+jaws quivered spasmodically, and the hot, fetid steam from the throat sickened him. His knife! He must get it! Desperately
+he tugged at the handle; it would not loosen its hold. Cold sweat broke out all over Piang. A new sound arrested him. The
+crocodiles below had already smelled the blood of the second victim and were plunging up-stream to find it. The boy thought
+the knife <a id="d0e460"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e460">29</a>]</span>would never come out. He worked and twisted, and finally it gave so suddenly, that he lost his balance, and by a quick turn
+of his body just saved himself from another ducking. It was lucky for Piang that he finished when he did, for around the curve
+in the river, headed directly toward him, came the crowding, vicious scavengers.
+
+</p>
+<p>Gathering his wits quickly, he pushed forward. The snorting and fighting grew more and more distant; the peaceful river stretched
+out before him like a silver road beckoning him to safety, and he offered a prayer of thanksgiving to Allah, the Merciful,
+that he had been spared that awful death.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>It was nearly evening when Piang beached his banco and took up the trail to the village where he was to spend his first night.
+Confidently he trotted through the jungle, picking his way easily among the gathering shadows. Soon voices became distinguishable,
+and he heard tom-toms beating the evening serenade. Dogs howled in <a id="d0e468"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e468">30</a>]</span> response, women chattered, boys quarreled. To Piang this represented the usual day&#8217;s peaceful ending.
+
+</p>
+<p>As he trotted into the clearing and paused before the hut of the dato, the curious crowded around him: mothers to see if the
+stranger&#8217;s muscles could compare with their lads&#8217;; girls to flaunt their charms; boys to measure him with their eyes. Piang
+had no interest in anything but the boys, and as soon as the dato condescended to greet him with the customary salutation
+for guests, he was left in peace to join them at their interrupted game of pelota.
+
+</p>
+<p>Twilight comes quickly in the tropics. When darkness had fallen, each family was squatting beside its rice pot, and as the
+night silence deepened, the village slept. Piang had asked for no shelter, and no invitation had been extended, but he silently
+accepted the hospitality, according to the strange Moro codes.
+
+</p>
+<p>Slumber claimed the inhabitants of the barrio, but all around the jungle woke to the night. Noxious blooms raised their heads
+to drink in the deadly moisture; hungry pythons took up <a id="d0e476"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e476">31</a>]</span>their silent vigil at water holes; night prowlers slunk in the gloom to spring on the more defenseless creatures, and over
+it all the inscrutable jungle kept watch, passing silent judgment on man and beast, in this great scheme of life.
+
+
+<a id="d0e478"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e478">32</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e479" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Second Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">The Floating Island</h2>
+<p>Like a mirror framed in soft velvet green, the lake broke upon Piang. In the still noon heat the motionless water scintillated
+and sparkled and the powerful rays of the sun seemed to penetrate to the very bottom. Dragon-flies and spiders skated merrily
+about, eluding the ever-watchful fishes lying in wait amid forests of lacy seaweeds and coral. Tall, stately palms, towering
+above their mates, scorned to seek their reflections in the clear depths, but frivolous bamboo and nipa-palms swayed gently
+out over the water, rustling and chattering with delight at their mirrored images.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang slipped through the mouth of the creek and gazed in amazement at the vast sheet of water. Stories of the lake and its
+wonderful floating islands had lured him from the more direct <a id="d0e488"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e488">33</a>]</span>route to Ganassi Peak, and he eagerly searched for one of the curiosities. His eyes focused on a dot of green far in the distance.
+It was moving, turning, and suddenly a whole fleet of dancing, playful islands became distinct. Joyfully Piang started in
+pursuit. He wanted to see one, to touch it. Swiftly he flew through the water. As if detecting his purpose, the nomad islands
+eluded him. As soon as he chose one to pursue, it flaunted its charms the more and capered and dodged behind its fellows.
+Like a giant may-pole, the largest island held several smaller ones in leash, permitting them to revolve around it, interlacing
+vines and creepers that were rooted on the mother isle. Monkeys and jungle creatures crept fearlessly along these natural
+ropes, sporting from one island to another. Hablar-birds and aigrets squabbled over bits of rice and wild fruits. Piang caught
+sight of a civet-cat crouching in a tree on one island. It had probably gone to sleep in that tree while the island was nosing
+the mainland and had awakened to find itself adrift. Sometimes these floating islands would be held to the shore for years,
+<a id="d0e490"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e490">34</a>]</span>intertwining liana (climbing plants of tropical forests) and <i>bajuca</i> (jungle rope), but sooner or later some wild storm is sure to set them wandering again.
+
+</p>
+<p>There were weird tales of early Dyak settlers. These Borneo pirates had fled to Mindanao to escape justice, bringing many
+cruel and terrible customs that were to take root and bear fruit among the tribes of the sultan. A favorite pastime of the
+Dyaks had been to bind captives to a stray island and lead it slowly and tantalizingly to the mammoth waterfalls, shouting
+and dancing with glee as it plunged into the abyss.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e498" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p037.jpg" alt="His hands closed over something" width="378" height="512"><p class="figureHead">His hands closed over something</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>The lake was like a fairy-land. Purple lotus flowers surrounded the boat. Piang dipped his hands into the cool water, and
+pulled them up by long slender roots; lily-pads offered their beauties and soon the banco was a bower of fragrant and brilliant
+flowers. Playfully Piang caught at a vine, floating in the wake of an island. The natural boat led him gently about, twisting
+and circling back and forth. He laughed merrily. The islands were too funny! They seemed almost human in their antics. Some
+had regular <a id="d0e504"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e504">37</a>]</span>routes, and, like mail boats touched the same spot again and again, only to be hurried on as the current caught them. Others
+with malicious intent strayed in the path of their more systematic brothers, bumping and jarring them with obstinate regularity.
+
+</p>
+<p>The joy of freedom thrilled Piang; the intimacy with nature and its mysteries stirred within him a desire to know more, feel
+more, and he gazed at the distant peak where his fortune awaited him, wondering if the old hermit, Ganassi, was in reality
+watching for his coming.
+
+</p>
+<p>Toward afternoon Piang became conscious of a heavy steam-like vapor rising from the undergrowth at the edge of the jungle;
+the atmosphere grew suddenly sticky and sultry. Almost within a moment the brilliant sunshine was blotted out, and a gray
+twilight settled over the lake. Frightened birds, squawking and screaming, hurried by; a fawn, drinking at the water&#8217;s edge,
+darted off through the jungle. A slight frown rippled across the water; the breeze chilled Piang. Trees in the distance seemed
+to bend nearly double with no apparent cause, but the rush of wind <a id="d0e510"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e510">38</a>]</span>finally swept the whole valley, and the jungle shuddered and swayed before it. The storm seemed an animate thing, seemed to
+come upon the peacefulness of the lake like an evil genius, hurling its fury upon nature and her creatures.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang had never been alone in a typhoon. In bewilderment he looked about, wondering where he could find shelter. He watched
+the birds, the animals; his boat brought up against something with a thud. An island had bumped into him, and he realized
+in dismay what a menace the pretty toys might become in a typhoon. Struggling with the tempest, Piang fought past the islands,
+reached the shore, turned his banco bottom side up, and crept underneath.
+
+</p>
+<p>The violent wind began to dash loose objects about, tearing limbs off trees and hurling them aloft as if they were mere splinters.
+A cocoanut crashed down, striking the ground near Piang; another fell, and yet another. Then the rain came in torrents. It
+fell unevenly as if poured by mighty giants from huge buckets. The ground beneath Piang was swaying, undulating. <a id="d0e516"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e516">39</a>]</span>A tree crashed to the ground, tearing away vines and ferns. As he began to experience the motion of a boat, Piang became thoroughly
+alarmed and, dashing aside the banco, sprang to his feet.
+
+</p>
+<p>Terror flashed into his heart. What was happening? He had landed on the mainland and put his banco under a big tree, and now
+this tree was pitching and swaying, its branches sweeping the ground. The tree was being uprooted, and the earth at Piang&#8217;s
+feet was plowed up as roots tore through the surface. The next tree was being felled in the same manner, and as his eyes darted
+about, he beheld everywhere the same terrifying picture. These mighty monuments of time, trees older than man, were being
+torn from their beds and thrown to the ground or left standing against each other for support. It seemed to be only the trees
+in Piang&#8217;s vicinity that were doomed to destruction, and, although it was a dangerous thing to attempt, Piang decided to seek
+another shelter. He took a few difficult steps forward and was almost stunned by the immense fall of water. It dashed into
+his face, beat upon his <a id="d0e520"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e520">40</a>]</span>head in a stinging, hissing mass; it ran in streams down his arms and legs, making him heavy and clumsy. As he caught at a
+tree for support, it groaned under his weight and crashed to earth; the ground was giving way, and he felt himself sinking.
+With a scream, he freed himself, and, jumping to a fallen tree, clung desperately, hoping to escape flying missiles. Just
+as he gathered himself for another advance his heart gave a jump. Through the mad rage of the typhoon, he could hear quick
+breathing! The ground tipped and swayed alarmingly, tossing trees about like masts on a ship in distress.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Linug!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Earthquake!&#8221;) moaned Piang. Bravely the boy crept forward, knife in hand. Whatever it was, hiding under that log, Piang
+must take his chances; if he remained where he was he would certainly be killed by falling trees. His feet made a sucking
+sound; a vivid flash of lightning blinded him, and it was all he could do to force his way through the wall of water that
+was pounding down upon him. With a desperate effort, he pulled himself along by vines, hoping to pass the unknown animal before
+<a id="d0e527"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e527">41</a>]</span>it could leap; but the branches stirred, and he sprang back with a cry.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Babui!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Wild boar!&#8221;) he gasped. The creature&#8217;s head shook with fury; its teeth were bared, and the tiny red eyes flamed with anger.
+The babui had the largest tusks Piang had ever seen, and he grasped his bolo firmly to meet the rush. One second, two seconds&#8212;the
+suspense was fearful, and Piang wondered why the boar did not attack. Strained almost beyond his endurance, he stood, rigid
+and cold, waiting. The wind sucked at his breath; the torrents of water, dashing in his face, kept him blinking and gasping,
+and still that wild thing pawed and snorted. Fascinated, Piang gazed into the vicious, bleary eyes, and finally he realized
+that they were losing some of their fury; the tusks sank into the spongy earth; the head fell lower. The babui was a prisoner,
+pinioned to the ground by a fallen tree! Relief was Piang&#8217;s first sensation, but pity for the animal and fear for himself,
+roused him to the realization of new dangers yet to be faced. He must plunge into the dense jungle; it was only a short distance
+now. He glanced back to <a id="d0e534"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e534">42</a>]</span>be sure that the babui could not free itself; it was swaying and moaning, unable to move.
+
+</p>
+<p>As Piang paused to get his directions, the earth gave a tremendous jerk, which threw him on his face. He lay stunned for a
+few minutes and when he rose to his knees, he had the sensation of floating gently, softly. The jerking and trembling had
+ceased, and the ground swayed soothingly. Piang turned toward the jungle, to the spot where he had been about to step. Could
+he believe his eyes? Almost numb with terror, he gazed stupidly into the receding jungle. He was on land, but he was floating.
+He was sailing away from the jungle! Piang had taken refuge on a floating island.
+
+</p>
+<p>In despair he gazed about him, trying to penetrate the thickly driving rain. He was on the very edge of the island and he
+wondered why he had not been swept into the lake. The mass of vegetation, wrenched from its bed, trailed along in the water
+as the nomad island whirled and danced on the angry waves. A tree, the branches of which were hanging in the water, was pulled
+from its bed, dragging part of the island <a id="d0e540"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e540">43</a>]</span>with it. One long vine struggled to right itself against the current, to gain the shelter of the island again. It seemed most
+lifelike, and suddenly Piang realized with a shudder that it was alive. A python had been knocked from the falling tree and
+was being dragged along. Only the end of its tail was twined about a log; desperately it strove to work its way back, and
+Piang watched with dread. Its struggles grew weaker and weaker, and finally its head sank below the waves, and it joined the
+unresisting creepers that were being dragged along to destruction.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang leaned wearily against the only tree that remained standing; the fall of water, tearing down the trunk, cascaded over
+the jungle boy, and he raised his hand to shield his eyes. What had saved the solitary tree, Piang could not imagine, until
+he discovered a small diamond-shaped cut in the bark. He drew back with a shudder. Two crossed arrows were carved within the
+diamond. This was another Dyak custom so hateful to the Mohammedan; the tree was the sarcophagus of some Borneo chief. A century
+must have passed since the burial, for the incision <a id="d0e544"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e544">44</a>]</span>was almost obliterated, but Piang knew that the mummy of his enemy reposed in savage dignity within the heart of the tree,
+and that the Dyak belief was that the tree could not fall or decay. He fought his way to the other side of the island. On
+it sped. Cries of frightened animals came faintly from the mainland; screams of birds, beaten to earth, pierced the din.
+
+</p>
+<p>A tremor ran through the island. There was a tearing sound as if strong timbers were being forced apart; the whole mass stood
+still, then came a tremendous crash. It had collided with the fleet that Piang had been sporting with only an hour before.
+Surely the stray bits of jungle would crush each other to bits. A gray streak flew past Piang, and a frightened monkey, thinking
+to save itself from the other derelict, nearly landed on the babui. Paying no attention to either the boy or the babui, the
+monkey shrank against a log and hid its head, whining piteously.
+
+</p>
+<p>A pale light broke through the gloom, and the rain ceased as suddenly as it had come. Piang&#8217;s heart gave a bound as he watched
+the tempest abate. Suddenly he straightened himself and <a id="d0e550"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e550">45</a>]</span>strained his ears to catch a new sound. What was that deep, distant rumbling? A cry so piteous broke from him, that even the
+dying babui started. The falls! He could hear them distinctly and realized that he was rushing toward them at a mad pace.
+Louder and clearer grew the thunder of those falls, and Piang&#8217;s staunch little heart rebelled. He would not stand there like
+a Dyak prisoner! He would do something. He would save himself! A blazing flash rent the heavens and Piang caught sight of
+Ganassi Peak frowning and lowering in the clouds. Ganassi! If he only knew! No, it was too late. The falls roared hungrily,
+and nothing could keep the island from plunging to destruction.
+
+</p>
+<p>Slowly Piang rose to his full height, and, folding his arms, determined to die bravely. He could see the upper falls now,
+high above his head, and he pictured the greater falls below him&#8212;the falls that were waiting to swallow his island. He tried
+to remember the prayer for such an occasion, but none came to him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There is no God but Allah!&#8221; muttered the terrified boy.
+<a id="d0e556"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e556">46</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The island was pitching again as obstacles caught at it, spinning it around and around. Each thing that it struck on its reckless
+journey tore portions from it; gradually it became smaller. The light grew steadily clearer, and Piang could see what awaited
+him. Massive rocks loomed up at the head of the falls, and he calmly wondered if he would be killed before the plunge. The
+side of the island where he stood began to give way, and, although he was to die in a few minutes, instinct made him move
+to the other side. He tried to walk, but the ground gave at each step. He crawled along the trunk of a tree and unexpectedly
+came upon the monkey. The little creature was still huddled against the log and showed no fear of Piang; it whined louder,
+seeming to sense the rapidly approaching danger.
+
+</p>
+<p>Suddenly the monkey jumped into the tree, and Piang followed it with his eyes. It seemed to be gathering itself for a greater
+leap. As Bruce watched the spider, so Piang, fascinated, kept his eyes on the little wild thing. Gradually it dawned on him
+that the monkey had discovered <a id="d0e561"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e561">47</a>]</span>an avenue of escape! The island had veered off and was fast approaching a monster boulder that would surely break it in two.
+Growing on it were vines and trees hanging far out over the water.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang stumbled along and somehow made his way to the burial tree. A moment he paused, awed by a superstitious fear of the
+dead, but a violent clap of thunder terrified him into forgetting all but his immediate danger. There were only a few moments
+left; if he could reach the top of the tree before the island dashed past the vines, he might save himself. His hands tremblingly
+sought the notches sacred to the dead; he scrambled upward. Thorns pierced his tired limbs; vines and creepers took vicious
+delight in fastening themselves upon him. The tree shook as the monkey jumped farther out on a limb, and the movement seemed
+to put new strength in Piang. As he struggled up, a calmness came to him. He carefully watched the monkey, and when it crouched
+for the spring, Piang searched the approaching vines for one strong enough to hold him.
+<a id="d0e565"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e565">48</a>]</span></p>
+<p>In a moment it would all be over. What if he jumped too soon or too late? What if the vine proved too frail? The monkey was
+crouching for the leap. The branch that Piang was clinging to bent under his weight. The monkey flashed through the air, made
+a desperate grab, and swung out of sight. In a daze, Piang prepared to follow; breathlessly he watched for his chance. With
+a prayer on his lips and with a mighty effort, he sprang straight out into space. His hands closed over something small and
+round. A dizziness came over him.
+
+</p>
+<p>In dismay he felt the vine give, as if uncoiling itself from a windlass. Down, down he fell until his feet touched the soggy
+earth of the island. Still the vine uncoiled; the island crashed into the boulder. Desperately Piang tried to climb the vine,
+but its slackness offered no resistance. Slowly the island began to tip, to slide over the falls, and Piang made one more
+effort to save himself. As he grasped the vine more firmly, it brought up with a quick jerk, almost breaking his hold.
+
+</p>
+<p>He felt the vine tighten, heard it creak and <a id="d0e572"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e572">49</a>]</span>groan under his weight, and finally it lifted him clear of the island, swinging him far out over the abyss like a weight at
+the end of a pendulum.
+
+</p>
+<p>His island slid from under him, leaving him suspended in mid air; in the second that he hung there, he could see the cruel
+rocks below, the seething, steaming water. The stately funeral tree gently inclined to the fall, and, with stern dignity,
+took the plunge. The dying babui, flung far out into space, added its diminutive death-wail to the din. The vine trembled
+over the chasm. Piang felt a quick rush of air, a sickening feeling, as if he were rapidly falling; with a tremendous impetus
+the vine swung back, crashed into a tree, and, with the agility of the monkey, Piang climbed to safety.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There is no God but Allah!&#8221; came from the strained lips, and the boy turned his eyes toward the setting sun as it struggled
+to pierce the gloom.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Bulutu!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Rainbow!&#8221;) he cried, and a faint smile flitted across his bruised and bleeding face.
+
+</p>
+<p>Startled by a movement at his side, Piang found the frightened monkey trying to thrust its head under his arm. Taking the
+trembling little <a id="d0e585"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e585">50</a>]</span>creature up, Piang pillowed it against his breast. And so these strange companions, the timid, wild monkey and the gentle,
+savage boy crouched in the tree together, watching the typhoon beat out its fury on the helpless things of nature, and ever
+clearer grew the <i>bulutu</i> as it wreathed and crowned Piang&#8217;s goal, Ganassi Peak.
+
+
+
+<a id="d0e590"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e590">51</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e591" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Third Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">The Hermit of Ganassi Peak</h2>
+<p>The silence was oppressive. Piang stumbled along through the tangle of vines and weeds, tired and foot-sore. Would he never
+find the path to the peak? And was there really a mysterious old man who had lived up there for over a hundred years? Sicto
+was somewhere on that mountain, striving to reach the summit too, and the pandita had said that the boy who arrived first,
+was the real charm boy. They had both started from the <i>barrio</i> (village) the same day; Sicto had plunged into the jungle, while Piang had chosen the river and lake. He shuddered at the
+recollection of his many narrow escapes during the journey. Where was his enemy, Sicto, now? Had he found an easier route,
+and was he already with old Ganassi, receiving the rites of charm boy?
+
+</p>
+<p>Unfamiliar with the vegetation on the mountain, <a id="d0e603"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e603">52</a>]</span>Piang was afraid to touch the many strange fruits, so he contented himself with bananas and cocoanuts, and for water he drank
+dew from the enormous pitcher-plants. The jungle was thick, and it was difficult to decide in what direction to go, so Piang
+had to climb trees to get his bearings. One day just as he was starting up a tall tree, he was startled by a sound. Something
+was crashing through the bushes below him. Visions of terrible mountain animals flashed through his head, and he hastily scrambled
+up the tree. On came the creature, now pausing a moment, now plunging into the mesh of vines, tearing them asunder, always
+following the path Piang had made. Preparing himself for some strange beast, the boy drew bow and waited. Suddenly he started.
+A cold chill gripped him. That sound! It was a voice&#8212;Sicto&#8217;s! Crouching against the tree, Piang hoped to escape detection,
+but just as Sicto passed beneath the tree, Piang&#8217;s bow slipped and fell to the ground. Sicto jumped aside and looked up:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, ho, my pretty Piang! So I&#8217;ve got you, have I?&#8221; The bully started up the tree.
+<a id="d0e607"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e607">53</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Like a flash Piang was away. As easily as any monkey he swung himself into the next tree, and before Sicto realized it, Piang
+was taunting him from the very top of a far-off tree. More agile and much smaller than Sicto, Piang could easily travel in
+this way, and after a few unsuccessful attempts to follow, Sicto jumped to the ground. Slyly making his way along on foot,
+Sicto watched his rival. When Piang thought he had outdistanced his pursuer, he slipped to the ground and started off.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;L&#275;&#275;&#275;&#275;&#275;&#275; l&egrave;l&egrave;l&egrave;l&egrave; ouiiiit!&#8221; The war-cry rang through the jungle, and Piang knew that his life depended on his fleet-footedness.
+Over fallen tree trunks, through dense cogon grass, Piang fled. His feet were pierced by wicked thorns, and everything he
+touched seemed to throw out a defense against him. Bamboo caught at his clothing and held him prisoner; <i>bajuca</i> vines clutched his weapons, hurling him to the ground. Sicto was gaining on him. After poor Piang had made the path through
+the jungle, it was easy enough for Sicto to follow.
+
+</p>
+<p>On, up, fled the boy. He came to a clearing <a id="d0e617"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e617">54</a>]</span>through which a mountain stream was bubbling. The sun beat down; the stifling heat rising from rotting vegetation took his
+breath away, but Piang ran on. What was that black hole yawning in the mountain side? With a gasp, Piang realized he was at
+the mouth of the haunted cave.
+
+</p>
+<p>The brook, flowing swiftly down the mountain, plunged into the cave and disappeared, to come to the surface about two miles
+away. It was the home of the most terrible reptiles and animals, and the souls of wicked people waited there for Judgment
+Day.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang scanned the precipitous cliffs, the impenetrable jungle, in search of an avenue of escape. He was trapped. A gloating
+cry from Sicto decided him. Sicto was a coward and would be afraid to follow him, so Piang ran toward the cave. Had not the
+pandita said that Ganassi would be with the real charm boy, and was not Piang sure of that protection? Who but Piang was the
+charm boy?
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang&#8217;s courage began to flag, however, as he caught the cold, damp odor from the cave, but he bravely plunged into the forbidding-looking
+<a id="d0e625"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e625">55</a>]</span>cavern. Man had probably never set foot in that place before. Creeping along, he peered into the increasing darkness, but
+could see nothing. A shriek startled him, and the sight that met his eyes made his blood run cold. Sicto had started to follow
+Piang, but just as he came to the opening, a huge python slipped across the mouth of the cave, waving its enormous head from
+side to side. Sicto, trembling with fear, retreated into the jungle, and as Piang saw him disappear, he longed to be out again,
+fighting Sicto, anything, rather than penned up in the cave with that frightful snake and the unknown horrors. There was no
+turning back, however, for that sentinel continued to slip and slide across the opening, and Piang bravely faced the two miles
+that lay between him and the other end of the underground passage.
+
+</p>
+<p>The air was heavy and moldy; the sides of the cave wet and slippery. Once his hand touched something that moved, and he almost
+fainted.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am the real charm boy,&#8221; he whispered, &#8220;and nothing will hurt me. Ganassi, the wonder man, is with me. Forward!&#8221;
+<a id="d0e631"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e631">56</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Courageous and determined, the boy pressed on. A muffled cry resounded through the passage. Flattening himself against the
+slimy wall, Piang listened. He could not imagine what had made the sound, and he unsheathed his knife. At times he followed
+the bed of the stream, wading ankle-deep in the water, but the slippery stones turned or tripped him, and when he stepped
+on something that moved, he groaned and jumped to the narrow shelf-like ledge that overhung the water.
+
+</p>
+<p>A faint light stole through the gloom. Was it the end? But surely not, he had not gone more than a few hundred yards. He hurried
+forward. Brighter, clearer, it grew. Suddenly the brook made a sharp turn, and he found himself in a high, vaulted chamber,
+sparkling and shimmering in the light from above. Piang was so glad to see daylight again, faint as it was, that he did not
+stop to consider new dangers, and eagerly ran forward. He searched the sides for support on which to climb to the crevices,
+but the rotting vines and moss that lined the walls gave at his touch, and he fell back discouraged. <a id="d0e636"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e636">57</a>]</span>Something crumbled under his body, and he discovered to his horror that he had fallen on a skeleton. A man had been here before
+him, then? But closer examination proved the bones to be those of a <i>packda</i> (ape). Snakes and worms wriggled out of the skeleton, and Piang shrank back in fear. The dread hamadryad leered at him; poisonous
+toads and lizards scurried for cover. How many more of these creatures would he encounter before escaping from this dungeon?
+Would Ganassi protect him and lead him safely through? Something seemed to tell the boy that he was safe and with renewed
+faith, he prepared to continue the journey.
+
+</p>
+<p>Everywhere the beauty of nature asserted itself. Pale green ferns seemed to hold out beseeching arms toward the light; moss
+crept upward hopefully, softening the rough ledges with its velvet touch. Great stalagmites and stalactites, smothered in
+the embrace of lichen and creepers, accepted the homage of the plant life indifferently. Piang was blind to the sublimity
+of his surroundings, as he hurried on. Carefully he stepped on the ledge; warily he held out his <a id="d0e643"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e643">58</a>]</span>bolo to ward off surprises. A sudden hiss made him leap into the stream, and shuddering, he plunged on, down the black path.
+Would the stream lead him to the sunlight again? Or was he burrowing into the depths of the earth, never again to breathe
+the air of life?
+
+</p>
+<p>Finally, after almost giving up hope, he heard the distant call of a mina-bird. The jungle! Frantically he worked his way
+forward, wondering if the mate to the sentinel at the other opening would bar his passage. Daylight! Faintly, at the end of
+the long tunnel, he could see the blessed green of the forest, but his cry of joy was stilled; his hope of safety vanished.
+Again that mournful cry echoed through the cavern, and he gave himself up for lost. The souls of the wicked were pursuing
+him, would capture him, and make him pay for intruding upon them! Piang reeled as he heard a splash in the water behind him;
+he caught at something for support; it writhed out of his hand. Paralyzed with fear, the boy scarcely breathed. On came the
+pursuer, stealthily, warily. Reaching the end of his endurance, Piang wheeled, and faced the cave. <a id="d0e647"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e647">59</a>]</span>Something paused, whined, and a streak flew past him. The fetid odor of a living creature brought him to his senses, and his
+anxious eyes discerned the outline of a civet-cat making its way to the opening.
+
+</p>
+<p>As he struggled through those last few rods, Piang thought he had never worked so hard in his life, but finally he lay in
+the sunshine, safe, free, and unafraid.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>For two days Piang struggled upward. Everything was strange to him; the growths and trees were different from those of the
+lowlands. Scrub palms, covered with small buds, on which the dread packda feeds, began to appear, and Piang anxiously scanned
+the trees. There is no creature in the jungle that has the strength of the packda. Only the crocodile and the python are foolish
+enough to attack it, but the crocodile&#8217;s jaws are torn asunder, and the python is clawed to pieces.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang!&#8221; The name echoed and vibrated through the forest. Who had called him? Trembling with fear, filled with apprehension,
+<a id="d0e657"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e657">60</a>]</span>Piang took refuge in a tree. From the branches he scanned the surrounding forest. Was a spirit following him from the haunted
+cave, or was it the hated Sicto?
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang!&#8221; It came softly this time, as if from a greater distance. The underbrush moved, and Piang prayed that it might not
+be a spirit come to destroy him. The bush rustled, cracked, and parted as a dazzling white head made its appearance. Piang
+shut his eyes, dreading what was to come. Almost swooning, he slipped, lost his hold, and went crashing through the branches.
+Stunned by the fall, it was sometime before he regained consciousness, but the first thing he was aware of, was a hot breath
+on his face. Slowly he opened his eyes, wondering if he was dreaming. There, bending over him, was a marvelous white fawn.
+
+</p>
+<p>Startled and ashamed, Piang looked at the lovely thing. He put out his hand and the animal laid her soft muzzle in his palm,
+allowing him to caress her. What did she want? Were some of her babies in trouble? With his arm about the fawn&#8217;s neck, Piang
+allowed himself to <a id="d0e663"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e663">61</a>]</span>be led along a well defined path, trodden by many feet.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang!&#8221; Again his name was called, but for some reason fear had been banished from his heart, and he advanced without a qualm.
+Presently they came to one of the numerous jungle clearings. The sun did not burn at this altitude, and Piang took a deep
+breath of the fresh, crisp air. A flapping of wings startled him, and before he could prevent, a brilliant mina-bird circled
+his head and gently lighted on his shoulder. A soft white mist was floating around and below him. The clouds! He was in them,
+&#8220;the breath of the wind,&#8221; and he thought that this must be fairyland.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang!&#8221; This time the voice was near at hand. Both creatures responded to the call, and Piang suffered himself to be led
+onward. The fawn stopped near a gigantic banian-tree. It was the only tree in the clearing and spread over more than an acre
+of ground, enticing the surrounding creepers and orchids to its shelter. Piang had seen these trees before, but never such
+a large one. The banian is like a huge tent; <a id="d0e669"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e669">62</a>]</span>each branch sends shoots to the ground, which take root and become additional trunks, and year after year the tree increases
+its acreage; hundreds of men can find shelter under these jungle temples.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang!&#8221; The voice came from within the tree. Astonished, Piang watched the mina-bird flit through the sunlight and disappear
+into the banya. The fawn paused, looked gravely into the boy&#8217;s eyes, and with stately mien, walked into the tree.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, my little friends, for bringing Piang to Ganassi,&#8221; said the voice from within.
+
+</p>
+<p>Ganassi! So this was the haunt! This lovely natural dwelling, the dread Ganassi&#8217;s home! Expectantly, Piang waited. Was Ganassi
+a man, or was he only a voice, the heart of this banian-tree? While he stood gazing at the tree, waiting for the spirit to
+address him, or the man to appear, he was startled by a black, shiny head, and the loathsome coils of a python, writhing in
+the branches. The serpent! Piang had heard that it could fascinate animals, keeping them <a id="d0e677"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e677">63</a>]</span>prisoner by its mystic powers, until ready to devour them. Ganassi was, then, an evil spirit in the form of a serpent! Piang
+uttered a low cry.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;So, my little pet, you have frightened Piang, the charm boy! You must not do that.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The snake, responding to the voice, stuck its head through the foliage and slipped from sight.
+
+</p>
+<p>The voice! The voice! It had called him the charm boy! Piang&#8217;s fear abated, and he said tremblingly:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;O great Ganassi, will you not show yourself to me, Piang?&#8221; Breathlessly the boy listened. The branches swayed, parted, and
+the mina-bird floated through. The python, head erect, followed, and next came the graceful white form of his first friend.
+On its neck it supported a weird creature. Bent and wrinkled, was the little old man; a few strands of white hair flowed from
+his chin, and his eyebrows and lashes had almost disappeared. Toothless, almost hairless as he was, there was that about Ganassi
+that precluded horror, for his sparkling eyes were kind, and his mouth gently curved into a smile. Piang fell on <a id="d0e687"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e687">64</a>]</span>his knees. The hermit surrounded by his pets, advanced and raised the boy.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My little Piang! So you have come to Ganassi at last. He has known for many years that you would come. Long before you were
+born he knew, and his heart is glad to welcome you.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Is it true, O wise man, that I am the real charm boy, and that I shall lead Kali Pandapatan&#8217;s tribe to victory?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You have spoken, my son. It was over you, not the impostor, Sicto, that the mystic star hovered on the night of your birth.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>At the mention of his enemy&#8217;s name, Piang quickly scanned the surrounding jungle, but Ganassi&#8217;s soft chuckle reassured him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Have no fear, child. Sicto can never harm you, nor will he ever reach Ganassi. The python would smother him; the mina-bird
+would peck out his eyes; the gentle fawn would lead him astray.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How do you know all this, O Ganassi?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The question shall be answered, Piang, because you are charm boy, but should other lips <a id="d0e703"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e703">65</a>]</span>utter it, they should never speak again. Enter.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Ganassi held back the slender trunk-roots of the banian. Curiously, the boy looked about. All the wonder of the jungle seemed
+centered in this sacred spot. A forest of stems and aerial roots greeted his eyes; from overhead the graceful and rare Vanda
+lowii sent inquisitive blooms to caress his cheek; they mingled with his dark hair, scenting the air with their strange fragrance.
+From tree-ferns, nestling in the branches, tiny heads peeped out, and little feathered creatures chirruped a welcome. A civet-cat
+was lazily stroking its face with one paw. Something large and hairy stirred on a nest of dried grass, and sleepily a full-grown
+packda stretched himself and gazed at Piang. The python approached it, and a hairy paw was extended; his snakeship coiled
+up beside the ape, and the mina-bird flew to the ape&#8217;s shoulder.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang could scarcely believe his eyes. Here all was at peace, and natural enemies forgot to fight and kill.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, all these creatures are going to be your friends.&#8221;
+<a id="d0e711"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e711">66</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Piang seated himself on the soft turf opposite Ganassi; the fawn nosed her head under Piang&#8217;s arm and sank by his side.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The charm that I am about to give you will protect you from tempest, danger, and deceit: no storm can destroy you; no animal
+can creep upon you unaware, and no man can lie to you. You will become the wise man of Mindanao, the guide of your people,
+the heart of the island.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Solemnly the boy followed the words of the old man.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You shall be taught all the truths of the nation, and you shall pass them along to the generations.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang&#8217;s face brightened. At last he was to know the answers to many puzzling questions.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ask what you will, boy. I will answer you truthfully and justly, telling you the things as they are, as they have been since
+the day of creation.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, O Ganassi, must Mohammedans never eat the flesh of the wild boar? It is forbidden that we touch pork, yet the Christians
+find it good.&#8221; Ganassi&#8217;s brow clouded:
+<a id="d0e726"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e726">67</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Have you never heard of the Christian&#8217;s God? Do you not know that we hate Christians because they believe a Son of God could
+be killed by man? They call him Christ, but we know that the Almighty is Toohan, omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. Their
+prophet Isa [Jesus] once visited the great Mahomet, and when Mahomet demanded that he divine what was in the room beyond,
+Isa refused, saying that he had no wish to show power.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Answer correctly, or you pay for it with your life!&#8217; thundered Mahomet. Isa then replied that he had two strange animals
+in the room.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;&#8216;Wrong!&#8217; cried Mahomet. &#8216;You shall now be killed. My two beloved grandchildren are behind those doors!&#8217; but when they were
+flung open, two filthy boars ran out; Isa had changed the children into pigs! And so, Piang, no true Mohammedan will eat the
+flesh of the wild boar. Beware, lest you ever let a Christian hear this story; it is not for us to acknowledge that Isa is
+greater than Mahomet.&#8221;
+<a id="d0e733"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e733">68</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Piang was shocked. No wonder his people abstained from the flesh of the boar.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you tell me what makes the sea rise and fall, and why the tides rush in and flow out again?&#8221; asked Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>A smile broke over Ganassi&#8217;s leathery features.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;In a far distant sea lives a giant crab; when he goes into his hole, the water is pushed out, and when he comes forth for
+food, the water rushes in.&#8221; It was so simple that Piang laughed heartily. The mina-bird, startled, squawked an admonition
+and fluttered to Piang&#8217;s lap.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where do we go when we die,&#8221; asked the inquisitive boy.
+
+</p>
+<p>Ganassi scouted the Christian&#8217;s belief that heaven is in the clouds. Were they not in the clouds now?
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e747" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p070.jpg" alt="On its neck it supported a weird creature" width="383" height="512"><p class="figureHead">On its neck it supported a weird creature</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;When a child is born, the soul enters the body through the opening left in the skull. This hole soon closes, confining the
+spirit within. When death comes to a household in Moroland, have you not seen the master of the house mount to the roof and
+remain there through the night? <a id="d0e753"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e753">71</a>]</span>Well, that is to prevent the evil spirit, Bal-Bal, from entering. This dread creature sails through the air like a flying
+Lemur (monkey), tears the thatch from the roof with his terrible curved nails, scatters the defenders, and licks up the body
+with his forked tongue of fire. The soul of this deceased never reaches heaven. Your charm, Piang, will ward him off.&#8221; The
+boy sat, mouth open, eyes staring. &#8220;A soul is guided to a cave that leads deep down in the earth, and there, between two gigantic
+trees, stands Taliakoo, a giant, who tends the eternal fires. Taliakoo inquires of the newcomer what he has to say for himself,
+and to the surprise of the soul, something within it answers. Conscience, the witness, replies, and according to the decree
+of this strange arbiter, the fate of the soul is decided. If nothing but ill can be said for it, it is pitched into the fire;
+if it has been good, it is allowed to pass on to the abode of the blessed. The soul that meets with neither fate, is punished
+according to its sins: if it has lied, its mouth pains; if it has been a thief, its hands itch and burn, and eventually, after
+the period <a id="d0e755"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e755">72</a>]</span>of punishment is over, it precedes to heaven, cleansed of its sins.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The big ape, sleeping soundly, emitted a snore so human, that Piang laughed.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why does the packda look so like a man, Ganassi?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Because he once <i>was</i> a man,&#8221; was the startling reply. &#8220;He was lazy and, instead of working, climbed trees and hunted minas (monkey-nuts). A companion,
+becoming vexed, uttered a curse on him and threw a stick at him. These things clung to the lazy man: the stick became a tail,
+and the curse deprived him of speech. Ashamed of himself, he and his family took to the trees, never to return.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Many questions were put to the wise old hermit, and his ready answers astonished, but satisfied, Piang. Night came on, and
+the strange company lay down together under the shelter of the banian and slept.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang was very happy. He had reached Ganassi, was proclaimed the real charm boy, and was at last to receive the glorious charm.
+Some <a id="d0e770"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e770">73</a>]</span>said it was a star tossed to Moroland by the Creator, that it was the emblem of power, and that he who wore it would be filled
+with a divine understanding. Others believed it to be the great diamond of Borneo, captured many years before from the pirates
+of that fierce land. Piang did not care which it proved to be, as long as it shone and sparkled with beauty. All agreed that
+its brilliance dazzled the eye, that its magnificence was unrivaled. Ganassi had waited a hundred years for the charm boy
+who was destined to wear it, and at last the star had proclaimed Piang to be the lucky boy. Through Piang&#8217;s dreams flitted
+the visions of shimmering jewels of gold, and the happy smile on the boy&#8217;s lips made old Ganassi&#8217;s heart glad.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Up, up with you, sleepyhead!&#8221; called Ganassi. &#8220;The sun will catch you napping if you do not hurry.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang sleepily rubbed his eyes and sat up. Horror and fright seized him as he beheld the body of the python curled up beside
+him and the <a id="d0e778"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e778">74</a>]</span>packda contemplating him with indifference. From the doorway Ganassi smilingly watched him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come, my subjects are assembling; they will all assist in the ceremony of the sacred charm.&#8221; The charm! Piang remembered
+and jumped to his feet. Creatures from all over the mountain were answering Ganassi&#8217;s weird call; the air was full of fluttering
+birds, and monkeys came swinging toward them. Ganassi gave to each a sweet or a fruit.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, no dato can boast of a grander court than Ganassi, eh?&#8221; chuckled the old man.
+
+</p>
+<p>It was indeed marvelous. Ganassi seemed to reign among the jungle folk as royally as any king. He chastised, praised, petted,
+and scolded; and one and all the beasts loved their wizened little master. Solemnly Ganassi went about his task. From his
+bosom he took a small object, smoothed, and caressed it. Piang trembled with excitement. Ganassi called each animal, and they
+responded to the beloved voice.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, my creatures approve my action. This is the sacred charm. One and all the animals <a id="d0e788"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e788">75</a>]</span>have blessed it, and through your life, if you have faith, nothing will harm you.&#8221; Piang&#8217;s eyes darted around the strange
+circle, and, indeed, the animals accepted him as naturally as they did Ganassi.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The time has come, Piang. The heavens have watched over you from babyhood, and you have proved your worth and bravery many
+times. I am ready to reward you. Come!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Trembling, the boy advanced. Kneeling before the hermit, Piang clasped his hands and prayed that he might be worthy of the
+great honor about to be bestowed upon him. Gently the wise man laid his hands on Piang&#8217;s head; softly he muttered a few words;
+then something dropped around the boy&#8217;s neck.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You may rise, Piang. You are now invincible!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Bounding to his feet, Piang clasped the charm.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I cannot see it, Ganassi. May I unclasp it to behold its beauty and splendor?&#8221; Keenly the old man looked into the face of
+the boy, measuring him, studying him.
+<a id="d0e800"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e800">76</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;And if it is not beautiful, shiny, and bright, boy, what then?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, but it must be, Ganassi! It is the most valuable thing in the world!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You may unclasp it, Piang.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Clumsily the boy fumbled with the fastenings; eagerly his eyes sought the charm. His face went blank; tears sprang to his
+eyes. He was holding a tiny gourd, no larger than a monkey-nut, suspended from a necklace of polished crocodile teeth. His
+disappointed eyes met Ganassi&#8217;s, still studying him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Are you not satisfied, Piang? Are you then unworthy of the great honor bestowed upon you? Do you think that to be of value
+a thing must sparkle and shine?&#8221; Piang gathered himself, hid his disappointment, and bravely answered:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am satisfied.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Shake the gourd, Piang.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A hollow rattle came from the immature growth, and Piang&#8217;s face brightened.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Its worth may be inside. Who knows? Only Ganassi, the wonder man, and he will tell <a id="d0e819"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e819">77</a>]</span>no one.&#8221; The keen old eyes twinkled as they watched Piang&#8217;s face.
+
+</p>
+<p>The mystery! It was again established, and Piang was happy. Maybe the precious stones were inside and some day would be revealed
+to him! As if reading his thoughts, Ganassi said:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The charm must remain intact to wield its spell; if the gourd should ever be broken or stolen, both you and the charm lose
+the mystic power lately bestowed upon it. Piang, the source of power is faith! Believe, be honest, be true, and the world
+holds naught but joy for you and Kala Pandapatan&#8217;s people.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A silence fell upon them all. The solemn words had sobered Piang, and he gazed into the eyes of the wise man.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Begone, boy. The sun rises, and you have many miles to go. To-night I will light the signal fires and tell your tribe that
+you have come and gone, that Piang is charm boy of Kali Pandapatan&#8217;s people forever.&#8221;
+
+
+
+<a id="d0e829"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e829">78</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e830" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Fourth Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">The Fire Tree</h2>
+<p>The velvety dusk of the jungle was pierced here and there by the brilliant, crimson buds of the fire-tree. For weeks all Moroland
+had waited for their coming, the heralds of the combat season. During the harvest time there is a truce in these turbulent
+islands, but when the crops have been gathered, the natives become restless and long to sally forth to conquer. The myth that
+victory comes only to the tribe whose fire-tree has bloomed is implicitly believed, and impatiently the Moros await this announcement
+of the combat season. Paying no heed to their capital city, Manila, these merry little isles revel in intrigue, and there
+is no sport in Moroland that can compare with the combat. Tribes go forth to conquer and enslave others; the men look forward
+to it as an opportunity to prove their prowess; the women thrill at the possibility <a id="d0e837"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e837">79</a>]</span>of capture. True, they may become the slaves of some unscrupulous dato, but there is always the romantic chance that they
+may fall into the hands of the hero of their dreams and become the favorite of his seraglio.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where is Piang?&#8221; Dato Kali Pandapatan addressed a copper-colored slave who salaamed and replied:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;In the jungle, O most high one, searching for the blooming fire branch.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It is well.&#8221; Kali Pandapatan, with folded arms, paused in the doorway of his hut, watching expectantly the only opening into
+the frowning jungle.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He comes! He comes!&#8221; rippled through the barrio.
+
+</p>
+<p>The eager inhabitants gathered to learn if the time was yet ripe. Into their midst ran a slim, bronze lad, waving above his
+head a branch, almost bare of green, but aflame with crimson blossoms. There was a hush. Women gathered their children to
+them; men grasped their weapons more firmly, and the young boys looked with longing eyes at the fortunate Piang.
+<a id="d0e849"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e849">80</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Ooola!</i>&#8221; exclaimed Piang. Every lip repeated the word; every knee was bent, and the tribe lay prostrate at his feet; only old Kali
+Pandapatan remained standing, eyeing Piang with satisfaction. For a full two minutes the crowd remained motionless. The palm-trees
+whispered and crackled above them, and the river sent a soft accompaniment to the jungle music. To and fro above their heads
+Piang majestically waved the branch, until finally one bold voice demanded:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Anting-anting!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;The charm, the charm!&#8221;) Piang defiantly bared his breast, exposing the sacred charm suspended from his necklace of crocodile
+teeth. There was moaning in the crowd, sobs of excitement, and protests of impatience, but every head remained lowered until
+the august relic was again covered. Piang began to chant in a high, nasal voice, and the others rose and joined in creating
+a weird, monotonous drawl. Like a statue stood the boy, holding the branch high above his head while they circled round and
+round him. Faster, faster they whirled; in a frenzy they shrieked; some fell and <a id="d0e860"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e860">81</a>]</span>others tramped them in their excitement. Suddenly the boy stamped his feet, uttering a sharp cry. Every eye turned toward
+him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;To the river!&#8221; he cried and lead the way. Two boys hurried forward and were on their knees in a twinkling, hollowing out
+a place in the sand, dog fashion. With many incantations and prayers, the branch was planted in the hole, the damp sand laid
+carefully around the base, and the two proud boys left to watch. If the flowers of the fire tree faded before the scorching
+sun set, it was destined that the tribe would be unsuccessful in its ventures for the season; should the blooms defy the rays
+of the sun until the dews of evening rested on its petals, old Kali Pandapatan could sally forth unafraid to meet his fierce
+brothers of the jungle.
+
+</p>
+<p>Patiently they waited through the long, hot day; many eyes were anxiously turned toward the sacred emblem, but none dared
+approach. The little Moro boys, in whose care the branch had been left, squatted in silent patience. No butterfly was suffered
+to light on the delicate petals, no droning bee allowed to gather the <a id="d0e866"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e866">82</a>]</span>honey of its cups. On dragged the sweltering afternoon. Piang and the dato were the only ones allowed to know that the branch
+was still fresh, but only Piang knew that its flowers had been dipped into a cool stream before it came to the tribe to foretell
+its victories or defeats.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Allah, il Allah!&#8221; the call rang through the village. Sunset, the hour of prayer! Now, now they would know. Solemnly old Pandita
+<span id="d0e870" class="corr" title="Source: Assin">Asin</span> led the chant while the Moros prostrated themselves in supplication, and the dying sun slipped over the mountains, touching
+every tree and flower with its gold.
+
+</p>
+<p>There was great feasting and celebration in the barrio that night. Women donned their most brilliant sarongs, tinted their
+silver-tipped finger nails with henna, and streaked their brows with splotches of white rice paste. The men twisted their
+hair up in gorgeous head-cloths, and the knot bristled with creeses. Suspended from their many-colored sashes were barongs,
+campilans or bolos, and tiny bells were fastened into the lobes of their ears. The brilliantly <a id="d0e875"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e875">83</a>]</span>striped breeches seemed likely to burst, so tightly were they drawn over shapely limbs.
+
+</p>
+<p>The branch had not withered. It had withstood the scorching rays of the sun. Kali Pandapatan was invincible.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang!&#8221; called Kali Pandapatan.
+
+</p>
+<p>The noises of the barrio were hushed. Their dato had spoken. The name was repeated, and gradually the call reached the charm
+boy, idly dangling his feet in a clear brook, attracting and scattering the curious fish. He sprang to his feet, listened,
+and darted off. His sleek, well fashioned limbs glistened in the sunlight, and the sarong that was gracefully flung over one
+shoulder floated out behind like a flame fanned by the wind. Twined in his long black hair was a wreath of scarlet fire flowers;
+every face brightened as he fled past.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You have again brought the sign, Piang. When do we fight?&#8221; asked Kali Pandapatan.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Not until we have delivered the <i>siwaka</i> (tribute) to the sultan at Cotabato. The fire-tree <a id="d0e892"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e892">84</a>]</span>has not yet bloomed in the enemy&#8217;s country, and we may yet pass through safely,&#8221; Piang replied.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You have spoken,&#8221; said the dato and laid his palms on the youth&#8217;s head.
+
+</p>
+<p>Though the latent passion of battle stirred in the Moros&#8217; breasts, they were compelled to heed. Piang had proved a wise charm
+boy, and the tribe must obey him. Each season the siwaka must be carried over the steep, treacherous trail down to the coast,
+and those detailed to accompany the slaves who carried the bags of rice and <i>comoties</i> (sweet-potatoes), dreaded the trip. Added to the pitfalls of the obscure trail, were hostile territories to be traversed,
+and if the enemies&#8217; fire-tree had bloomed, they would surely be attacked and probably despoiled of their cargo.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We will need warriors to guard the siwaka, chief,&#8221; Piang reminded Kali, and the chief nodded and gave a quiet order. Every
+man disappeared from the streets. When they returned, in place of the gaudy, tight trousers, they were wearing loose, black
+pantaloons, the garb of battle. The women, true to the feminine nature, <a id="d0e903"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e903">85</a>]</span>wailed and cried aloud, but in their hearts they, too, were glad that the quiet, monotonous days were over, and that before
+nightfall they might sleep in some strange cota (fort), slave or wife of the victorious dato.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang,&#8221; murmured a soft voice at the charm boy&#8217;s elbow, and he turned to find the little slave girl, Papita, timidly looking
+up at him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Chiquita?</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Little one?&#8221;) he questioned.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sicto goes with you. Beware of him, for he would kill you!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am not afraid,&#8221; proudly answered Piang, &#8220;but why would Sicto kill me?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Solemnly the little girl touched Piang&#8217;s breast where lay hidden the sacred charm.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He would kill you so that he might be charm boy of the tribe,&#8221; whispered the girl. Piang laughed gaily, patted his little
+friend on the arm, and bounded to the head of the forming column. Nevertheless he noticed Sicto&#8217;s sly, surly glance as the
+slaves and warriors bent before him.
+
+</p>
+<p>Amid beating of tom-toms, wails of women, and howls of dogs, the column, single file, dipped into the jungle and was lost
+to sight.
+<a id="d0e922"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e922">86</a>]</span>
+Anxiously Piang watched for signs of the fire-tree as they slipped along through the enemies&#8217; country, but as yet the buds
+had not stirred, and he was thankful that the warm rains had not come to coax them into glow. That whole day the party toiled
+silently through the dense cogon grass that covered the mesa. High above their heads waved the wiry, straw-colored spines.
+Its sharp edges cut into the flesh, tore through cloths, stinging and paining old wounds. Not a breath of air reached them
+through the impenetrable mass, and the sun beat down on them mercilessly. For long stretches the path tunneled through the
+grass, boring deeper into the tangle, and they were almost suffocated by the choking dust that stung their nostrils.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e925" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p087.jpg" alt="&#8220;The boom! We must cut it!&#8221;" width="381" height="512"><p class="figureHead">&#8220;The boom! We must cut it!&#8221;</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Iki!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Beware!&#8221;) called Sicto. Every bolo was out, every savage ready, but the word was passed along the line that the leader,
+Sicto, had stepped on a snake. Entirely surrounded by the cruel grass the column paused. The heat, increased by the oven-like
+tunnel grew steadily worse, and those in the rear gasped and fought for breath. They could hear the scuffle as the <a id="d0e934"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e934">89</a>]</span>leaders fought the reptile, and the fetid odor of the dread creature added to their discomfort. Sicto had been swinging along
+ahead, stepping lightly on the mattress-like turf, when he felt something move under his foot. It was well under the matted
+grass, but it was wise to despatch the creature if possible. Piang came to his assistance, and the snake, probably gorged
+with rotting meat, exuded a terrible odor as it was stabbed to death. Kicking the wriggling remains out of the path the column
+pushed on, wondering if they would ever come to the end of the stifling tunnel.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Will it rain soon, Piang?&#8221; panted Tooloowee, as he toiled along behind the charm boy.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I cannot tell yet, but by sunset we shall know.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Toward evening the grass thinned perceptibly, and the steaming, aching bodies felt the cool air rustling through the stalks.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We are near the jungle; soon we shall be cool,&#8221; sighed Kali Pandapatan. Yes, it was growing cooler; they could breathe again,
+but Piang knew that before morning they would be shivering with cold, that the rain would come in the night. He smelled it,
+the rain that would <a id="d0e944"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e944">90</a>]</span>not come to help them through the arduous day.
+
+</p>
+<p>When it came, there was a shout of joy. Kali looked anxiously at his sweating tribesmen. After the terrific heat of the day,
+this rain would chill them, and fever would surely follow; he must keep them on the move. There was a murmur of protest as
+the order was given to move; they had rested a scant two hours. By nine o&#8217;clock they were under way again, struggling with
+the jungle as they had fought the mesa. The downpour was straight and steady. It burrowed through the thick foliage and ran
+down the tree trunks in torrents. The footing became uncertain, and Piang warned Kali to look out for broken limbs. For many
+yards the path lay along fallen tree trunks, slippery with moss and mold. The footing became so treacherous that the order
+was given to crawl on all fours, and the progress was painfully slow and tedious. Frequently they strayed from the path and
+were forced to halt. The torches at the head of the column twinkled and flickered fitfully, but they only seemed to make the
+darkness more visible; they sputtered and flared, but the flames resisted <a id="d0e948"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e948">91</a>]</span>the rain, and to the weary Moros they seemed like good spirits sent to guide them through the terrible jungle night.
+
+</p>
+<p>Palm leaves, strewn in the path, had long clusters of needle-like spines at their bases that pierced their feet, and the cry
+&#8220;<i>tinick!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;thorns!&#8221;) rang out frequently through the night. Finally it became necessary to march close up, in solid line, each man
+with his hand on the shoulder of the man in front. When the leader warned &#8220;<i>Cajui!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Log!&#8221;), each repeated it as he stumbled over the obstacle, and if one fell, half the line would be bowled over.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Tubig Malakee!</i>&#8221; cried Piang. (&#8220;The big water!&#8221;) Yes, the dull murmur of the river was plainly heard through the dripping rain, and they
+all quickened their pace in the desire to rid themselves of the jungle. Piang attempted to guide them across, but he walked
+into the water and sank from sight, and there was a cry of horror, for it seemed that one of the many crocodiles had dragged
+him under. When he came up sputtering and splashing, none the worse for his dip, he chided them for their little faith and
+pointed <a id="d0e963"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e963">92</a>]</span>significantly to his charm. He had miscalculated in the blackness of the night and could not locate the ford. A drizzling
+rain was still falling; great hairy-legged spiders skated over the water, making things grewsome; the large lily-pad leaves
+moved suspiciously, so Kali gave the orders to camp for the rest of the night.
+
+</p>
+<p>Silently the Moros prepared their camp. Deftly the ends of low-lying branches were pinioned to the ground with forked sticks;
+over these supports hemp and banana leaves were strewn to shield the sleepers from the heavy dew and rain. After many attempts
+a fire was coaxed into life, much to the dismay of the jungle folk. A beautiful golden fly-catcher, probably mistaking the
+glare of the fire for dawn, awoke and began to sing at the top of its tiny voice; a parrot screamed lustily. A venerable old
+monkey, sleepily rubbing its eyes, shook its fist, muttering profanely. Sicto, exasperated at the persistent maledictions,
+raised his bow.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Do not kill the monkey, Sicto,&#8221; warned Piang. &#8220;It is not good to kill in the jungle except for food or self-protection!&#8221;
+<a id="d0e969"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e969">93</a>]</span></p>
+<p>A scowl was the only reply, but the big mestizo lowered his bow and turned over on his bed of leaves.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Kali, we are no longer safe,&#8221; Piang whispered as he crouched over the improvised bed of his chief.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sssshhhh,&#8221; he warned, finger on lip. &#8220;Do not wake the others.&#8221; Then he pointed toward a spot where hoards of fireflies clustered
+around one tree, twinkling and swerving to and fro. It was a beautiful sight, but far from a novel one to these two.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The fire-tree!&#8221; muttered Kali.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; answered Piang. &#8220;The rain has brought the blooms to the valley, and we will be attacked to-morrow!&#8221; Silently they gazed
+at the strange tree. Fireflies abandon every tree and shrub for the fire-tree the moment it puts forth its buds, and nothing
+can coax them away until the ominous scarlet blossoms have drooped and fallen to the ground.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;We dare not cross the river now, Kali,&#8221; said Piang, &#8220;but we can build rafts and float down to Cotabato.&#8221;
+<a id="d0e982"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e982">94</a>]</span></p>
+<p>And so it was decided. Early in the muggy dawn the warriors set to work constructing rafts out of bamboo and ratan (palm),
+and soon the siwaka was loaded and the journey continued by water.
+
+</p>
+<p>Arrogantly Piang rode at the head of the procession, his proud little head crowned with a wreath of fire-tree blooms, the
+corners of his raft decorated with sprigs of the flaming buds. Cautiously they poled down the swift stream, avoiding treacherous
+logs and snapping crocodiles. Piang chuckled with delight as they stole along, for the enemy would not discover the ruse until
+they were far away.
+
+</p>
+<p>It was some time before Sicto was missed. His name was passed from raft to raft, but none had seen him that morning. At first
+it was feared that one of the crocodiles had pulled him from a raft, but something seemed to tell Piang that the wily half-breed
+had stolen away to warn the enemy of Kali&#8217;s strategy. Once the news of the rich booty to be captured and the prisoners to
+be taken had reached the valley people, nothing <a id="d0e989"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e989">95</a>]</span>could keep them from pursuing, now that their fire-tree had bloomed. A solemn conclave was held.
+
+</p>
+<p>The river is almost inaccessible from the jungle except at one point, the Big Bend. This is a favorite camping-ground of the
+valley people during the combat season; here their sacrifices are offered, their victims thrown to the crocodiles; they exercise
+full control of the river. If Sicto succeeded in warning the enemy before Kali reached that point there would be little hope
+of escape. Another force would surely be posted where he had embarked, cutting Kali off from his reinforcements at home. It
+was too late to attempt a retreat, however, hampered as they were with the cumbersome siwaka. Reach that bend first, they
+must.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The charm, Piang,&#8221; whispered Kali. Springing to his feet, the boy uttered a fierce &#8220;Oola.&#8221; Every head bowed, and the sacred
+talisman was exposed.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Forward, brothers!&#8221; he cried. &#8220;Forward with all your strength!&#8221;
+<a id="d0e997"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e997">96</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The sun came out, and the dripping jungle began to steam. Palm leaves were constructed into hats to guard against sunstroke.
+Toward sunset they drew near the danger point. What was that monotonous sound dully vibrating through the jungle? Anxiously
+all eyes turned toward Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It is well, brothers,&#8221; bravely comforted the boy. &#8220;Yes, that is the tom-tom of your enemy. Sicto has betrayed us, but have
+no fear. Piang, the charm boy leads you; take courage, and Allah, the Merciful, will give you victory.&#8221; Piang commenced a
+murmur of prayer, and the Moros, joining in, filled the fast-settling night with whispered invocations which drifted off through
+the jungle.
+
+</p>
+<p>Another council of war was held.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, if they have had time to lay the boom, what shall we do?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Go forward, Kali. Fight your way through the blockade,&#8221; answered the charm boy. &#8220;I will remain here with a few men to guard
+to siwaka. Do you hide at the first bend until the moon gives you light, then strike!&#8221;
+<a id="d0e1008"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1008">97</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The astonished warriors looked with misgiving from one to the other, but Kali answered firmly:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;It shall be so, Piang.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The Moros were quickly assembled for the advance, and Kali paused by the side of Piang&#8217;s raft:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If we are driven back, Piang, I will give three calls of the mina-bird. Answer likewise and retreat as quickly as possible.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Forward, Kali Pandapatan,&#8221; answered Piang with great dignity. &#8220;We will not retreat.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Like ghosts in the night the little handful of men parted from their fellows and courageously faced the river and its dangers.
+The stream, swerving to the left, flows on to the apex of the Big Bend. As if regretting its departure from the true course,
+it doubles back and returns to take up its original direction at a point separated from its first departure by only a few
+rods. Between the two points is a waste of murky soil and sand, covered by dense growths of the jungle&#8217;s choicest variety
+of obstacles. Gloomily <a id="d0e1021"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1021">98</a>]</span>Piang contemplated the morass that lay between him and freedom. Long he sat, looking into the distance where he could almost
+see the river as it completed the curve and swept on to the ocean. What would he not give to be safely on the other side?
+Suddenly he sat up very straight. Why not? The sand was soft, the current swift. If he could only make a narrow ditch across
+the flats. Pulling his raft up to the right side of the river, he jumped to the bank, but when he sank ankle-deep in the soft,
+sticky earth, he climbed hastily back. Poling along he searched for a solid footing, but everywhere the marshy soil gave,
+and he abandoned his attempts to land. The night grew deeper, blacker.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why not, why not?&#8221; he whispered again. The others came scurrying up in response to his excited call.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My brothers, Allah has sent me wisdom,&#8221; he announced. &#8220;It is your duty to obey me!&#8221; Eagerly they listened, glad of any distraction,
+but when Piang explained that he wanted them to abandon their safe bamboo floats for the treacherous flats, home of crocodiles
+and vermin, there <a id="d0e1027"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1027">99</a>]</span>was a murmuring protest. Anger blazed in Piang&#8217;s eyes.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Am I not charm boy?&#8221; he demanded. &#8220;Any one who refuses to obey me will be thrown to the crocodiles!&#8221; Gradually the dominant
+nature overruled their timidities, and the protests subsided. Following Piang&#8217;s directions, strips of bamboo were cut, and
+the charm boy constructed light frames for his feet. They looked like snow-shoes, and when he bound one securely to each foot
+and jumped lightly to the bank, there was a cry of surprise. Piang, the wonderful, was indeed sent by Allah to guide them!
+
+</p>
+<p>In a twinkling each Moro was supplied with similar mud-shoes, and like giant land-crabs, they flitted off across the marsh.
+Too wise to begin before reconnoitering, Piang led his men to the banks of the stream below to Big Bend. After hasty calculations
+he set them to work digging toward the head waters, following a line of ratan which he stretched to guide them.
+
+</p>
+<p>Faster, faster flew the scoops and broad knives; deeper, wider grew the ditch that was to form a new river-bed. Piang was
+everywhere. He <a id="d0e1035"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1035">100</a>]</span>flew about on his light frames as lightly as a faun, directing the construction of new tools, calculating and measuring for
+the ditch.
+
+</p>
+<p>Once he heard a call from the man guarding the rafts. A troop of wild hogs, attracted by the comoties, was trying to reach
+the rafts. Piang lighted a torch and hurled it among them. Crocodiles lurked near, and he ordered torches kept burning to
+frighten them also.
+
+</p>
+<p>New difficulties confronted Piang. Would the water not at first rush through the ditch with such force that the rafts would
+be dashed to pieces? He held a branch in the current; it was torn from his grasp. With great foresight, he ordered all the
+floats to be taken up the river and securely moored. Back to the ditch he flew. Yes, yes, it was going to be successful! Before
+the attack was made by Kali Pandapatan, Piang would have the rafts through the cut-off, safely on their journey to the estuary.
+How surprised the dato would be when Piang advanced against the enemy from the other side of the Big Bend! He laughed softly,
+hugging himself in boyish delight.
+<a id="d0e1041"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1041">101</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Away he pattered toward some men who were apparently in difficulty.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Halamantek!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Leeches!&#8221;) they called. They were pulling the slothful creatures off each other, but as soon as they freed themselves
+from the pests, more fell from above or crept up from the mud. Piang had foreseen this difficulty and had supplied himself
+with a small gourd filled with cocoanut oil, strongly saturated with cinchona (quinine). Offering some of his small store
+to the men, they gratefully rubbed the mixture into their flesh and bent to their task again. Piang exhorted them to work,
+warning them if the ditch was not completed before moonrise, all would be lost, and off he danced blending in with the night
+and its secrets like a picturesque <i>pampahilep</i> (jungle imp).
+
+</p>
+<p>Only Moros could have accomplished so difficult a task in the dark. With a will they sturdily plied the crude tools and before
+the blackness of the night had been lifted by the rising moon, the excited little party was crowding around Piang as he examined
+the few remaining feet to be accomplished. Like a general <a id="d0e1054"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1054">102</a>]</span>meeting a crisis, Piang sharply gave his orders:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Tooloowee, take your pole and stand on the far side of the ditch. When I give the signal, push the dyke with all your might.&#8221;
+He stationed another powerful Moro opposite Tooloowee.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Bungao, do you hasten to the rafts and prepare to resist the first flood that will sweep through the ditch.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>When all was ready Piang raised his hand and the struggle began. Little by little the soft mud was worked away, and the current,
+feeling the banks weaken, seemed to lose interest in its natural bed. At first the stream only caressed its new-found outlet,
+but gradually it concentrated its forces, and, with a mighty rush, attacked the slight remaining resistance and went thundering
+off into the ditch. A smothered cry went up from the Moros:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang! Piang!&#8221; How they loved their wise little charm boy!
+
+</p>
+<p>But the work was not yet completed. Piang let go his anchorage and headed for the mouth of <a id="d0e1066"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1066">103</a>]</span>the ditch. The water was rapidly widening the work of their hands, but in places the cut-off was barely wide enough to let
+the long slender floats by, and the water was rushing through with terrific force. The moon trembled on the brink of the jungle.
+Would they reach the other side in time to aid Kali? Suppose he was driven back before Piang and his men could attack from
+the other side?
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Ala! ala!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Quickly! quickly!&#8221;) Piang called softly. His raft came up with a sudden jerk, almost throwing him into the seething, muddy
+torrent. Other rafts bumped into his, and soon a blockade was forming as the swift current bore them down upon him. Piang
+cut and slashed at the banks, tearing away protruding vines and accumulating driftwood. The moon, the moon, would it wait?
+Frantically he toiled while Tooloowee held off the other rafts with his long pole. When Piang&#8217;s float was finally released,
+it bounded joyously along, nosing first one bank, then the other. The river! He could see it! Only a few rods more!
+
+</p>
+<p>At the mouth of the ditch there was more trouble. <a id="d0e1075"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1075">104</a>]</span>Mud and debris had collected along the sides, but these were quickly worked through and they passed into the main river. Little
+short of a miracle had been performed. The ditch was growing wider and deeper every moment and judging from the enormous flow
+of water, it would not be long before the river deserted its circuitous route in favor of this direct one.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Quick! quick!&#8221; whispered Piang. &#8220;Bungao, bind the siwaka rafts together and head for Cotabato. We will overtake you before
+sunrise.&#8221; A faint cry reached them. Kali had begun the attack. In an agony of suspense the brave Moros worked their way up
+toward the Big Bend. Suddenly Piang grasped Tooloowee&#8217;s arm and pointed toward a streak that ran across the river.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The boom! We must cut it!&#8221; They made a dash toward the obstacle that stood in Kali&#8217;s path, but an arrow whizzed by their
+heads.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Tooloowee, we have been discovered. I go to cut the way!&#8221; and before the astonished Tooloowee could prevent, Piang had dived
+into the water and disappeared.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, the crocodiles, the crocodiles!&#8221; wailed <a id="d0e1085"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1085">105</a>]</span>Tooloowee, but the charm boy could not hear as he slipped up the muddy river, swimming easily under water. Just as Kali was
+preparing to retreat, driven back by the fierce storm of arrows, he gave the signal that had been agreed upon. Three loud
+calls in imitation of the mina-bird went wailing through the night. What was Kali&#8217;s surprise to hear the answer a few yards
+in front of him! And what was that dark shape bobbing up and down on the boom?
+
+</p>
+<p>While he watched, amazed, the big clumsy logs divided, and swung slowly out, leaving the channel clear. Piang had severed
+the ratan thongs.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;L&eacute;&eacute;&eacute;&eacute;&eacute; lelele ouiiiiii!&#8221; crashed through the night, and Kali recognized his tribal war-cry.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang! Piang!&#8221; he cried. The dark shape, clinging to the drifting boom answered, and Kali rushed toward it. Before the enemy
+could gather their scattered wits, the whole party was sweeping by, on toward freedom. As Kali bore down on Piang, the boy
+raised himself to meet the raft. It was coming at a terrific rate, and he feared it would knock him off the boom; measuring
+<a id="d0e1093"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1093">106</a>]</span>the distance, he prepared to leap. On came the raft, Kali leaning far over the side, arms extended to grab the boy. When Kali
+was only a few yards off, Piang screamed:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Boia! boia!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Crocodile! crocodile!&#8221;) The men on the raft saw the water stir and hurled spear and arrow, but they glanced off the scaly
+hide. It was a race with death, and what a miserable death for Piang, their idol! The boy grew cold and sick as he waited.
+Suddenly the raft paused, held in check by Kali&#8217;s pole. Piang almost fainted. What was his chief doing? In a moment he realized
+that the quick action had saved his life. The raft swerved, bumped against the crocodile, and came between it and Piang. The
+next moment Piang was in Kali&#8217;s arms.
+
+</p>
+<p>In the light of the gray dawn, Sicto watched these two as they gazed into each other&#8217;s eyes; they swept triumphantly by, heedless
+of flying arrows. The radiant fire-tree blooms still clustered around Piang&#8217;s head, and his sacred charm gleamed in the early
+light. Firmly believing that spirits had aided Piang in his remarkable feat, <a id="d0e1102"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1102">107</a>]</span>Sicto trembled with fear, and, with a last glance at the victorious charm boy, he turned and fled into the jungle.
+
+</p>
+<p>Wonderingly, Kali Pandapatan and his followers viewed the new cut-off as they floated by. Amazed, they listened to the marvelous
+tale. Old Dato Kali Pandapatan laid his hands once again on his favorite&#8217;s head:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Little brother,&#8221; he said, &#8220;this shall be known as Piang&#8217;s Cut-off. Some day you will be the greatest dato in Mindanao.&#8221;
+
+
+
+<a id="d0e1108"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1108">108</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e1109" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Fifth Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">Riding the Cataract</h2>
+<p>News that a strange craft had put into Cotabato reached Piang in his mountain home. Hurriedly he gathered his few weapons
+together and started down the trail. He passed many traders and venders, who had also heard of the boat, and he hastened his
+steps in his desire to be there early.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Un-di?</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Whither?&#8221;) called Sicto as Piang trotted past him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;To the barrio,&#8221; replied Piang. Sicto hurried to keep up with him, but Piang had no wish to be in company with the ne&#8217;er-do-well
+Moro boy, and he did not try to conceal his feelings. The natural dignity of the Oriental kept Sicto from displaying his anger
+at the repulse, but he sullenly slackened his pace and registered a black mark against this haughty Piang.
+<a id="d0e1123"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1123">109</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Piang loved to be alone; his playmates were too noisy, too talkative; he, too, loved to chatter and play games at times, but
+now in the jungle, as the morning light slowly broke through the damp foliage, he wished to be alone and watch nature unfold
+to the coming day. It seemed to him that the huge elephant ears lifted their dew-weighted leaves and shook themselves in the
+gentle wind. The monkeys peeped out at him and continued to make their toilet undisturbed. Other travelers startled the little
+creatures into watchfulness, but Piang came upon them so silently, so peacefully, that they scarcely noticed him.
+
+</p>
+<p>There was one spot, half-way down the trail which he wanted to reach alone; there the jungle seemed to part, as if to grant
+a glimpse of the harbor below. He quickened his stride, and as he passed a party of men one of them called to him, &#8220;You will
+be first to-day, little fleet one.&#8221; So there was none before him. He was glad, and when he came within sight of the clearing,
+he rejoiced in his solitude. He wondered if the boat was a vinta from Borneo, or if it was loaded <a id="d0e1128"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1128">110</a>]</span>with copra for Japan. There now, when that mist lifted, he would know.
+
+</p>
+<p>As the beautiful harbor broke upon his sight, Piang paused, holding his breath, for out of the boat, the only one in view,
+smoke was pouring. It was on fire! But why were the people not trying to save the cargo? A huge black stick standing in the
+middle of the hull was belching smoke. While he was regretting that he would be too late to assist at the rescue, he was startled
+by a thin white stream spurting out of the mast-head. Gradually he connected it with the shrill whistle that pierced his ears.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang wanted to run back, to warn the others that some strange monster had sailed into their midst; but he saw that his brothers
+in the barrio were calmly watching the thing, and as it did not seem to hurt them, he took courage and dashed on down the
+trail into the jungle. All the rest of the journey he strained his ears to catch that shrill voice, which he was now sure
+came from the boat. As he flew through the silent forest he recalled the tales of the demons that the wise men talked about,
+and he decided to approach <a id="d0e1134"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1134">111</a>]</span>the thing with caution. Finally he stood on the shore, and there before his eyes was a boat that seemed to be alive. It was
+breathing. But where were its sails? How did it move? Clusters of natives, their fear stilled by curiosity, watched the approach.
+Breathlessly they waited. It was coming toward the tiny wharf, and just as it settled alongside, a piercing screech from it
+sent them tumbling over each other in a mad attempt to get away. From the safety of trees and huts they waited. Big men, pale
+and straight, walked from the boat and beckoned them to descend. Cautiously the more daring ones responded, and soon the whole
+population was gathered around the visitors.
+
+</p>
+<p>Curious to see what the strangers were showing the dato, Piang slipped quietly up behind and caught sight of the most beautiful
+colored cloth he had ever seen. &#8220;Bandana,&#8221; the pale man called it. Piang longed to possess it for his mother; how she would
+love to wear it for her gala head-dress! The sailor then produced a tiny object that glistened and sparkled in the sun; it
+was about as large as the palm of Piang&#8217;s hand <a id="d0e1138"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1138">112</a>]</span>and very thin. The Moros were very much excited over it, and when Piang reached up on tip-toes to peer through the crowd,
+he cried aloud, for there, staring back at him was a boy he had seen somewhere. The little brown face and the piercing black
+eyes, the long hair twisted in a knot with the ends flying loose, were all strangely familiar. It was&#8212;Piang! &#8220;Mir-ro,&#8221; he
+repeated after the white man when his scattered wits permitted, and the crowd had ceased its merriment at his expense. The
+Moros were more interested in the knives, tobacco, and strange food that the strangers had brought than in the red bandana
+handkerchief and the toy mirror; but Piang longed to carry the two things that had caught his eye back to his mother, and
+he was silently gazing at them when Sicto, attracted by Piang&#8217;s admiration, picked the mirror up to look at it.
+
+</p>
+<p>Before Piang realized it, Sicto was negotiating with the owner, offering in trade his brass buyo, or betel-box, used for containing
+a preparation of the betel pepper, extensively chewed in the East. Why had Piang not brought his brass? He <a id="d0e1142"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1142">113</a>]</span>would run and fetch it; but the man would not wait. Just as he saw the things about to pass into the hands of his rival, he
+remembered his ring. Attracting the attention of the trader, he quickly unscrewed the tiny center and proudly displayed a
+few glittering flakes; Piang did not know that they were gold dust; but the trader whistled a low note of surprise and called
+one of his shipmates aside. The Moro boy had seen the Japanese trade whole shiploads of copra for the shiny stuff, so, when
+he had found some in the sand one day, he had gathered it.
+
+</p>
+<p>When the trader made it clear to Piang that he could have the treasures for more of the flakes, he was delighted, and without
+a moment&#8217;s delay started off up the trail, not deigning to glance at the disappointed Sicto.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>Up, up, he climbed. Heat, thirst, nothing slackened his pace. Arriving at his home, he flew to the lake, and, without a word
+to any one, jumped into his banco and pushed out into the water. Sweat poured down his face; mosquitos buzzed around his head:
+but he had no time to <a id="d0e1150"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1150">114</a>]</span>build a smudge. He must hurry, or the strange boat would leave the island and take forever the treasures Piang so coveted.
+
+</p>
+<p>Soon he struck the current, and when he felt the boat settle into it he dropped over the side, holding on to the outriggers,
+and let the boat pull him through the cool water. He noticed another banco in the distance and wondered what brought another
+person out on the lake in the heat, but the mosquitos occupied all his attention, and he dived and swam under the water to
+avoid them, soon forgetting the other boatman.
+
+</p>
+<p>Which stream had he paddled up before, when he had found the bright sand? He examined the shore carefully as he climbed into
+the boat. It must be there. Yes, he remembered the orchids in that tree. Cautiously he guided the banco to the mouth of the
+creek, and he shuddered as he caught sight of a shiny black object slipping into the water. It was a harmless snake, but Piang
+did not like snakes and he hurried past the spot. Gradually he lost sight of the lake and the sun; overhanging vegetation
+and fallen trees engulfed him. At times he could not use his paddle, and <a id="d0e1156"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1156">115</a>]</span>cautiously avoiding the thorns and poisoned things, he pulled the boat along from above. Soon this little stream would take
+him into the big river where he had found the pretty sand.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang was startled by a sound behind him. Surely he had heard a paddle. But all was silence when he paused to listen. When
+he came to the river he shouted with delight, for his journey was half over, and there in the sun sparkled his treasure. Taking
+his gourd from the boat, he filled it with sand and then started the long process of washing it away. Always in the bottom
+would be left a few of the bright grains. These he poured on a leaf, but he discovered in dismay that they stuck there, and
+when he tried to brush them off, they sank into the leaf.
+
+</p>
+<p>While he was pondering on his predicament he heard the chatter of a hablar-bird, and he chuckled to himself. He searched his
+banco for his bow and arrows, but was astonished to find only the bow. What a misfortune! He must have lost the arrows on
+the trail. Nothing daunted, little Piang set about his task in another manner. <a id="d0e1162"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1162">116</a>]</span>Scattering a handful of parched corn in a clearing, he laid the noose of his rope around it, and taking the end of it in his
+hand, silently withdrew into the thicket and waited.
+
+</p>
+<p>Soon the big bird discovered the handy meal and, loudly proclaiming its rights to possession, flapped its way to the earth
+and lighted right in Piang&#8217;s noose. The hablar-bird fluttered and chattered as it settled to the task of filling its craw
+with the good food. Cautiously Piang watched his chance and, with a deft twitch of the rope, secured the noose around the
+bird&#8217;s foot. Such screaming and flapping! &#8220;Now you be good bird, and I no hurt you,&#8221; Piang admonished. Catching hold of the
+creature behind the head, Piang held it firmly and quickly plucked three large feathers from its brilliant plumage. He then
+set it free and laughed to see it searching for its lost glories.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang would have enjoyed watching it, as it scolded him from a high limb, but he could not delay and he set about his task
+quickly. Cutting off the end of each quill, he scraped it clean inside and washed the pithy part out. He had seen <a id="d0e1168"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1168">117</a>]</span>his father prepare a quill in this way for packing tobacco-powder.
+
+</p>
+<p>When these receptacles were ready to receive the gold-dust, he began washing the sand again; and when he had secured enough
+to fill all three quills he stuck a piece of green banana on the ends for a stopper. Now he would have the treasures for his
+mother&#8212;that beautiful cloth and the funny, thin thing that played pranks on you when you looked into it.
+
+</p>
+<p>What was that sound? Surely some one was spying on him. In a flash he remembered the banco on the lake, the other sounds he
+had heard. Also he remembered that Sicto wanted the same treasures that he coveted. He had been followed by the bully, and
+now, without his bow and arrows, he was helpless. To gain the lake again, he must pass through that treacherous creek, and
+he knew that Sicto would think nothing of robbing him and hastening to the village to buy the treasures with Piang&#8217;s hard-earned
+bright sand. Somewhere those wicked eyes were watching him from the foliage, but Piang bravely covered his misgivings.
+<a id="d0e1174"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1174">118</a>]</span></p>
+<p>There were two trails to the village; one lay to the west through the lake that he had crossed; the other was straight ahead,
+down the river. But there were cataracts on this river, and Piang wondered if he could make his way on foot from the head
+of the first one to the right trail. He decided to take the risk and quickly headed his banco in that direction. As he started
+down the river, he heard a howl of rage, and glancing back, saw Sicto preparing to follow.
+
+</p>
+<p>So! It was to be a race! Piang had foiled the bully, and his little heart beat faster as he realized the consequences if Sicto
+should catch him. Piang had a good start, but the river was so treacherous, the eddies so powerful, that sometimes his boat
+seemed to stand still or almost turn around when it was caught by the counter-current. How he loved his slim little craft!
+Whenever possible, it obeyed his wish, and he chuckled to see Sicto struggling with his heavy boat. If he could only reach
+the first head-water and land on the opposite shore, he would not fear defeat. For who was more fleet-footed than Piang, who
+more able to ferret <a id="d0e1179"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1179">119</a>]</span>his way through the almost impenetrable jungle?
+
+</p>
+<p>Cautiously he watched the shore; he had been this way only once before, and wondered if he could remember where the trail
+began at the water&#8217;s edge. The current was so swift here that it was hardly necessary to paddle at all; so he rested to examine
+the shore.
+
+</p>
+<p>But what was the matter with Sicto? Why had he stopped paddling? In a flash it came over Piang that the cataract was near,
+and he started to back water with all his might. To his horror he found that he could not control the boat; fight as he would,
+it paid no heed to his struggle, but dashed on toward the waterfall. At first Piang thought he would swim, but realized that
+he would be swept over just the same. There was only one thing to be done&#8212;he must ride the cataract. Sicto was left far behind,
+clinging to the bank, watching with a sneer the boy going as he thought, to his death. He wondered why Piang was standing
+up in the banco; surely it would be best to lie flat in the boat and cling to the bottom.
+
+</p>
+<p>Gracefully Piang poised his body for the dive. <a id="d0e1187"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1187">120</a>]</span>The feathers were safely thrust into his long hair, and his bolo secured in his belt. With hands outstretched above his head,
+he waited for the great moment. He knew that if he was skilful he could clear the dangerous waters below the falls and either
+swim to the shore or reach his banco. Faster, faster went the boat, and his little heart thumped so that he feared it would
+burst. He tried to remember that this was not such a dangerous feat; others had accomplished it, and he could, if he was careful.
+The drop was only a few yards, but the danger lay in the shoals at the foot of the falls. What a beautiful sight Piang was,
+poised on the brink of that foaming cataract, the black jungle for a background! As he felt the banco quiver and twist he
+prepared for the dive. Finally the boat reached the crest and, with a lurch, shot from under the boy as he sprang far out
+into space. It seemed an eternity to Piang before he plunged into the waters below; then he sank down, down. The roaring and
+thundering deafened him, and he wondered if he should ever stop tumbling over in the water. It tossed him, tore from his hands
+any support he <a id="d0e1189"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1189">123</a>]</span>was able to grasp, and finally, after almost depriving him of breath, left him floating on the surface of a calm pool. How
+delicious the rest seemed! How tired he was! As he lay there on his back, he watched the water pour over the rocks above his
+head, and marveled that he had accomplished it all so easily.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e1192" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p122.jpg" alt="With hands outstretched above his head, he waited for the great moment." width="369" height="512"><p class="figureHead">With hands outstretched above his head, he waited for the great moment.</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>Gradually Piang regained his composure, and his first thought was for the quills. Yes, they were still safe, and he must hurry.
+Not fearing Sicto&#8217;s interference any more, he began to wonder how he should find the trail. Searching the river for his banco,
+he discovered it caught by some reeds near the shore. It was easy to swim on that side of the river; so he slowly made his
+way to the overturned canoe, deftly righting it, and in a moment was over the side, searching for the extra paddle he always
+kept tied in the bottom. Fortunately it had not been torn away, and avoiding the rapids, he hugged the shore and finally resumed
+his journey down the river.
+
+</p>
+<p>What a wonderful experience Piang had had! How he would boast of his bravery, Moro fashion, and maybe the wise men would praise
+him. <a id="d0e1200"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1200">124</a>]</span>As he paddled down the river he kept his eyes open for trails; and when he heard the next cataract thundering its menace in
+the distance, he decided to land and search the jungle for a path. Beaching his banco, he hid it in the undergrowth, and,
+carefully avoiding the stinging vines, crept into the shadow of the jungle.
+
+</p>
+<p>The great silence was everywhere, and Piang wondered if he could trust his instinct to lead him aright. The heavy vines obstructed
+his passage, and he was forced to cut and hew his way through the edge of the forest. Nature does her best to protect the
+jungle, for always, on the edges, bamboo, and <i>bajuca</i> (pronounced bah-hoo-kah) vie with each other in forming an impenetrable wall; but after the first few yards the obstinacy
+of the vines seems to relax, their sentinel duty over.
+
+</p>
+<p>Luckily for Piang, the jungle was well supplied with paths here, and he soon found the one leading down to the barrio. His
+heart was light, now, and he threw back his head and shouted with glee as he remembered Sicto, pale with terror, lest he too
+be swept over the cataract. Very <a id="d0e1209"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1209">125</a>]</span>quickly his exultation subsided, however, when he realized that Sicto could easily be on this same trail, and he redoubled
+his efforts as he imagined he heard twigs snapping behind him. What if the boat had already gone. What if its coveted treasures
+were lost forever?
+
+</p>
+<p>From his customary trot Piang broke into a run, and, panting and sweating, pushed forward. Soon the trail joined the one he
+had taken that morning, and in a moment he would come to the clearing where he had first seen the strange boat. Yes, there
+it was; ugly, cross-looking, without one of those bright-patched sails that decorated all the boats Piang had ever seen. But&#8212;was
+it moving? With a cry, Piang started forward as the white smoke appeared, and the shriek echoed and re&euml;choed through the jungle.
+Fury, resentment, and determination flashed across his face; with a howl he darted down the trail. There was only a little
+way to go now, and he would run like the wind. Friends and strangers tried to speak to him as he approached them on the trail,
+but he brushed them aside impatiently and rushed onward.
+<a id="d0e1213"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1213">126</a>]</span></p>
+<p>With his last bit of breath he stumbled through the barrio, but the boat was steadily moving out to sea. He threw himself
+on his face and beat the wharf with his clenched fists. All was lost&#8212;the beautiful &#8220;ban-da-na&#8221; for his mother, the &#8220;mir-ro,&#8221;
+too! An exclamation from one of the men arrested his attention, and he sprang to his feet in an instant. The boat had stopped;
+and&#8212;could he believe his eyes?&#8212;the man with the treasures was getting into a small skiff and was beckoning to Piang!
+
+</p>
+<p>Quickly the boy responded. Making sure that the precious quills were safe, he dived into the sea and struck out toward the
+approaching boat. When they pulled him over the side, a cheer went up from the Moros on the bank and was answered by another
+from the strange boat. Eagerly Piang searched the boat for the two objects so dear to his heart, but the trader silently tapped
+the ring and waited. Slyly the boy considered. Finally he drew forth one quill and offered it to the man. He handed Piang
+the red calico handkerchief, saying &#8220;ban-da-na.&#8221; Eagerly the boy grabbed it. Guardedly the two contemplated <a id="d0e1218"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1218">127</a>]</span>each other. The trader reached into his pocket and produced the toy mirror, surrounded by colored pins; Piang offered to trade
+for another quill, but the man shook his head. Piang resolutely shook his, and the owner intimated that the trade was over
+by slipping the mirror back into his pocket. Piang could not stand the suspense, despite his passion for making a good trade,
+so he thrust the other quill into the stranger&#8217;s hand, grasped the treasure, and, saluting them in his dignified fashion,
+slipped over the side and was off.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>When Sicto slunk into the hill barrio that night he was anxious to avoid Piang, but our hero was not concerned about him at
+all. Around the great fire in the center of the village were seated all the important members of the tribe, and Sicto&#8217;s envy
+was complete when he saw that Piang&#8217;s mother was the object of adoration. There she sat, the coveted &#8220;ban-da-na&#8221; crowning
+her stately head, and around her neck was suspended the funny thing that laughed back at you. Silently she offered each member
+of the circle one of the <a id="d0e1224"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1224">128</a>]</span>colored pins, and when all were supplied, they fell to the task of picking their teeth, at intervals reverently examining
+the instrument. When the allotted period had elapsed, Piang&#8217;s mother again extended the mirror, and when each one had gazed
+into the depth, the pin was replaced, later to be handed on to a new comer.
+
+</p>
+<p>Sicto had joined the less fortunate persons who were watching the ceremony from a distance. Only the elect were permitted
+to approach the circle. From his place of honor Piang glanced loftily in their direction, and as his eyes met Sicto&#8217;s, his
+triumph was complete. Under Piang&#8217;s steady gaze, the bully quailed and, dropping his eyes, shambled off into the darkness.
+
+
+
+<a id="d0e1228"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1228">129</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e1229" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Sixth Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">The Jungle Menace</h2>
+<p>Dato Kali Pandapatan had declared a three days&#8217; holiday in honor of Piang&#8217;s safe return from his long journey to the haunt
+of Ganassi, the wonder man. That one so young had accomplished the difficult task proved to the tribe conclusively that Piang
+was indeed the chosen of Allah, the charm boy by divine right. Kali was glad of the opportunity to plunge his people into
+gaieties, for a mysterious shadow had hovered over the barrio for a week, and he hoped to dispel the effects of a recent disaster
+by merriment and fiesta. In the night an infant had disappeared from its hammock under the mango-tree and no trace of it had
+ever been found. The mother, who had been sleeping on the ground near her babe, told a strange story of being awakened by
+a suffocating pressure on her chest; <a id="d0e1236"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1236">130</a>]</span>as she stretched out her hand in the dark, she encountered a cold, clammy mass that moved under her touch. She must have fainted,
+for when she was able to scream for assistance, her baby was gone, and there were no tracks in the sand. The river was searched,
+but the crocodile pickets were intact; no monster from the river had broken through the barriers.
+
+</p>
+<p>The ominous whisper, &#8220;Bal-Bal,&#8221; passed from lip to lip. Only that supernatural jinn could have whisked the infant from their
+midst; only Bal-Bal, with his demon body, sailing through the air on enormous wings, could have descended upon them so silently,
+so stealthily. Fearfully the wise men kept watch for the return of Bal-Bal, whose fateful visits were believed to come in
+pairs.
+
+</p>
+<p>At first the news of the fiesta failed to rouse the people from the lethargy into which they had sunk, but gradually their
+pleasure-loving natures responded, and preparations were begun for the three days&#8217; play.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Goody-goody!&#8221; exclaimed Papita, the little slave girl, dancing about, clapping her hands. <a id="d0e1244"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1244">131</a>]</span>&#8220;We are to have the macasla fiesta, Piang. Just think, we are to go to the ocean to-morrow!&#8221; Piang&#8217;s newly acquired dignity
+would not permit him to respond to Papita&#8217;s levity, but he secretly rejoiced, too, over the prospects of fun and excitement
+at the macasla.
+
+</p>
+<p>Runners were sent into the jungle to procure the all-important macasla herb, and that night the mixture was prepared. Macasla,
+chilli-peppers, carot, and tobah shrub were pounded together in an old dug-out canoe. Wood-ashes, earth, alcohol, and water
+were added, and the mixture was allowed to ferment. Early the next morning nearly all the inhabitants embarked upon the short
+journey to Parang-Parang, their seaport barrio. Every available boat was filled with the merry throng, and the river sang
+a soft accompaniment to their chatter; pet monkeys, parrots, and mongoosen joined in the hubbub, and the din echoed through
+the forest, to be taken up by nature&#8217;s wild children. Bal-Bal was forgotten, for the moment, by all except the bereaved parents,
+who had remained behind with the aged, to mourn their loss.
+<a id="d0e1248"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1248">132</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I see the ocean! Oh, I saw it first!&#8221; cried Papita, nearly upsetting the banco in her glee. &#8220;Piang, do stop being so solemn
+and look&#8212;over there&#8212;through the trees!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I saw the ocean long ago, Papita,&#8221; answered the boy with exaggerated dignity.
+
+</p>
+<p>With a sigh the girl turned away, despairing of drawing him into sociability. Piang, the playfellow, had vanished, and Piang,
+the charm boy, was so superior, so awe-inspiring. Out of the corner of his eye Piang watched her. He longed to frolic and
+play, as of old, but the weight of the tribe was on his young shoulders, and he must put aside childish things. With folded
+arms he watched the revelers; his heart beat violently, but, to the envy and admiration of all, he retained his dignity and
+rigidity.
+
+</p>
+<p>The travelers gave a shout as they rounded a bend and came upon the sea. The curving coast line seemed to be ever smiling
+as the waves wooed it with cajoling and caressing whispers.
+
+</p>
+<p>The tide was on the turn; not a moment was to be lost. Men, women, and children assembled about the dug-out, carrying wicker
+baskets <a id="d0e1259"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1259">133</a>]</span>which they filled with the macasla mixture. Scattering quickly along the extensive shoals, they ran into the water, waist
+deep, immersing the baskets, jerking them about until the macasla was all washed out; slowly they retreated to the shore.
+Impatiently they waited five, ten minutes; then things began to happen. Crabs abandoned their holes and scurried about aimlessly;
+children, wild with delight, pursued and captured the bewildered creatures, tossing them into a brass pot of water over the
+fire. Small fish came gasping to the top; finally large ones began to show signs of distress. Screaming and laughing at the
+top of their voices, the Moros pursued; the men harpooning the largest fish, the women skilfully dipping up the smaller ones
+with nets. Helplessly the beautiful, rainbow-tinted creatures floated about, their opalescent hues fading soon after the Moros
+took them from the water. Monsters over a yard long fought for their freedom; giant crabs and shrimp struggled in the nets.
+A <i>liendoeng</i> (water-snake), brilliantly striped with red and black, made the women scream with fright. Dashing among them, <a id="d0e1264"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1264">134</a>]</span>laughing and yelling as merrily as the other boys, Piang pursued the offending reptile, here, there, and finally grabbed the
+wriggling creature and ran to the beach.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ah l&agrave; l&agrave; l&agrave; l&eacute;l&eacute;!&#8221; he cried, dancing and jumping about, waving the snake above his head.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, goody! Piang has come back to us,&#8221; cried the delighted Papita. &#8220;You will not frown and scowl again, will you, Piang?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A shadow fell upon the manly young brow of Piang. He had transgressed; he had forgotten his responsibility for the moment
+and had allowed his glee to banish the dignity of his calling: Throwing the snake into the basket, he quietly walked away
+from the merry-makers.
+
+</p>
+<p>Crowds of friendly natives swarmed along the beach, hoping the kill would be great enough to supply food for all. At other
+times the Moros would have preserved any surplus fish, but those caught under the influence of macasla cannot be cured or
+dried, as they soon putrify. The macasla only blinds them temporarily, however, and those fortunate enough to escape soon
+recover, suffering no ill effects. Ten canoes, full of splendid <a id="d0e1274"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1274">135</a>]</span>fish, were the reward of the macasla fiesta. A huge fire was built on the beach, and the small fish, stuffed into green bamboo
+joints, were thrown in the ashes; larger ones were sprinkled with <i>lombak</i> dust (seasoning) and wrapped in pisang leaves. Weird instruments made their appearance: drums of bell-metal, jew&#8217;s-harps
+of bamboo. The <i>gansas</i>, a flute that the performer plays from one nostril, would have distracted an American&#8217;s attention from the music, holding
+him in suspense, anticipating the dire consequences of a sneeze.
+
+</p>
+<p>Gradually the monotonous music stirred the savages to action. Solemnly they formed a circle around the fire, arms extended,
+lightly touching each other&#8217;s finger-tips. To and fro they swayed in time to the crude music, and when the drums thundered
+out a sonorous crescendo, they crouched to the earth, springing up in unison, uttering fearful yells. When the individual
+dancing commenced, exhausted members began to fall out, leaving the youth and vigor of the tribe to compete for the honors.
+A maiden must prevent a youth from confronting her; the youth, <a id="d0e1284"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1284">136</a>]</span>while attempting to gain his position, must beware lest the maiden present her back to him. Fast and furiously they whirled
+and dodged, and a shout went up from the bystanders as each unfortunate dancer was compelled to retire. Finally there were
+only three contestants left; Papita, Piang, and Sicto. Gracefully the little slave girl eluded the boys; slyly she circumvented
+their attacks. Her little bare feet twinkled daintily about on the sand; her brass anklets jingled merrily; and the fireflies,
+confined in her hair, glowed contentedly.
+
+</p>
+<p>Now the hands must be held behind the back at all times during the dance, and when Sicto, exasperated at the girl&#8217;s nimbleness,
+attempted to grab her, Piang protested loudly. A surly growl was Sicto&#8217;s response, and during the hot dispute that followed,
+as the dancers swayed and dodged, Papita caught Sicto off his guard, and to his mortification he found himself contemplating
+the comely back of the girl. Over her shoulder she taunted the astonished boy, and thunderous applause greeted his defeat.
+Sicto slunk off into <a id="d0e1288"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1288">137</a>]</span>the shadow, muttering maledictions against Piang, whom he blamed primarily for his downfall. Papita, Piang, which would win?
+Breathlessly the audience followed the agile movements of the two; eagerly they claimed the honors for their favorite.
+
+</p>
+<p>The music ceased abruptly. With fear in their hearts and bated breath, the tribe waited again for the sound that had disturbed
+their revelry:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Le le, li li.</i>&#8221; The tribal call rang through the forest faintly.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Blako ampoen</i>, Allah,&#8221; (&#8220;I beg for mercy, Allah,&#8221;) whispered Kali Pandapatan, supplicatingly.
+
+</p>
+<p>The call was repeated, came steadily nearer. Finally from the gloom of the river shot a banco, a very old man working at the
+paddle. It was Pandita Asin from the barrio.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Un-di?</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Whither?&#8221;) called Kali Pandapatan.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The barrio&#8212;Bal-Bal!&#8221; gasped the exhausted old man.
+<a id="d0e1311"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1311">138</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The night pressed upon them. Up the river darted Asin&#8217;s slender banco with Kali Pandapatan and a few picked warriors.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Asin, we shall need you, and you, Piang,&#8221; the chief had said, and the boy jumped into the boat. Far behind they left the
+terrified, confused throng, preparing to embark, and soon the night swallowed up the little advance party, as it hurried toward
+the stricken barrio.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e1317" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p139.jpg" alt="Piang reached up on tiptoe to pluck a ripe mango" width="363" height="512"><p class="figureHead">Piang reached up on tiptoe to pluck a ripe mango</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>A white mist rose from the water, obscuring the view; a damp breeze chilled the travelers, and they anxiously scanned the
+heavens for Bal-Bal, the terrible. Obstructions in the river were numerous and dangerous. Once they grazed the side of a floating
+log; it immediately turned upon them, emitting blood-curdling bellows through gaping jaws. Piang&#8217;s spear silenced the menacing
+crocodile, and the party hurried on. A <i>taloetook</i> (owl) wailed his melancholy koekh-koekh, and the mournful sound seemed to draw the handful of men closer together. Through
+the jungle the river wound its serpentine way; dense growths crowded the bank and leaned far out over the stream. Trailing
+vines and hanging <a id="d0e1326"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1326">141</a>]</span>ferns brushed the occupants of the canoe, and in fear they avoided contact with them, so often did their velvety green conceal
+wicked thorns and poisonous spines. Fiery eyes dotted the jungle, stealthily watching for a chance to pounce upon the intruders;
+rustling of the rushes warned them of invisible dangers.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Karangan!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Sand-bar!&#8221;) cried Piang, and just in time the banco swerved, avoiding the slimy mud that might have held them prisoners,
+at the mercy of prowling night terrors.
+
+</p>
+<p>A light twinkled in the distance; confused sounds reached the rescuers, and they pushed forward with renewed energy.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ooooh, Mihing!&#8221; called Asin, in his cracked, wavering voice.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ooooh!&#8221; came the answer from the barrio.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, we look to you to protect us from Bal-Bal, to you and your sacred anting-anting.&#8221; Solemnly Kali Pandapatan made this
+announcement.
+
+</p>
+<p>The boy was the first to land. The lame and the halt crowded around him, imploring him to save them. Confused, Piang wondered
+what <a id="d0e1343"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1343">142</a>]</span>was expected of him but suddenly he remembered what the great Ganassi had said:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The source of power is faith!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>His proud little head went up; his brave eyes smiled:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Have no fear, my people. Piang, the charm boy, will protect you.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A startling phenomenon had terrified the barrio. Just at dusk, old Asin had been squatting in the doorway of his hut, dreamily
+watching Papita&#8217;s little white fawn munching mangos under the fatal tree, when suddenly he saw it rise, struggle, suspended
+in the air, then disappear. Its pathetic cry was heard once, high above their heads. Then there was silence. The aged populace
+had been too frightened to investigate and had hovered around the fire, afraid to venture beyond its circle of light. Asin
+had been despatched to notify the head of the tribe that Bal-Bal was hovering near.
+
+</p>
+<p>All eyes turned toward the charm boy.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;La ilaha illa llahoe,&#8221; softly prayed Piang, scrutinizing the frowning jungle, as it closed in on all sides.
+<a id="d0e1357"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1357">143</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Kali Pandapatan,&#8221; finally announced the boy, &#8220;it is given that we act as brave men. If it is Bal-Bal who has been swooping
+upon us, have no fear; he can come no more with Piang, the charm boy, prepared to meet him. If it is something else that is
+hovering near, we must go boldly forth and slay our enemy.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A relieved sigh from the listeners greeted this speech.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Bravely spoken, little brother,&#8221; said Kali Pandapatan.
+
+</p>
+<p>Another boat load arrived from the sea, and when the nature of the calamity had been explained, all volunteered to aid in
+the search. Each man bearing a torch, they went in pairs, scattering through the jungle. At given intervals, Piang who remained
+in the barrio at the entreaty of the aged, was to respond to the clan call.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;L&#275; l&#275; li li!&#8221; echoed through the somber night, giving courage to the faint of heart and keeping the searching party&#8217;s spirits
+up. Stealthily the charm boy crept around the edge of the clearing, examining every possible opening; cautiously he peered
+into nooks and crannies.
+<a id="d0e1368"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1368">144</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The mango-tree! What was there about that old jungle veteran that drew the boy toward it? The babe had disappeared from under
+its shelter; the fawn had been whisked from its protection. A cry from the circle around the fire arrested him as he approached
+the tree, but he reassured them, exposing the charm, and bravely went forward. Dew on the heavy, dark foliage glistened in
+the firelight, and the golden fruit peeped forth temptingly. Piang reached up on tiptoe to pluck a ripe mango, supporting
+his body against a large vine that hung from the tree. The vine stirred, trembled, and disappeared. With a low cry the boy
+recoiled. The tree was bewitched, was alive. Would its huge limbs enfold him in its embrace as it had done the other two victims?
+Piang was unable to move. Fascinated, he stared wide-eyed at the tree with its wealth of parasite life sapping its vitality.
+Trailing orchids and tree-ferns festooned its limbs; <i>liana</i> and <i><span id="d0e1375" class="corr" title="Source: bajuka">bajuca</span></i> vines smothered it in death-like embrace. Coil upon coil of these serpent-like jungle creepers, ignoring or circumventing
+the smudge platform halfway up the trunk, ascended to the tree&#8217;s very <a id="d0e1378"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1378">145</a>]</span>crest, only to return, dangling and swinging like the ragged draperies of a slattern, reaching out tenacious arms in search
+of new support.
+
+</p>
+<p>At any moment Piang expected to be seized by this supernatural monster, and yet he could not cry out or move. Where did it
+hide its victims? Did it inhale life or suck it into its trunk? Scarcely realizing what he was doing, the boy focused his
+gaze upon two dazzling points of light that gradually came nearer, nearer. A peacefulness came over him, and he wondered why
+he had been so terrified a moment before. Slowly a numbness crept up his limbs; a giddiness attacked him. On came the hypnotic,
+icy lights, until they were within a few feet of his face.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;L&#275; l&#275; li li!&#8221; crashed through the stillness. With the dim past Piang connected the disturbing sounds. The gleaming lights
+were beautiful, compelling.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;L&#275; l&#275; li li!&#8221; A memory of some duty faintly stirred Piang&#8217;s subconsciousness, and his senses tried to respond to the call.
+Bright and intense grew the twin fires. One instant they seemed as minute as fireflies, the next as large as moons. <a id="d0e1386"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1386">146</a>]</span>Yes, the tree was alive; it was moving. A giant creeper was swaying toward him, would grasp him in its toils.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;L&#275; l&#275; li li!&#8221; persistently the call was repeated. &#8220;L&#275; l&#275; li li!&#8221; A duty! What was it? Charm boy? Who was charm boy? Involuntarily
+Piang&#8217;s hand sought the charm on his breast and grasped it. He was saved! With a shriek he darted back just in time. The vine
+lunged out, quivered, and recoiled.
+
+</p>
+<p>Asin, who had been curiously watching Piang for some time, rushed toward him and caught the fainting boy in his arms.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>Quietly Piang gave his orders; unquestioningly he was obeyed. After his mishap he had not regained consciousness for two days,
+and during his illness he had prated senselessly about trees that were alive and vines that had eyes, much to the disturbance
+of Kali Pandapatan and Asin. But when he whispered his suspicions to his chief, Kali gave a low whistle.
+
+</p>
+<p>Asin and Tooloowee were taken into the secret, and they set to work to develop Piang&#8217;s plan. <a id="d0e1398"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1398">147</a>]</span>A wild boar, which had been captured for crocodile bait, was fastened to a pole in the middle of the <i>campong</i> (clearing). Around it was built a bamboo pen, opened at one end, from which extended a low, fenced-in lane about forty feet
+long. Arranged in this lane, at intervals, were slip nooses of ratan, which, rising above the structure, looked like skeleton
+arches.
+
+</p>
+<p>Impatiently the Moros waited for night; fearfully they watched the mango-tree. There was no tom-tom serenade such as usually
+heralds the coming of night; no fires were lighted; the evening meal was forgotten. An ominous silence pervaded the barrio.
+
+</p>
+<p>Night came&#8212;soft, fragrant night, with its thousand wonders. The inquisitive moon peeped over the palm fronds, peeped again,
+and decided to remain. Papita, her anklets and bangles clinking dully, moved listlessly about, sorrowing for her lost pet;
+Sicto followed her persistently, annoying her with his attentions. The sulky mestizo took pleasure in provoking the little
+girl, for was she not Piang&#8217;s favorite, and was not Piang his enemy? He moodily contemplated the <a id="d0e1407"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1407">148</a>]</span>charm boy at work on the silly-looking structure that he was not allowed to approach.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e1410" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p149.jpg" alt="Gracefully the little slave-girl eluded Piang and Sicto" width="512" height="382"><p class="figureHead">Gracefully the little slave-girl eluded Piang and Sicto</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>When it was finished, Kali Pandapatan ordered every one to go to their homes, to lock and bar the doors, and, under pain of
+his displeasure, to make no sound. The death-like stillness was fraught with tension. From the window in the nearest house,
+Piang kept watch with Kali, Asin, and Tooloowee; in his hand he held the ratan cable that controlled the nooses in the narrow
+lane. Minutes, hours trailed by, and still the barrio watched. A gentle wind awakened the forest whispers and gathered its
+freight of seed and pollen to scatter abroad. The prisoner in the deserted campong protested and struggled, its ugly grunts
+disturbing the jungle peace. Dull clouds obscured the moon, and for a long time the barrio was in darkness. When the light
+burst suddenly upon them, the Moros started from their drowsiness and gazed with awe on the swaying, shuddering mango-tree.
+Not a leaf was stirring on the surrounding trees, but the mango rustled and trembled ominously.
+<a id="d0e1416"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1416">149</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;See, Kali! I was right!&#8221; whispered Piang. No superstitious horror pervaded the hut where the four men watched, but in every
+other house Moros fell upon their faces, beseeching Allah to protect them from Bal-Bal. The capricious moon plunged into a
+shadowy cloud again. The next flood of light disclosed a vision so horrible that even Kali and his brave followers stiffened
+with fear. Out of the mango-tree a black, writhing mass crept toward the terrified squealing boar. Unfolding length after
+length, the thing advanced, until nearly thirty feet of sinuous, undulating life stretched between the mango tree and the
+boar&#8217;s cage. Papita, sickened with fear, buried her face in her mother&#8217;s bosom, weeping hysterically; Sicto, pale and trembling,
+grasped the window for support.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Ular-Sawa!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Giant python!&#8221;) he gasped, hastily closing the window. A little captive monkey whined pitifully.
+
+</p>
+<p>The massive creature, distracted by the sound, paused, head up, forked tongue darting in and out of the open jaws, for the
+Regal Python has no ears, but hears with its tongue. That delicate <a id="d0e1426"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1426">152</a>]</span>nerve center registers sounds by vibration, and when a python is eager to listen, it extends its black, forked tongue.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, will it go into the trap?&#8221; breathed Piang. The boar, watching its fate, squealed, and the python advanced. Missing the
+easy lane, it approached the cage from the side, and tried to batter it down with its powerful head. Failing in this, it attempted
+to slip over the fence, but the pickets had been sharpened to prevent this, and finally it discovered the opening.
+
+</p>
+<p>Seeming to disapprove of the symmetrical structure, it hesitated to thrust its enormous length into the strange-looking thing.
+The Moros were fearful lest the creature escape and continue to overshadow their barrio. Once the python seemed about to retreat,
+but at that moment the boar struggled so desperately that the python&#8217;s natural instinct prevailed, and without a moment&#8217;s
+hesitation, it writhed into the lane, past the first loop, past the second, until it reached the cage.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, Piang, now!&#8221; softly whispered Kali. Calculating the distance, Piang jerked the ratan <a id="d0e1434"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1434">153</a>]</span>cable, and the noose tightened around the snake&#8217;s throat.
+
+</p>
+<p>In a moment the fence was lashed to pieces, and the pickets were flying about like so many chips, as the serpent fought and
+struggled. Piang and his helpers secured the cable to a post and rushed into the campong. Catching hold of the other cables,
+they pulled them tighter and tighter until the snake was unable to move.
+
+</p>
+<p>The clouds were heavy and the moon shone fitfully.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Torches!&#8221; yelled Kali, and the women scurried about in search of them. Piang and Tooloowee cautiously approached the monster&#8217;s
+head, holding on a stick some cotton soaked with poison. Savagely the python bit at the extended stick, and the cotton caught
+on the long recurved teeth. Try as it would, it could not get rid of its mouthful. The Moros congratulated themselves, thinking
+the danger past, little knowing what the fatal consequences would be. Under the stimulus of the poison the python began to
+expand, until the loops of ratan creaked and <a id="d0e1442"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1442">154</a>]</span>snapped. The snake did not plunge or struggle, but quietly, steadily pulled. That python broke green ratan thongs half an
+inch in diameter, and soon twisted out of all its fastenings except the one about its neck. Catching hold of the mango-tree
+with its tail, it pulled until its eyes bulged from the sockets, but the ratan held. Releasing its hold on the tree, it flopped
+about the campong, pulling and straining at the cable.
+
+</p>
+<p>Finally it lay perfectly still, its dull, lidless eyes rolling upward. Without any warning, its lithe tail shot outward, swept
+the crowd of bystanders, and those fatal, living rings closed around Sicto, compressing the unfortunate boy with such force
+that he gasped for breath. Without a thought for the helpless boy, the women dropped the torches and fled screaming through
+the night, leaving the campong in darkness.
+
+</p>
+<p>Only Piang came to the none too popular mestizo&#8217;s assistance. He hurled himself at the reptile&#8217;s head, campilan raised to
+strike, but instead of falling upon the mark, his knife severed the one remaining cable and set the monster free. Perceiving
+its new antagonist, and feeling its <a id="d0e1448"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1448">155</a>]</span>freedom, the snake rapidly unwound its tail from Sicto, who fell to the ground with a dull thud. Darting forward with lightening
+rapidity, it caught Piang in its circular embrace, and, coiling its tail around the tree, flattened the boy against it, as
+if in a mill. Tighter, closer hugged those massive, chilling rings, but Piang fought bravely.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;A light! a light!&#8221; screamed Tooloowee, as he dragged the insensible Sicto away, and, out of a nearby hut dashed a slender,
+graceful figure in response to the call, a fresh torch streaming its smoke and sparks around her head.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Quick, Papita,&#8221; urged Tooloowee, and the girl came fearlessly to the aid of Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang!&#8221; she wailed. &#8220;Why didn&#8217;t you let it have Sicto!&#8221; Her voice seemed to put new life into the suffocating boy. With one
+supreme effort Piang managed to loosen his arm and struck once, twice. The python, now bleeding profusely, hissed and writhed,
+still tightening around the boy. Once again Piang thrust, at last reaching the creature&#8217;s heart. The rings loosened, relaxed,
+and Tooloowee&#8217;s well-aimed <a id="d0e1456"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1456">156</a>]</span>blow severed the awful head, which bounced and rolled to Papita&#8217;s feet.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>When they carried the limp, lacerated body of Piang to his hut, there was lamenting and weeping in the barrio. Piang, their
+beloved charm boy was dead. A mournful <i>tilick</i> (death signal) was sounded on the tom-toms, and the wail soon gathered volume until the jungle and river seemed to take up
+the plaint.
+
+</p>
+<p>Dead? Could Piang, the invincible, be killed? Papita crouched in the doorway. Kali Pandapatan bent over the still little form.
+Anxiously he watched the eyelids quiver, the lips part. A sigh of relief broke from the chief, and he murmured softly:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Little brother, you have the strength of a packda; the cunning of the civet-cat, and the wisdom of the mina-bird. May your
+days be long.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A knowing smile flitted across Kali&#8217;s face as he caught the irrelevant reply:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Papita&#8212;is she safe?&#8221;
+
+
+
+<a id="d0e1473"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1473">157</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e1474" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Seventh Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">The Secret of the Source</h2>
+<p>There had been a great drought. Plague was sure to follow such weather, and the Moros were already dying of starvation. &#8220;Rice,
+rice!&#8221; was the cry, but everywhere the crop had failed, and the natives were desperate.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang had been more successful in foraging than the other lads had, and his mother was safe for a time, but there seemed to
+be no hope, and he sorrowed as he pictured her dying for want of the food that it was his business to provide for her.
+
+</p>
+<p>In the stifling heat of midday, the village was startled by the appearance of several white men on the biggest animals they
+had ever seen. Tiny ponies, straying about the village, fled to cover at sight of the strange creatures, and most of the women
+hid themselves in fright. The Moro <a id="d0e1485"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1485">158</a>]</span>men sullenly watched the strangers advance, making no attempt to stop them, but there was no mistaking their hostile attitude.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Where is the dato?&#8221; asked the interpreter, who rode in ahead of the men. There was no answer.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come, where is the chief? The white men bring good news; they bring food.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Instantly there was a change. Kali Pandapatan stepped in front of the others and said in his musical patois:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I am Dato Kali Pandapatan. Speak. Do not deceive us.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A lengthy conversation followed, and while the two men were arguing and gesticulating, the strangers gradually coaxed some
+of the children toward them. Finally the women sidled nearer, and soon the entire population had hedged the little company
+in, and were gazing with awe at the huge American horses with their odd trappings. One mare stamped her foot and neighed loudly,
+scattering the spectators in every direction, greatly to the amusement of the white men.
+
+</p>
+<p>It was all very hard for the dato to understand. <a id="d0e1499"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1499">159</a>]</span>He explained to his people that some great power had sent the white men to save them from starvation. The interpreter had
+told him that the Moros all belonged now to some nation called the United States. A fierce murmur rippled through the crowd
+at this piece of news. The dato raised his hand for quiet.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Let us hear them through. We are hungry; let them feed us. We will fight for our freedom later, if necessary.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Haughtily Dato Kali Pandapatan faced the newcomers and bade them speak. The interpreter explained that the men were United
+States soldiers, and that their chief had commanded them to search the islands for starving Moros and to relieve their suffering.
+The crafty dato pondered long before he accepted their offer, all the while watching for an attack. It was impossible for
+him to believe their generosity could be genuine, so used was he to the treachery of Spanish strangers. When the pack-train
+loaded with supplies appeared at the head of the steep mountain pass, a cry went up from the hungry people, and a rush was
+made toward it. <a id="d0e1505"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1505">160</a>]</span>When the supplies had been portioned out to each family, and suspicion banished from the minds of the natives, the &#8220;Americanos&#8221;
+were hailed as their saviors. Lieutenant Lewis, in charge of the expedition, was offered every courtesy, and the soldiers
+were showered with gifts of brass and trinkets. Dato Kali Pandapatan vowed his allegiance to the soldiers and offered the
+services of his tribe.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ask the dato if he has heard of the mysterious rice that has been found on Lake Lanao, Ricardo,&#8221; said Lieutenant Lewis.
+
+</p>
+<p>The interpreter addressed the dato and learned that it was a well known fact that rice had appeared on the surface of the
+lake from no apparent source. As it had never been grown in that district, the authorities were puzzled over the persistent
+rumors. If it could be cultivated there, it might be possible to supply the tribes with enough to avoid these frequent famines.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He says he is not sure, sir, but travelers from that section all bring the same tales of gathering rice in an eddy at one
+corner of the lake. The tribes are very fierce around there, and as they <a id="d0e1513"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1513">161</a>]</span>will not tolerate interference from strangers, no one has dared to investigate.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I can easily believe it. General Bushing&#8217;s expedition through that country met with fearful opposition. It&#8217;s a wonder to
+me that so many of them came out alive.&#8221; The lieutenant was silent for a time, then said:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ask him if he has a swift runner, some one that he can trust.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Ricardo questioned the chief.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir, he says there is a boy named Piang, who is fleeter than the wind, surer than the sun.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ask him if he will send this boy for me to the lake to search out the truth about this rice. Offer him fifty bushels of corn
+for the lad&#8217;s family and tell him I will send him twenty-five bushels whether he is successful or not.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang! Piang!&#8221; the name was on every one&#8217;s lips. From out the crowd stepped a slender faun of a youth, slim and supple as
+a reed. The gaily-colored breech-cloth wound about his loins supported his bolo and small knives, and in his tightly knotted
+long hair, glistened a creese. With silent dignity he awaited his orders. No <a id="d0e1527"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1527">162</a>]</span>curiosity manifested itself in his face; no question was on his lips; he simply waited. Lieutenant Lewis marveled at the boy&#8217;s
+indifference, but when the mission was explained to Piang, the light that sparkled in his eyes and the expressions of excitement
+and joy that chased each other across his face removed all doubt from the lieutenant&#8217;s mind.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang was chosen! Piang was to ferret out the secret of the lake! Piang was to bring honor to his tribe! When it was explained
+to him that his mother would be provided for, he abruptly turned from the dato and dashed off to his hut to procure weapons
+and scanty provisions. A silence held the natives as they waited for Piang to reappear. They all seemed to sense the dangers
+that were confronting the boy so eager to undertake the task. Hardly ten minutes had elapsed before he was in their midst
+again. He salaamed before the dato and, without a glance at the others, bounded up the trail, away into the jungle.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; protested the lieutenant, &#8220;no one has given him any orders, any directions.&#8221; The interpreter <a id="d0e1533"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1533">163</a>]</span>conveyed the American&#8217;s misgivings to the dato. A smile broke over his face.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang needs no directions, no advice. No jungle is too thick for him to penetrate, no water deep enough to hide its secrets
+from him. Piang will bring you news of the rice. I have spoken.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;And to think of the fuss it takes to get a few dough-boys ready for a hike!&#8221; exclaimed the amazed lieutenant.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>The jungle was terrible. Everywhere Piang came across victims of the drought. Little monkeys, huddled together, cried like
+babies; big birds, perched on the sun-scorched trees, were motionless. He stumbled over something soft. Always on the alert,
+his bolo was ready in an instant, but there was no need for it. He looked down into the dying eyes of a little musk-deer.
+Pity and misgiving filled his heart, and he wondered if he would be able to reach the Big Pass before he starved. Surely,
+up there it would be different; they always had rain, and if he could only hold out.... A snuff-like dust constantly <a id="d0e1543"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1543">164</a>]</span>rose from the decayed vegetation; it pained his nostrils, and he muffled his face in his head-cloth as he penetrated deeper
+into the jungle. He must reach a clearing before night; it would mean almost certain death to sleep in the jungle&#8217;s poisonous
+atmosphere. There was a good spot further up, and he worked his way toward it, determined to reach it for his first night.
+The liana-vine that he cut for water was dry. He listened for the trickle of a brook. The jungle is usually full of little
+streams, but no sound rewarded his vigilance. Stumbling along, he began to think his journey would end there, when he was
+startled by loud chattering. A monkey settlement was evidently near, and he knew by their liveliness that they were not famishing
+for water. Spurred on by hope, he redoubled his efforts and was rewarded by the sight of a cocoanut grove in a clearing.
+
+</p>
+<p>There was a general protest from the inhabitants as he made his appearance, but he paid no attention to the monkey insults
+hurled at him and gratefully picked up the cocoanuts with which they bombarded him. Shaking each one, he <a id="d0e1547"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1547">165</a>]</span>tossed it from him. They were all dry. The monkeys were too clever to waste any nuts that had milk in them. Piang tied his
+feet together loosely with his head-cloth, and, using it as a brace, hopped up one of the trees as easily as a monkey. Sitting
+in the branches, he drained one cocoanut after another, and when his thirst was slaked, he amused himself by returning the
+bombardment. He was surrounded by monkey snipers and he laughingly rubbed his head where one of their shots had struck home.
+With careful aim he showered the trees, and gradually the monkeys began to disperse. He had won; the fun was over. He watched
+them scold and fuss as they retreated into the jungle, regretting that he had not kept them with him a little longer for company.
+
+</p>
+<p>The big sun was dipping into the trees now, and he descended to gather material for his bed. High up in the cocoanut-tree
+Piang built his couch. He selected two trees that were close together, and, cutting strips of ratan, bound stalks of bamboo
+together making a platform which he lashed to the trees, far out of reach of <a id="d0e1551"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1551">166</a>]</span>night prowlers. He dipped into his scanty provisions, and then, scrambling to his nest, covered himself with palm branches,
+which afford warmth as well as protection from the unhealthy dew. Quickly Piang sank into an untroubled slumber. All night
+long creatures fought below him for the few remaining drops of moisture in the discarded shells, but he knew that he was safe,
+and their snarls and bickerings did not alarm him.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang started guiltily. He must have overslept. The sun was high, but for some reason the heat had not awakened him. Sitting
+up, he rubbed his eyes, sniffed the air, and uttered a shout of joy. A gentle rain was trickling through the foliage; the
+spell was broken; the jungle would live again. After hastily gathering a few nuts he climbed down the tree and prepared for
+his journey, thankful that the drought was to be broken by the gentle &#8220;liquid sunshine,&#8221; as it is called, instead of by a
+violent typhoon. Eating what he wanted of the soft, green cocoanut meat, he tied two nuts to the ends of a ratan <a id="d0e1557"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1557">167</a>]</span>strip, and, slinging them across his shoulder, was off again, darting here and there to avoid the stinging vines and treacherous
+pitfalls.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e1560" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p167.jpg" alt="Over and over they rolled, splashing and fighting" width="512" height="281"><p class="figureHead">Over and over they rolled, splashing and fighting</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>How many days was he from Lake Lanao? He counted the suns that must rise and set before he should arrive. There were four,
+if he should be fortunate enough to find the Ganassi trail. Piang had not lost time by returning to the coast to pick up the
+trail, but had trusted to his instinct to lead him aright. Surely, if he followed the sun by day, and the big bright evening
+star by night, he would come upon the trail the second day. He must avoid the lake people at all costs; they were not to be
+trusted, and his life would pay the penalty if they caught him spying. Silently the jungle child sped along. Nothing escaped
+his watchful eye; no sound eluded his trained ear. Once he darted aside just in time to escape the toils of the dread python
+as it swooped from above to claim its victim. Another time his bolo saved him, and a wild civet-cat lay at his feet. Chuckling
+at his prowess, Piang drew his knife across the animal&#8217;s belly, and slipped off the skin, almost whole. <a id="d0e1566"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1566">170</a>]</span>It would be useful to him, and maybe he could find the herb that is used to cure pelts.
+
+</p>
+<p>It was very difficult traveling. The sun was not visible during the afternoon, and Piang lost his direction. Blundering here
+and there, he often came back to the same place. It was no use; he could not find the trail without the assistance of sun
+or stars. Sometimes it was days before either could penetrate the dense mist that accompanies the tropical rains. Discouraged,
+he threw himself on the ground.
+
+</p>
+<p>An unusual sound made him jerk his head up to listen. It came again, and the boy rose quietly to his feet, focusing his senses
+on the sound. Cautiously he advanced toward it. In the jungle it is always wiser to be the one to attack. The sound was repeated,
+and Piang breathed easier. It was made by an animal, not by his dread lake enemies. Gradually he crept nearer and when he
+parted the bushes and peeped through, he almost shouted in his excitement. He had reached the Big Pass. A broad river swept
+rapidly by, and along the banks wild carabao rolled and splashed, making queer diminutive <a id="d0e1572"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1572">171</a>]</span>sounds, not in keeping with their ungainly size. Piang was careful to keep out of sight, as they are apt to be dangerous when
+their very uncertain nerves are startled.
+
+</p>
+<p>For more than two days Piang fought his way through the entanglement of cogon grass and vicious vines, cutting and hewing
+his way, afraid to cross the river and follow the Ganassi trail. Finally, one rosy dawn, he came upon the lake as it sparkled
+and shimmered in the early light. The boy held his breath, delighted with the beauty of the view. Far in the distance mountains
+rose in a blue and purple haze. The lake was nestled in the heart of them, fed by many clear brooks and springs. Its bed had
+once been the crater of an active volcano, but Piang did not know this.
+
+</p>
+<p>From his retreat, built high among the dense trees, Piang watched the lake people ply their way to and fro across the water.
+Somewhere on that lake was the secret of the floating rice, and the boy was determined to discover the truth. He hid before
+dawn at the water&#8217;s edge near a spot that he had noticed was much frequented. As usual, a swarm of natives visited <a id="d0e1578"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1578">172</a>]</span>it about noon. Piang watched them dip up gourds and cocoanut-shell cups full of water. They strained it through cloths, repeating
+and repeating the action. He was sure it was the coveted rice that they were gathering and he impatiently waited for them
+to go; no sooner had they departed, however, than others arrived to take up the task. There was nothing to do, but wait again
+for dawn, and Piang wriggled himself back to his grove and mounted his platform home.
+
+</p>
+<p>He was very restless all night and hardly slept at all, so anxious was he for the first streaks of light. As he lay with eyes
+upturned, he watched the stars grow dim: before they had entirely disappeared, Piang was standing by the water ready for the
+dive. His bolo was slung at his side, and in his mouth he carried a smaller knife. One never knows what one may meet at the
+bottom of an unknown lake, and Piang was prepared for any emergency.
+
+</p>
+<p>At last it was light, at last he could see into the clear lake. Climbing out on the rocks as far as he could, he let himself
+down into the cool <a id="d0e1584"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1584">173</a>]</span>water. How he rejoiced at the feel of it and how easily he slipped along toward the spot where he had watched the natives
+the day before!
+
+</p>
+<p>He looked for signs of rice. Seaweed tricked him; bubbles vanished and he reached to grasp them. Round and round he swam,
+and finally his hands closed over something small and slippery. Breathlessly he fingered it, and opening his hand as he trod
+water, he beheld the mushy rice grains.
+
+</p>
+<p>Taking a long survey, he assured himself that there was no one in sight. Yesterday the Moros had not come before noon; and
+if he worked quickly, he might discover the secret to-day. Taking a long breath, Piang dived straight down and, swimming along
+the bottom, examined the rocks carefully; but he came back to the surface none the wiser for his plunge. A puzzled look puckered
+his face. Tilting his head to one side, he considered. That was surely rice; it did not grow here, so it must come from under
+the water. Again he dived, but this time he swam nearer the surface and he saw that there was more rice floating by than he
+had imagined. It was not <a id="d0e1590"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1590">174</a>]</span>coming from the bottom, it was drifting from the center of the lake!
+
+</p>
+<p>Excitedly he headed in that direction, swimming under water whenever he lost the trail of the rice. It was not strange that
+it only came to the top in that one spot. There was a strong current that bore it upward, whirling it in an eddy before it
+sank to the bottom. Farther, farther he went, always swimming toward the center of the lake; and as he went, the rice grew
+thicker. Eagerly he plunged forward, keeping his eyes open, watching the rice.
+
+</p>
+<p>He stopped. What was that dark object resting on the bottom? He did not know how exhausted he was until he paused for breath;
+then, knowing that his next dive would take him far down, he rolled over on his back and floated quietly. Burning with curiosity,
+he could hardly wait to see what was there. Slowly he swam downward. Something warned him to be more careful, and afterward
+he was grateful for his caution, for had he plunged recklessly to the bottom, in all probability in would have been his last
+dive.
+<a id="d0e1596"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1596">175</a>]</span></p>
+<p>He was aware of a large body moving near him and he dodged just in time to avoid a collision, striking out for the surface.
+Lying flat on the water, he peered into the depth and discovered several dark things swimming about. Frightened at first,
+he remembered that sharks and crocodiles do not live in mountain lakes. Bravely he descended, but this time he swam with his
+bolo in his hand. Down, down, and again he saw the queer, square things flopping about. They were huge tortoises, clustered
+around a darker object at the very bottom of the lake. Once more Piang came to the top. He was not afraid now; tortoises do
+not fight unless attacked, and the boy could easily outswim any of the clumsy creatures. But what were they doing out there
+in the middle of the lake? Tortoises live near shoals and feed on fungi and roots. As he plunged down once more, he was met
+by a strong up-current and had to fight his way through. Tiny particles stung him as they rushed by, and it seemed to him
+that millions of fish were darting here and there, snapping at something. It was rice. Gradually it dawned <a id="d0e1599"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1599">176</a>]</span>on Piang that he had reached his goal; the tortoise had reached it first, and the secret lay hidden in that dark thing at
+the bottom.
+
+</p>
+<p>Frantically, but steadily, he worked his way down, avoiding weeds and driftwood. The water grew calmer as he neared the bottom,
+the rush of the current less. His breath was almost gone; he could hardly stand it a few seconds longer, but he must see what
+it was there. With one supreme effort, he struggled and reached the hard sand of the lake floor. A trifle dazed, he looked
+about, and there, towering above him, was a ship.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang was almost unconscious when he reached the air. Had he been dreaming? How could a ship be resting on the bottom of Lake
+Lanao? Restraining his curiosity, he forced himself to rest. Lying on his back again, he took long regular breaths until he
+was entirely rested. Slowly he descended and, avoiding contact with the loggy tortoise, circled around the dark thing. Yes,
+it was a boat. Piang had seen only one other boat like it in his life. It was only about thirty-five feet long, but to the
+boy it seemed <a id="d0e1605"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1605">177</a>]</span>to rise above him like a mountain. Fascinated, he sank lower until he was standing on the deck. The tortoises and fish paid
+no attention to him, and he examined it carefully. The big tube, sticking up in its middle Piang recognized as the thing that
+belches smoke, and along the sides, covered with slime and weeds, were small black objects. He had heard that these boats
+hurl &#8220;hot-spit&#8221; into the jungle when they are angry, and he supposed it must come from these ugly things. All this occupied
+only a few seconds, but to Piang it seemed like years. Making a hasty ascent, he again filled his lungs and prepared to explore
+farther. As he worked his way back, he crossed the current that was bearing the rice to the surface and remembered his mission.
+Following the milky trail, he arrived at the stern of the boat and shuddered to see the mass of animal life clustered there.
+Worming his way alongside, he frightened the swarming creatures, and they scattered, leaving him a clear view of the boat.
+Only one old tortoise refused to be disturbed, and Piang watched it pull and bite at something. He was very close to it, when
+<a id="d0e1607"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1607">178</a>]</span>suddenly something blinded him. He put out his hands to ward it off, but the rush increased, and when he found his way to
+the top his hands were full of soggy rice. The old tortoise had torn the end of a rice-sack, and the contents were being whirled
+upward.
+
+</p>
+<p>As the boy lay on the water, reviewing his remarkable discovery, his strength almost exhausted, he was startled into the realization
+of a new danger. Quickly he dived, but not before a man in a vinta, headed that way, had seen him. Piang was caught. In his
+excitement he had failed to watch for the coming of his enemies, and now he must fight. Swiftly the vinta approached. Piang
+could see it through the water and he watched until it was over his head. With a lunge, he struck at it with all his might,
+upsetting it and throwing the occupant out. With a yell the man grabbed Piang, and the startled boy recognized his old enemy,
+Sicto, the outcast, who drifted from tribe to tribe, a parasite on all who would tolerate him. He was making his home with
+the lake people just now and had discovered Piang&#8217;s hiding-place. Guessing that <a id="d0e1611"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1611">179</a>]</span>the boy was after the secret of the rice, he had watched his chance and had pounced on him when he was least able to protect
+himself.
+
+</p>
+<p>Over and over they rolled, splashing and fighting. Piang was struggling for breath, but luckily he still had his bolo in his
+hand. The big bully was sure to win the fight unless Piang could escape soon, as he was already winded and exhausted. A happy
+thought flashed through Piang&#8217;s mind. He watched for one of the tortoises to swim near the surface, and then shrieking &#8220;Crocodile,&#8221;
+he pointed toward it. When the frightened Sicto shrank from the tortoise, Piang struck with all his might, but he was so weak
+and his knife was so heavy that he only stunned his adversary.
+
+</p>
+<p>Then he was away like a flash. Before the bully could recover, Piang had righted the vinta and was paddling off in the direction
+of the river. Sicto tried to follow him, but Piang only laughed and paddled faster. He was free again; he had a boat, and
+knew the secret of the rice. Allah was indeed good to little Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>Rapidly he plied his paddle. The current <a id="d0e1619"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1619">180</a>]</span>was against him as he headed for the mouth of the river, but he worked steadily and soon lost sight of the infuriated Sicto.
+
+</p>
+<p>He paused. Coming out of the river was a flotilla of boats. They were the usual rice-fishers, and he must pass them to gain
+the outlet. What if they called to him? He could not speak their dialect, and they would surely recognize Sicto&#8217;s boat. He
+did not think they had seen him, so he changed his course to the east-ward and slowly paddled in that direction. They soon
+passed behind him, paying no attention to the solitary boatman, and he thankfully headed toward the river. As soon as the
+men reached Sicto, he would tell them of the fight, and they would give chase. Piang&#8217;s chances of escape were indeed slim,
+but he had a little start.
+
+</p>
+<p>Stubbornly he fought the current; patiently he worked against the swift water. At last he was in the river, but he knew that
+by this time the Moros were in pursuit. That they did not appear in the river behind him was no reason to feel safe. He was
+sure they would try to head him off by land, as the river wound round <a id="d0e1625"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1625">181</a>]</span>and round through the valleys. The odds were certainly against Piang. He was in a strange country, unfamiliar with the trails
+and hunted by the swiftest tribe of Moros. The Ganassi trail was out of the question. It would be lined with the lake people
+watching for him. The jungle, which he had worked his way through, would be searched, and his recent camping site discovered.
+Every passable trail to his home would be watched.
+
+</p>
+<p>Suddenly Piang remembered the &#8220;Americano&#8221; soldiers. They lived somewhere off in the other direction, beyond the terrible marshlands.
+Without a moment&#8217;s hesitation, he headed toward the shore, pulled up the vinta, and secured it. He then plunged into the stream
+and swam to the opposite shore. When the lake people found the vinta, they would search that side of the jungle. Piang was
+pleased at his ruse.
+
+</p>
+<p>Bravely the boy faced his only avenue of escape. The journey through the marshlands and over the mountains was considered
+impossible, but Piang was not discouraged. Searching the surrounding jungle, he made sure that he had <a id="d0e1631"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1631">182</a>]</span>not been discovered, and, turning his back on his home as well as on his enemies, headed toward the distant peaks, the Dos
+Hermanas.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Halt!&#8221; The sentry on Post No. 4 wheeled and took aim. There was another rustle in the bushes. &#8220;Halt!&#8221; came the second warning.
+Luckily the man was an old soldier, whose nerves were well seasoned. There would be only one more warning; the bullet would
+come then. Tensely the sentry listened. In the jungle one does not wait long out of curiosity. Just as he was about to utter
+his ultimatum and emphasize it with lead, a slender form tottered through the bushes and fell to the ground.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure, an&#8217; he &#8217;s a-playin&#8217; dead. None of that game for yer Uncle Dudley.&#8221; The Irishman, coming to port arms, sang out:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Corporal of the guard. Number Four!&#8221; Never taking his eyes off the still form, he waited.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s up?&#8221; called the corporal, as he came running up the trail with his squad.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Suspicious greaser!&#8221; The sentry pointed <a id="d0e1645"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1645">183</a>]</span>at the prostrate form. Cautiously they approached it. Too many times their humane sympathy had been rewarded by treachery.
+The native did not stir. One of the guard poked him with his foot. There was no resistance.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Guess he&#8217;s all in, all right,&#8221; announced the corporal. &#8220;Heave him up. Never mind the leeches; they won&#8217;t hurt you.&#8221; The boy
+was lifted to the top of a woodpile. He bore the marks of the jungle. His hands and feet were scratched and torn by thorns,
+some of which still showed in the flesh. His ribs showed plainly through the tightly pulled skin, and leeches clung to him,
+sucking the blood from his tired body. The long hair had been jerked from its customary chignon, and was hanging loose around
+his head. His thin arms hung listlessly at his side.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gosh, he needs a wash bad enough. Must have been starving, too.&#8221; With his bayonet the corporal removed the black hair from
+the face. Uttering an exclamation, he bent over the boy.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, I&#8217;ll be dinged! This is the kid Lieutenant Lewis sent up to the lake! How in tarnation did he get to us from this direction?&#8221;
+<a id="d0e1653"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1653">184</a>]</span>The men silently exchanged glances, all remembering their fruitless attempts to make a trail over the Dos Hermanas. Forcing
+water between the parched lips, the corporal gently shook Piang. The boy opened his eyes and shuddered.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re all right now, little &#8217;un,&#8221; the corporal said, and although Piang did not understand the language, he responded to
+the kind tone with a weak smile. Slowly getting to his elbow, he motioned toward the garrison:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Hombre!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Man!&#8221;) he muttered. It was the only Spanish word he knew, and the soldiers guessed that he wanted Lieutenant Lewis.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Give him a lift, boys,&#8221; said the corporal and set the example by helping Piang to stand.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, the boy&#8217;s story is incredible, Lewis. It is simply impossible that a gunboat could be at the bottom of Lake Lanao,&#8221;
+General Beech protested as he walked to and fro in front of his desk in the administration building.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If you will search the records at headquarters, sir, I think you will find mention of three gunboats that were shipped to
+this island by the <a id="d0e1670"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1670">185</a>]</span>Spanish government and disappeared mysteriously on the eve of our occupancy.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>And so it turned out. Inquiries among the older natives of the barrio brought confirmation of the report, and weird tales
+of transporting the diminutive gunboats in sections over the mountain passes began to float about. Finally General Beech was
+convinced and gave the necessary orders to equip and send an investigating party to the lake. Piang was to be the guide.
+
+</p>
+<p>The transport <i>Seward</i> carried the troops around to Iligan, and the struggle up the mountain trail to Lake Lanao began.
+
+</p>
+<p>Sicto was the first to give warning of the approach. He came upon the party one morning as they were breaking camp near the
+Marie Christina falls and immediately dashed off to Marahui.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The white devils are coming,&#8221; he shrieked. &#8220;Piang, the traitor, is leading them to us!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Dato Grande assembled his council, and they awaited the coming of the soldiers with misgivings. They had good reason to fear
+the Americans. General Bushing had swept that district <a id="d0e1685"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1685">186</a>]</span>in his marvelous campaign, and there was many a cripple among the lake people to testify to the accuracy of his marksmen.
+But they were relieved by the appearance of Ricardo, the interpreter, who explained to the dato that the troops were not hostile,
+but had come to make friends with the Moros.
+
+</p>
+<p>Proudly Piang swung along at the head of the column, guiding them to his recent platform home. Camp was pitched on the shore,
+and the engineers commenced work at once. The boy impatiently waited for the divers to fix their cumbersome suits, and when
+all was ready, he plunged into the water and disappeared from view. The grotesque figures floating down with him made Piang
+want to laugh. They looked like huge devil-fish, and he wondered how they could stand the clumsy dress. After he had led the
+men to the boat he came to the top and swam with eyes down. If there were more boats, he wanted to find them first. The men
+on the bank were watching his agile movements with interest. With a shout he disappeared again. Yes, yes, there was a second
+boat. And as he circled <a id="d0e1689"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1689">187</a>]</span>the sunken craft he spied another near it. Striking out for the shore, he swam to where the general and the lieutenant were
+waiting.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What is he chattering about, Ricardo?&#8221; asked the general.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He says he has seen the other two boats, sir.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This is certainly a fortunate discovery, Lewis. I shall make a report to Washington on the matter, and you shall be commended
+for your sagacity.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The young officer flushed with pleasure, but replied:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, sir, but I think the boy Piang deserves all the credit.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>It was many days before the task was completed. The rice had remained a mystery to the last, and the officers puzzled over
+the fact that it had not rotted entirely. The first report from the divers confirmed the rumor that the boats had been scuttled,
+presumably to prevent the Americans from capturing them. They had all been loaded with rice packed in sacks, and secured in
+tin-lined boxes. Until recently it had <a id="d0e1703"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1703">188</a>]</span>been protected from the water, but something heavy from above had fallen on them, crushing the outside coverings. The tortoise
+had done the rest.
+
+</p>
+<p>Another surprise awaited the troops. A diver brought up a handful of Krag cartridges.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This <i>is</i> a mystery,&#8221; said Lieutenant Lewis. &#8220;The Spanish never used Krags; we were the first to bring them to this part of the world,
+weren&#8217;t we?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A shadow crossed General Beech&#8217;s face. Quietly he ordered the divers to search for more ammunition. Silently they waited,
+and Lewis wondered what had brought the sad expression to his chief&#8217;s face. When the divers brought up a wooden box half filled
+with cartridges, the two officers bent over it; on one side, branded in the wood, was plainly visible:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Depot Quartermaster, San Francisco, Cal.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I thought so,&#8221; murmured the general.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, what do you know about that!&#8221; exclaimed Lewis. &#8220;The public has been wondering for years what became of the thousands
+of rounds of ammunition General Bushing took with him <a id="d0e1720"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1720">189</a>]</span>on his spectacular march through Mindanao. Murder will out. It is here!&#8221; He rubbed his hands together in glee, laughing softly.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How do you suppose this ammunition got here, Lewis?&#8221; General Beech asked gravely.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Why, dumped here, of course. Don&#8217;t you remember the Sunday editions at home proclaiming Bushing a hero because he had used
+more ammunition and apparently done more fighting, than any one on record? Why didn&#8217;t he come out with the truth?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>General Beech colored at this injustice to his colleague.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The usual hasty conclusion characteristic of Young America!&#8221; said the General, sharply. &#8220;Do you know, young man, that General
+Bushing is not only one of our ablest soldiers, but one of the most finished diplomats in the service?&#8221; Lewis had never seen
+General Beech so agitated.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This discovery will be no news to the war department; they are in possession of the detailed account of the accident.&#8221; He
+paused, his eyes sweeping the lake. &#8220;Lewis, this lake is the site of a most unfortunate accident. Out there,&#8221; <a id="d0e1732"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1732">190</a>]</span>General Beech pointed toward the center of the lake, &#8220;dozens of our soldiers were lost, and the public will never know the
+tragic story of their fall. General Bushing was trying to transport six rafts of ammunition across the lake to the troops
+stranded at Camp Vicars. During a wild night storm, the handful of men set out on improvised rafts, but half-way across they
+were attacked from all sides and nearly annihilated. Only the wisdom and bravery of General Bushing saved the entire detachment
+from death; he ordered the ammunition thrown overboard and rescued his remaining men after a hard fight. That the survivors,
+one and all, have kept faith, and never divulged the story of the lost Krags, proves the remarkable influence General Bushing
+had over his command, for had the Moros got wind of this handy arsenal&#8212;!&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>The day finally came when the tiny flotilla was at last raised, and, gay in its paint and polished metal, gallantly rode at
+anchor. All the lake tribes were assembled to witness the celebration, and they gazed with wonder at the strange craft. <a id="d0e1738"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1738">191</a>]</span>Many Americans had been attracted to the lake by news of the discovery, and the camp had grown to almost twice its original
+size. Some of the officers&#8217; wives had endured the hardships of the journey to witness the novel sight.
+
+</p>
+<p>The boats were pronounced seaworthy and were to be tested. The largest boat, the flagship, was decorated from one end to the
+other with its faded pennants, but in the stern, proudly proclaiming its present nationality, flew the Stars and Stripes.
+Under the flag at the bow stood a sturdy, nonchalant figure, arms folded, head erect. Condescendingly Piang swept the crowd
+of wondering natives with his haughty eye. He paid no more attention to Sicto than to the others. In his supreme self-confidence
+Piang scorned to report Sicto to the authorities. He was clothed in a new dignity that put him far above considering such
+an unworthy opponent as Sicto and he silently cherished the hope that other opportunities to outwit the mestizo would be granted
+him.
+
+</p>
+<p>An order was given. A shrill whistle startled the jungle folk. The engines throbbed, and one <a id="d0e1744"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1744">192</a>]</span>after another the boats responded. A cheer went up from the banks.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang had been given the honor of renaming the boats. The smallest one bore the name of his mother, Minka. The next was dedicated
+to the memory of his tribe&#8217;s greatest hero, Dato Ali, and characteristically, on the bow of the flagship, beneath the boy&#8217;s
+feet, glittered the bright gold letters, &#8220;P-I-A-N-G.&#8221;
+
+
+<a id="d0e1748"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1748">193</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e1749" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Eighth Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">The Juramentado Gunboat</h2>
+<p>The transport <i>Seward</i> was approaching Jolo. Far in the distance the sunset tinged the coast with myriads of delicate tints, softening the harsh
+outline of the jungle. A flock of wild pigeons hovering over the town, suggested domestic peace, which was far from the actual
+state of affairs in that hotbed of intrigue. Glasses were trained on the isolated garrison, a mere speck of civilization,
+hurled at the foot of the jungle, and the excited tourists covered themselves with glory by their foolish questions.
+
+</p>
+<p>Queer, dark-skinned people in dirty, many-colored garments, looking like a rainbow fallen in disgrace, greeted the newcomers
+in sullen silence, their disapproval very evident. A quarantine officer boarded and asked for the young lieutenant who was
+to join the Siasi garrison.
+<a id="d0e1761"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1761">194</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Hello, Lewis! There is some uprising in Basilan. Jekiri again, I guess. They want you up at headquarters immediately.&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>The chug-chug of the engine was the only sound as the trim little gunboat <i>Sabah</i> slipped along. Lewis had been given command of a squad of cavalry and ordered to proceed to Basilan to put down any outbreak
+that might threaten. &#8220;Juramentado,&#8221; was whispered, and his orders were not to allow the troops to become involved but to quell
+any trouble that was brewing.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;A pretty big order for a shave-tail (greenhorn) Lewis,&#8221; General Beech had said at parting, &#8220;but I bet you and that dark shadow
+of yours will make good.&#8221; The hearty handclasp and kind smile warmed the young officer&#8217;s heart. General Beech was unusually
+young for his post as division commander, and he had endeared himself to his followers by his kindly manner and dignified
+directness, and Lewis would have faced death for him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, sir,&#8221; was all that he said, and &#8220;the <a id="d0e1775"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1775">195</a>]</span>dark shadow&#8221; salaamed according to his custom.
+
+</p>
+<p>That night as the Americans swung along under the dome of brilliant stars, a question arose as to the meaning of juramentado.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang,&#8221; Lieutenant Lewis said, &#8220;tell us about this custom of your people, won&#8217;t you?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Bashfully the boy hung his head and wriggled his toes. He was ashamed of his fierce people since the good American had taken
+him into his home, but they prevailed upon him to explain, and among them they gathered the following story from his funny,
+broken English:
+
+</p>
+<p>When a Moro wearies of life and wishes to take a short cut to paradise, he bathes in a holy spring, shaves his eyebrows, clothes
+himself in white and is blessed by the pandita. The oath he takes is called <i>juramentar</i> (die killing Christians), and he arms himself with his wicked knife and starts forth. Selecting a gathering, well sprinkled
+with Christians, he begins his deadly work, and as long as he breathes, he hews right and left. Piang told them that he had
+seen one strong Moro juramentado pierced by a <a id="d0e1788"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1788">196</a>]</span>bayonet, drive the steel further into himself, in order to reach the soldier at the other end of the gun, whom he cut in two
+before he died.
+
+</p>
+<p>The horror on the faces of his listeners made Piang pause, but they urged him on.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Since we are headed toward Jekiri&#8217;s sanctum, I guess it behooves us to get all the dope goin&#8217; about these fellows,&#8221; interjected
+a recruit.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang&#8217;s big, black eyes filled with mystery when he described how the juramentado rides to the abode of the blessed on a shadowy,
+white horse, taller than a carabao, just as dusk is falling. Indeed, he assured them that he had seen this very phenomenon
+himself and shivered at the recollection of the unnatural chill and damp that crept through the jungle while the spirit was
+passing.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Bosh, Piang, you mustn&#8217;t believe those fairy tales now. You are a good American.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure, me good American, now,&#8221; grinned the boy.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>There is nothing to differentiate the island of Basilan from the many others in the Sulu group. <a id="d0e1804"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1804">197</a>]</span>The natives seemed far from hostile, however, and Lieutenant Lewis remarked upon their docility to Sergeant Greer.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t let &#8217;em fool you, sir; they&#8217;re not to be trusted,&#8221; he replied.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, Sergeant, I think we are all too scared of the dirty beggars. If we ever stop dodging them, they will stop lying in wait
+for us.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The old man&#8217;s face did not reveal his misgivings, but he wondered where this young upstart would lead the men and inwardly
+cursed the war department for sending troops into the jungle under the command of a baby. He was soon to change his opinion
+of this particular &#8220;baby.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Camp was pitched near the water&#8217;s edge in a tall cocoanut grove that supplied them with food and water as well as shade. The
+chores over, liberty was granted to explore the island. The sergeant shook his head; he seemed to feel the inexperience of
+the new officer and overstepped the bounds of discipline when he warned him again of the treachery of the natives, advising
+him to keep the men in camp.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That will do, Sergeant,&#8221; replied the lieutenant. <a id="d0e1816"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1816">198</a>]</span>The old man stiffened into a salute, wheeled, and disappeared down the company street.
+
+</p>
+<p>At sunset retreat was sounded, and after all the men had been accounted for, they gathered around the fires. Picturesque natives
+mingled with the jolly soldiers, bartering and arguing over trifling purchases. Through the warm fragrance, unfamiliar sounds
+kept reminding Lewis that he was far from home. The twilight deepened into night, and pipe in hand, he reviewed the strange
+scene. Folks at home were celebrating Christmas Eve. Somewhere the snow was falling, bells jingling, and a mother&#8217;s prayers
+were being whispered for the far-away boy in the Sulu jungle. Little Piang was squatting at his feet, silently watching the
+scene, happy because he was near his master. Suddenly the boy jumped up, dashed into the crowd, and yelled:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Juramentado!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A tall Moro, without any warning, had begun to shriek and whirl, cutting to and fro with his terrible campilan, and before
+any one could prevent, <a id="d0e1824"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1824">199</a>]</span>he had felled two troopers. With a howl, Lewis plunged into their midst, pistol leveled, but before he could pull the trigger,
+the Moro buried the sword in his own vitals and pitched forward, dead.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;See, another!&#8221; cried Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>Just in time a bullet from the lieutenant&#8217;s revolver silenced another deadly fanatic. They had slipped into the gathering,
+well concealed beneath enshrouding green sarongs, but Piang&#8217;s quick eye had detected them before they had a good start.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang has saved us from a terrible row, boys,&#8221; said Sergeant Greer, and when the wounded were cared for, the rough soldiers
+tossed the graceful boy on their shoulders and paraded through the camp, much to the delight of the hero.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I go to find the sultan to-morrow, sir?&#8221; asked Piang. &#8220;Him at Isabella, and I must give him Kali Pandapatan&#8217;s message.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Piang, I am with you. I&#8217;m going to face that old codger and tell him what I think of his fiendish tricks of killing
+us off by this beastly <a id="d0e1836"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1836">200</a>]</span>juramentado, when he claims to be at peace with America.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Lewis learned many things during the trip, and Piang delighted in guiding his friends through the jungle he loved so well,
+through the grass eight feet high, under trees laden with strange fruits. Monkeys were swinging in the trees chattering and
+scolding the intruders.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You want monkey, sir?&#8221; asked Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Can you catch one without hurting it?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You watch Piang,&#8221; chuckled the boy. The others hid, and Piang struck a match. The tree, full of curious little people, shook
+as they scampered about trying to see what Piang was doing. He paid no attention to them, and as he struck match after match,
+they gradually crept nearer. Shielding the flame from the inquisitive creatures, he excited their curiosity until they were
+unable to resist, and soon one hopped to the ground. Another came, and another. Piang paid no attention to the visitors, continuing
+to hide the flame in his hands. Lewis almost spoiled it all by laughing outright, for it was indeed a ridiculous sight to
+see the little wild things consumed <a id="d0e1846"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1846">201</a>]</span>with curiosity. Walking upright, their funny hands dangling from the stiff elbows, they advanced. One venturesome little gray
+form clinging to the branch overhead by its tail, timidly touched Piang&#8217;s shoulder. It paused, touched it again, and finally
+confidently hopped upon it, all the while craning its neck, making absurd faces at the sulphur fumes. Two little arms went
+around Piang&#8217;s neck; a soft little body cuddled up against him, and all the while the monkey twisted and turned in its efforts
+to discover the mystery of the flame.
+
+</p>
+<p>The click of a camera sounded like a gunshot in the intense stillness, and up the trees went the little band in a flash, all
+but the prisoner in Piang&#8217;s arms.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Great, Piang,&#8221; called Lewis. &#8220;I hope the picture will be good, for it was the strangest sight I ever saw in my life.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Oh, me love monkeys,&#8221; replied the boy, stroking and soothing the frightened creature. &#8220;You want this one?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No, let the little beast off, I couldn&#8217;t bear to cage it up.&#8221; A banana and some sugar repaid <a id="d0e1856"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1856">202</a>]</span>the monkey for the experiment and after he was free, he followed the travelers, chattering and begging for sweets.
+
+</p>
+<p>When they came to Isabella, capital of Basilan Island, Piang scurried off in search of the sultan. The men amused themselves
+watching the excitement they created. An American soldier is a wonderful and dreadful thing to these wild folk.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The sultan, he out in other barrio. Me catchim.&#8221; This being interpreted meant that Piang would guide them to his house.
+
+</p>
+<p>When they finally came to a clearing, Lewis wondered why Piang stopped in front of a filthy hut, half-way up two cocoanut-trees;
+he was impatient to be off, as he wanted to reach the sultan&#8217;s palace before dark. Piang was arguing with a dirty woman cleaning
+fish in the river.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, what&#8217;s the idea? Let&#8217;s get on,&#8221; impatiently said Lewis.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;This His Excellency Paduca Majasari Amiril Sultan Harun Narrasid&#8217;s house,&#8221; replied Piang with awe.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gee, what a name!&#8221; exclaimed Lewis. &#8220;And <a id="d0e1870"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1870">203</a>]</span>to go with that dugout, too. Say, Piang, I suppose we could call the old chap Pad for short?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang grinned, but instantly went on his knees, head touching the ground as a sullen, dark face, a white scar slashed across
+the cheek, appeared at the opening.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What does the beggar mean by that grunt, Sergeant?&#8221; asked Lewis.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s the old boy himself, sir, wanting to know why you have disturbed his royal sleep.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Lewis was dumfounded! This dirty, insignificant creature the sultan! He wanted to laugh, but the solemn little figure, prostrate
+before the man, made him say quietly:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, get up, I want you to talk to him.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Timidly the boy raised his eyes to his august lord; another grunt seemed to give Piang permission, for he rose and faced Lewis.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What you want Piang to say? Be careful. He not like joke and might chop off Americanos.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Lewis realized it was no trifling matter to meet this scoundrel alone in the jungle, far from reinforcements. His message
+was simple, short, and impressive:
+<a id="d0e1888"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1888">204</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Ask him why the devil he allowed those juramentados to invade my camp?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>With much ceremony Piang addressed the sultan, bowing and scraping before him. The low, ugly growls in response made Lewis
+furious, but he refrained from showing his anger. The sultan&#8217;s reply amazed him.
+
+</p>
+<p>He expressed his regrets indifferently, that the camp had been disturbed. But (he threw up his hands to indicate his helplessness)
+who could stop the sacred juramentado? Not he, powerful sultan that he was. To-day was a feast of the Mohammedans. To-day
+was a most holy day, and, of course, the sultan could not be held responsible if some of his men had become excited. True,
+many good Americans had met their death in this way; it was most unfortunate, but how could it be stopped? Did the Christians
+not have their Christmas, and did they not kill turkeys and cut trees? The Moros are a fierce people and celebrate their feast
+days in a more violent manner.
+
+</p>
+<p>Poor Lewis! Thoroughly exasperated, he tried to argue through Piang, but finding it hopeless, <a id="d0e1897"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1897">205</a>]</span>he told the boy to finish Kali Pandapatan&#8217;s business with the sultan as quickly as possible.
+
+</p>
+<p>Discouraged, he started back through the jungle, wondering how many more fanatics had broken loose during his absence. The
+sultan was deliberately picking the troops off, a few at a time, always insisting that he was at peace with the Americans.
+The war department, many miles away, was unable to understand the situation. Orders required that the Moro receive humane
+treatment, and forbade any drastic measures being taken against the juramentados, saying time would cure it. It was outrageous,
+and intelligent men were being made fools of by the sultan, who understood the state of affairs perfectly.
+
+</p>
+<p>The jungle began to irritate Lewis; it was a constant fight. The terrible heat, the tenacity of the vines and undergrowth
+seemed directed toward him personally, as he stumbled and fought his way along. How impossible to deal with the crafty sultan
+according to Christian standards! He should be given treatment that would bring <a id="d0e1903"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1903">206</a>]</span>him to terms quickly, and Lewis longed to get a chance at him.
+
+</p>
+<p>Suddenly an idea flashed into his head. He hurried Piang, bidding him find a shorter cut home, as night was gathering.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sergeant Greer, come to my tent immediately,&#8221; ordered the lieutenant when he had looked over the camp and found everything
+safe.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Allow no one to enter, orderly,&#8221; he said and closed the flaps.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sergeant, I have a plan and I need your experience and advice to carry it out. That old sultan is a fiend, and I am going
+to get him!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s been tried many times, sir, and he is still ahead of the game.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>But after Lewis had talked rapidly for a few minutes, disclosing the plan that was slated to best his majesty, a smile broke
+over the weather-beaten features of the sergeant, and he slapped his thighs in appreciation.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, sir, we can try it, and if it does work, headquarters will flood you with thanks; if it fails, and I warn you it might,
+you will be cut into hash either by the sultan or the war department.&#8221; <a id="d0e1919"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1919">207</a>]</span>This was good advice from the old soldier.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I know it, Sergeant, but I am going to take the risk if you are with me.&#8221; The enthusiastic young man dashed out of the tent
+to make the necessary preparations for the great event.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>Christmas morning dawned sultry and heavy. The mist lifted after reveille and the troops were astonished that the <i>Sabah</i> had disappeared. Their surprise was greater to find a corporal in charge of the camp. There was a positive order that no
+trooper should enter the barrio, and an air of mystery hung over the whole camp. Where was the gunboat, the lieutenant, the
+sergeant, and the interpreter, Piang? The corporal shook his head to all these questions.
+
+</p>
+<p>Suddenly rapid firing was heard in the direction of the barrio, and every soldier seized his gun and ran into the company
+streets, but the corporal, calm and undisturbed, dismissed them.
+
+</p>
+<p>Nervously the men wandered about; the two wounded men became the center of attraction and related for the hundredth time their
+sensations <a id="d0e1934"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1934">208</a>]</span>when the juramentado had struck them down. They were not seriously wounded, but the cruel cuts were displayed, and they did
+not prove an antidote to the tenseness of the situation.
+
+</p>
+<p>The firing had ceased after about ten minutes, and new sounds took its place: wails and shrieks, the crackling of bamboo,
+told the story of the burning village. But who had attacked the town? The corporal smiled to himself, quietly.
+
+</p>
+<p>Cheerily a whistle rang out, sending the men running to the beach; there was the <i>Sabah</i>, tripping jauntily through the water toward her recent mooring-place, and on her deck, smiling and waving, were the missing
+men.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Merry Christmas,&#8221; Lewis greeted the men, as he walked down the company street. Stopping at the cook&#8217;s tent, he inquired what
+there was for dinner.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Beans, bacon, and hardbread,&#8221; was the reply.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Tough menu for Christmas, eh, cook?&#8221;
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e1950" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p210.jpg" alt="A shrill whistle echoed through the forest" width="381" height="512"><p class="figureHead">A shrill whistle echoed through the forest</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>Since their arrival, every turkey and duck had disappeared, and the barrio offered nothing to <a id="d0e1956"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1956">211</a>]</span>enhance their limited ration. It was an old trick; the natives objected to sharing their food with soldiers, and as soon as
+any troops landed on the island, ever possible article was spirited away into the jungle.
+
+</p>
+<p>It was a bad day for every one. Most of the men were homesick, and they all felt the shadow of impending disaster; only Lewis
+and his <span id="d0e1960" class="corr" title="Source: confidents">confidants</span> realized the seriousness of the situation, however.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Corporal, take four men with bolos and cut six banana trees,&#8221; called Lewis. &#8220;Plant them in a row down the company street.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Curiosity and amusement were mingled with indifference as the men started toward the thicket to execute the order. What had
+come over the lieutenant? Obediently the trees were brought, and Lewis superintended the planting. The squad was kept busy
+cutting ferns and palms, and it began to dawn on the astonished men that they were preparing for a holiday. The spirit was
+taken up generally, and the gloom was gradually dispelled.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here, Jake, hang this mistletoe up over the <a id="d0e1969"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1969">212</a>]</span>folding doors,&#8221; commanded the corporal, handing him a bamboo shoot, and pointing to the tent door. &#8220;Now when she comes asailin&#8217;
+in to dinner, all unaware of your presence, smack her a good one, right on the bull&#8217;s eye.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Laughter and shouts greeted this order, and when Kid Conner offered to impersonate a lovely damsel and, with mincing step
+and bashful <span id="d0e1973" class="corr" title="Source: mein">mien</span>, appeared at the opening, Jake was game, and a skuffle ensued. Shrieks of merriment coming from the cook tent aroused Lewis&#8217;s
+curiosity, and even his weighty matters were forgotten when he beheld Irish cooky on his knees before the incinerator arranging
+a row of well-worn socks. Solemnly folding his hands he raised his eyes in supplication:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Dear Santa, don&#8217;t forget your children in this far-away jungle. We are minus a chimney on this insinuator, but we are bettin&#8217;
+on you and the reindeers just the same, to slip one over on us and come shinnin&#8217; down a cocoanut-tree with your pack. Never
+mind the trimmin&#8217;s and holly, just bring plenty of cut plug and dry matches.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>And so the day worn on. Toward noon the <a id="d0e1980"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1980">213</a>]</span>storm broke; runners announced the approach of the sultan, and Lewis was far from calm when he gave the order to admit him
+to camp.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang,&#8221; he said, &#8220;there is the deuce to pay, I know, but you stick by your uncle, and we will pull through.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>No insignificant nigger greeted Lewis this time. The sultan had come in state. Where he had gathered his train, the men could
+not imagine, but there he was, garbed in royal raiment, attended by slaves and retainers. Solemnly the procession advanced.
+Advisers, wives, slaves, and boys with buyo-boxes followed his majesty, who was arrayed in a red silk sarong, grotesquely
+embroidered with glass beads, colored stones, and real pearls. His hair was festooned with trinkets strung on wire, and on
+his fingers were fastened tiny bells that jingled and tinkled incessantly. They got on Lewis&#8217;s nerves, and he quaked inwardly
+when he realized why he was honored by this visit.
+
+</p>
+<p>Finally when the members of the court had arranged themselves around their master, he loftily signaled for his buyo; Lewis,
+nothing <a id="d0e1988"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1988">214</a>]</span>daunted, motioned to his striker. Amid smothered laughter he produced the lieutenant&#8217;s pipe and tobacco, using a tin wash-basin
+for a tray. Mimicking the actions of the royal slave the man salaamed before Lewis and proffered the pipe. Lest the sultan
+should despise his barren state, minus slaves, advisers, and wives, Lewis summoned Sergeant Greer and directed him to remain
+beside him to share the honor of the visit.
+
+</p>
+<p>When Lewis caught Irish cooky, arrayed in apron and undershirt, with a basting spoon and a meat ax held at attention, making
+faces at his old sergeant, the humor of the situation came over him, and he smiled to himself as he looked at the scene before
+him: the banana-trees, loosely flapping their wilted leaves, the socks idly waiting to be the center of merriment again, the
+troop drawn up at attention, regardless of the variety of uniform, and beyond, the <i>Sabah</i>, sole reminder of civilization, bobbing at anchor.
+
+</p>
+<p>Never removing his eyes from Lewis&#8217;s face, the sultan completed the ceremony of the buyo, and after deliberately rolling a
+quid of betel-nut, <a id="d0e1997"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e1997">215</a>]</span>lime-dust, and tobacco leaves, the august person stuffed it into his mouth.
+
+</p>
+<p>The trees rang with silence. Lewis thought his ears would burst as he strained them to catch the first sound that was to decide
+his fate. Faithfully Piang remained by his friend&#8217;s side, despite the angry glances directed toward him from the sultan&#8217;s
+party; the lad was fearful of the outcome of this tangle.
+
+</p>
+<p>Finally the spell was broken. Women giggled, slaves flitted about, administering to the wants of the party, and the interpreter
+rose to deliver the complaint.
+
+</p>
+<p>Had there not been a treaty of peace signed between Moroland and America?
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Lewis. &#8220;And I am happy to serve a government that greets the Moro as brother.&#8221; The sultan stirred, perplexed
+by the reply.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Then what right had that boat,&#8221; asked the interpreter, pointing to the <i>Sabah</i>, &#8220;to shell the barrio, destroying property and killing?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>This question was received by Lewis and the sergeant with grave surprise. Solemnly they <a id="d0e2014"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2014">216</a>]</span>exchanged inquiring glances, then in mock indignation glowered at the <i>Sabah</i>. The <i>Sabah</i> disturb the peace? When had that happened?
+
+</p>
+<p>Insolently the interpreter related the story of the attack, and a rustle of surprise and delight ran through the troop. Sorrowfully
+Lewis and the sergeant shook their heads, and the sultan, puzzled at first, began to realize that he was dealing with a new
+kind of &#8220;Americano.&#8221; The two men&#8217;s heads bent lower and lower as they sorrowed over the misdemeanor of their little boat.
+Weighed down with grief, Lewis signaled Piang to prepare for his reply to the noble visitor.
+
+</p>
+<p>How could he (Lewis) appease the powerful sultan for this mishap? What amends could he make for the treachery of his little
+gunboat? Not even he [his hands went up in imitation of the sultan&#8217;s own gesture of the day before] could help it, powerful
+officer though he was. It was Christmas, a most holy day, and doubtless before dawn the truant craft had slipped out of the
+harbor without permission and had gone juramentadoing.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Attention!&#8221; commanded Sergeant Greer, <a id="d0e2028"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2028">217</a>]</span>startling the troop into rigidness. Their delight had almost expressed itself in a whoop.
+
+</p>
+<p>With exaggerated gestures, Lewis continued.
+
+</p>
+<p>Did the Moro not have similar customs? And did the sultan not sympathize with him in his inability to stop this dreadful practice
+in the Celebes Sea? American boats are dangerous on their feast days, and no one can tell when they may go juramentadoing
+to celebrate the occasion. That is the only custom they could celebrate to-day. Look! [He pointed at the pitiful banana-trees.]
+There are no gifts to adorn them with, no turkeys to kill; and the soldiers&#8217; hearts are sad. But the <i>Sabah</i> evidently appreciated her capabilities, and doubtless before night she would again honor her country by recklessly shelling
+the jungle.
+
+</p>
+<p>At this moment from the <i>Sabah</i> a shrill whistle echoed through the forest, scattering the assembled guests in all directions. Some took to trees, others
+threw themselves face down, on the ground.
+
+</p>
+<p>The sultan was furious. He gruffly ordered his subjects back, and his beady eyes glared at <a id="d0e2044"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2044">218</a>]</span>the impostor, but he was too much of a diplomat to display his feelings further. The soldiers had been amused at first, but
+they realized the danger of trifling with the sultan. Every tree and corner of the jungle would respond with an armed savage,
+eager to destroy them, should the order be given, and uneasy glances were directed at the irate potentate. All the recent
+good humor and mirth had vanished; only the sergeant and the lieutenant retained an air of utter indifference. They quietly
+continued to smoke, gazing off into the far horizon, oblivious of their surroundings. Were they pushing that huge American
+bluff too far?
+
+</p>
+<p>After long deliberation, the sultan apparently reached his conclusion. He whispered an order, and several runners disappeared
+into the jungle. Lewis heard the sergeant catch his breath, but the old man preserved his dignity admirably. More silent waiting
+and smoking followed. The sultan growled his displeasure as an adviser attempted to give some piece of advice, displaying
+a far from lovely temper. Piang valiantly stood his ground, ready to fight and die by his friend.
+<a id="d0e2048"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2048">219</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Finally sounds of the returning slaves reached the gathering. What was coming? Armed savages? Or had he ordered his poison
+reptiles to be let loose among the soldiers? The stillness was oppressive. No one moved, and the sultan continued to study
+the averted face of the officer.
+
+</p>
+<p>A sound floated to them, nearer, nearer. The men braced themselves for a fight. But the sound? It was one they had all heard,
+a familiar, homelike sound.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Gobble-gobble!&#8221; It was answered from all directions. Gradually the truth dawned on Lewis. He had won, and the warm blood
+rushed through his tired limbs.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Turkeys, by gosh!&#8221; shouted a recruit, and the cry was taken up by the whole command, for slaves were pouring in with fowls
+of every description. The sergeant vainly tried to establish order in the ranks, but the reaction was too great. All the good
+humor and excitement of the morning was restored, and the innate childishness of the soldier began to assert itself.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here, Jake, hang this fellow up on that tree so he can salute his majesty in true turkey fashion,&#8221; <a id="d0e2059"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2059">220</a>]</span>shouted one man, and Jake, game as usual, tossed a big gobbler up in one of the mock Christmas-trees. From this point of vantage
+the bird made the jungle resound with its protests, while the troop screamed with laughter as Jake undertook to interpret
+the creature&#8217;s address.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, what will we say to the old codger now?&#8221; asked Lewis.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I ask for gift for <i>Sabah</i>; it keep her good,&#8221; grinned the boy, and when he delivered that message to his majesty, a smile nearly destroyed the immobility
+of his features. A slave handed Lewis a package done up in green leaves, and when he curiously loosened the wrappings, a handful
+of seed-pearls, beautiful in luster and coloring fell in his palm.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Thank him for the <i>Sabah</i>, Piang. I guess this will ease her restless spirit, all right. Tell him it will also serve as a balm for the wounds of the
+men who were attacked by the juramentados.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Regally the old potentate rose to take leave. Lewis wanted to slap him on the back in that &#8220;bully-for-you-old-top&#8221; manner,
+but the farce <a id="d0e2075"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2075">221</a>]</span>must be completed. When the sultan paused opposite Lewis, measuring him with those cruel, steely eyes, Lewis&#8217;s only indiscretion
+was a wavering of the eyelid, just one little waver, but it was very much like a wink. There was undoubtedly a response in
+the other&#8217;s eyes, but that is between the sultan and Lewis.
+
+</p>
+<p>As solemnly as they had come, the procession disappeared into the jungle. The giant trees, smothered by vines and noxious
+growths, swallowed the brilliant throng and seemed to symbolize the union of the savage and the jungle. The sergeant&#8217;s great,
+brawny hand was extended and grasped by Lewis in appreciation of what they had been through together.
+
+</p>
+<p>Excitement reigned everywhere. The bedlam of fowls about to be decapitated and the shrieks of the troopers vied with each
+other for supremacy. Piang was being lionized by the men, toasted and praised in high fashion.
+
+</p>
+<p>When Lewis inspected the Christmas dinner, the old Irishman winked a solemn wink, as he reminded the lieutenant of the discarded
+menu.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You knew it all the time, sor; why didn&#8217;t you <a id="d0e2085"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2085">222</a>]</span>put me on?&#8221; With a noncommittal smile, Lewis proceeded on his usual inspection tour. After he had returned to his tent and
+was settling himself to enjoy the hard-earned meal, he was startled by an unusually loud outburst among the men. It gradually
+dawned upon him what it was. &#8220;Three cheers for the lieutenant! Three cheers for Piang!&#8221; was the cry that was disturbing the
+jungle twilight.
+
+
+
+<a id="d0e2087"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2087">223</a>]</span></p>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e2088" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Ninth Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">The Bichara<a id="d0e2093src" href="#d0e2093" class="noteref">1</a><span class="displayfootnote"><i>Bichara</i> means meeting and corresponds to the East Indian word, <i>durbar</i>.</span></h2>
+<p>Piang was about to land for the first time at Zamboanga. His tribe had looked with distrust upon the overtures made by Governor
+Findy, and although they obeyed his command to appear at the <i>bichara</i>, they were prepared to fight if necessary. Pagans, Mohammedans, Catholics, and Protestants were ordered to assemble at Zamboanga
+to establish peaceful trading relations, a thing that had never been dreamed of in the belligerent Sulu Isles, and Americans
+as well as natives were fearful of the outcome. The governor was severely criticized for his experiment, but he had made a
+deep study of the Moros, and was willing to run the risks of the present in his desire to bring the light of freedom and peace
+to the misguided savages. After centuries of <a id="d0e2105"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2105">224</a>]</span>oppression and outrages against them, the Moros had of necessity become suspicious and cautious. Preyed upon by Jesuits, Filipinos,
+and Spaniards, they had long ago found a ready bolo the safest argument. Governor Findy had sent them word that they were
+to be protected from their enemies, and that Americans were their friends, but disturbing whispers of traps and bondage made
+the wild folk hesitate to obey the summons.
+
+</p>
+<p>Thus, a strange scene was being enacted at the Zamboanga wharf. From all directions weird crafts made their way hesitatingly
+toward it. The sentries were distrustfully scrutinized, but not a soldier was armed.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;See, Kali Pandapatan, I told you the new governor was good. He trusts us and permits us to enter his barrio as friends.&#8221;
+Proudly the tribe&#8217;s charm boy sprang from the war-prau, and, to the astonishment of the soldiers, as well as the Moros, strutted
+up to the sergeant in charge and offered his hand, American fashion.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll be dinged, if it ain&#8217;t Piang!&#8221; exclaimed Sergeant Greer. &#8220;Is this your old man, Piang?&#8221; he asked genially, pointing
+to Kali Pandapatan. <a id="d0e2113"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2113">225</a>]</span>The old chief stiffened at the apparent familiarity.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Him big chief! Him Kali Pandapatan,&#8221; hastily corrected Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Excuse me, sor; no hard feelings, I hope. Had a rough trip over, I hear; how did you leave the missus?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>When the remark had been interpreted, a murmur rippled through Kali&#8217;s ranks, and hands flew to hips. No Moro permits his women
+to be spoken of.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s all the fuss, kid?&#8221; asked the sergeant, innocently.
+
+</p>
+<p>With an impish grin, Piang replied:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Him no like talk about missus; him got twenty.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The deuce he has!&#8221; laughed the sergeant. &#8220;Some old scout!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The good-natured Irishman finally gained the confidence of the ruffled potentate, and when Piang explained that he and the
+soldier were old friends, Kali solemnly acknowledged the union with a stiff handshake.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Ver&#8217; good,&#8221; said the savage with a grin. Piang <a id="d0e2133"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2133">226</a>]</span>glowed with pride at Kali&#8217;s display of English.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now what do you know &#8217;bout that?&#8221; commented Greer.
+
+</p>
+<p>The savages were for all the world like packs of wild animals brought to bay. Gaudy Bogobos from Davao brushed shoulders for
+the first time with Sabanas and Kalibugans, and their snarls and bickerings boded ill for the success of the bichara; but
+finally the natives huddled together, linked by the common suspicion of their Christian enemy.
+
+</p>
+<p>Before entering the town, every visitor was required to place his weapons in the <i>lanceria</i>. Now a weaponless Moro is the most embarrassed of men, with the possible exception of the dreamer who finds himself at a
+party in pajamas. A Moro&#8217;s idea of his costume, arranged in order of its importance is: first, weapons; second, hat; third,
+shirt, and, incidentally, trousers.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e2145" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p227.jpg" alt="&#8220;Juramentado! Gobernado!&#8221; faintly whispered Piang" width="512" height="398"><p class="figureHead">&#8220;Juramentado! Gobernado!&#8221; faintly whispered Piang</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>The timid creatures slunk along, looking suspiciously behind them, but as the soldiers paid no attention to them, they gradually
+forgot their enmity toward civilization and became engrossed <a id="d0e2151"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2151">229</a>]</span>in the new delights: pink lemonade, pop-corn, toy balloons. They were beside themselves with joy. When ice-cream was introduced,
+and they had been assured that it would not burn them, their admiration was unbounded. Piang surreptitiously slipped some
+of the heavenly sweet into his wallet for future consumption and was dismayed a little later to find a thin stream trickling
+down his leg and an empty wallet.
+
+</p>
+<p>Governor Findy watched with interest the mingling of the many alien people. Wily Chinamen behind their bamboo street-stalls
+ministered to the wants of the throng, taking in trade bits of gold-dust and trinkets of brass; Filipinos offered their wares,
+cooling drinks and sweets. The Filipino&#8217;s costume is very different from that of the Moro. He wears stiff, white trousers,
+carefully creased and immaculate shirts which hang outside the trousers. He wears no shoes, and his short black hair is oiled
+and brushed very carefully.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, it&#8217;s many times I&#8217;ve been wonderin&#8217; what the advantage is in wearin&#8217; your shirt outside your trousers,&#8221; said Sergeant
+Greer to a <a id="d0e2157"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2157">230</a>]</span>sentry. &#8220;That&#8217;s what I call practical,&#8221; and he pointed to an ice-cream vender, industriously wiping a spoon on the tail of
+his shirt, before offering it to a new customer.
+
+</p>
+<p>There was great excitement over the coming <i>baile</i> (ball). That night savages and Christians were to enjoy the festivities side by side, and marvelous tales of preparation
+were being circulated. Piang and Kali Pandapatan wandered about the village, pausing here and there, filled with awe at the
+novel sights. The value of garters as necklaces had been discovered, and a brilliant crimson pair decorated the chief&#8217;s neck
+(he had gladly parted with five dollars&#8217; worth of gold-dust for the treasure). Gilt collar buttons were forced into the holes
+in his ears. Safety-pins and their surprises had to be investigated, and an admiring throng crowded around, marveling at Kali&#8217;s
+daring.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Kali!&#8221; Piang exclaimed suddenly. &#8220;Look!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Seated at a table in front of a Chino caf&eacute;, were three men in earnest conversation: Alverez, a Filipino mestizo, who had acquired
+by deception the Moro title, Dato Tamangung; his cousin Vincente; <a id="d0e2168"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2168">231</a>]</span>and the Moro malcontent, Sicto. The two Filipinos were disloyal employees of the government, already suspected of being the
+instigators of unrest among the Moros. Sicto was a deserter from Kali&#8217;s ranks and was wanted by that august chief for many
+serious offenses. Dato Kali Pandapatan scorned to report Sicto to the authorities. A Moro dato is supreme and has the right
+to punish his subjects according to his own lights. A woman, mingling with the gala bichara throng had a mere stump for an
+arm; she was a thief and her hand had been severed to prevent it from offending again. A man with face half covered showed
+the savage justice dealt a liar; his mouth had been split from ear to ear to permit easier passage of the truth. Sicto would
+be handled according to Moro law, but not here.
+
+</p>
+<p>Kali and Piang exchanged a knowing look, and Piang wandered off, apparently seeking new pleasures, but furtively watching
+the three men. He wormed his way through the crowd intent on a game of chess, played by two venerable old Chinamen. A sudden
+&#8220;Sssshhh&#8221; from Sicto interrupted <a id="d0e2172"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2172">232</a>]</span>Alverez&#8217;s excited whisper, but not before Piang had caught a few significant words:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The baile&#8212;juramentado&#8212;Findy.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The little charm boy&#8217;s heart beat violently, but his face never changed expression. Juramentado! So some poor misguided fanatic
+had been persuaded to assassinate the governor. He and Kali must prevent the outrage, for had they not sworn allegiance to
+this new chief? Piang feared that Sicto suspected the words had been overheard, so he carefully avoided Kali and strolled
+on among the people. A glance at his chief had warned Kali that trouble was in the air.
+
+</p>
+<p>Sicto, Alverez, and Vincente moved off toward the dock.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sicto, did Piang hear what I said?&#8221; asked Alverez.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Does the jungle hear the trumpeting of the elephant?&#8221; angrily retorted Sicto.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He hasn&#8217;t spoken to any one yet,&#8221; said Vincente, significantly. &#8220;We had better get rid of him before&#8212;&#8221;
+<a id="d0e2186"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2186">233</a>]</span></p>
+<p>A whispered conversation followed, and Alverez finally exclaimed:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll do it! Wait here. Watch Piang.&#8221; Then he hurried off.
+
+</p>
+<p>Without approaching Kali, or divulging the secret to any one, Piang followed the men to the dock, and Sicto laughed softly
+as he watched the unsuspecting boy walk into the trap. The little gunboat <i>Sabah</i> was bobbing at her moorings, and Piang joined the crowd that was gazing in wonder at the strange craft. A shrill whistle,
+signifying the <i>Sabah&#8217;s</i> intention of immediate departure, so terrified the Moros that some took to their heels while others sought the safety of
+tall lamp-posts. Piang was laughing merrily when he was startled by a noise, and turning, he saw Alverez and a soldier running
+toward him.
+
+</p>
+<p>Instantly everything was confusion, and Piang realized that he was the center of the excitement.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Are you Piang?&#8221; asked the soldier, cautiously approaching him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure, me Piang.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Hike! Beat it!&#8221; said the man, pointing to the <i>Sabah</i>.
+<a id="d0e2210"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2210">234</a>]</span></p>
+<p>What did he mean? Was Piang to be allowed to go aboard the boat?
+
+</p>
+<p>The soldier made it very plain, finally, that such was the case, but Piang insisted that he could not depart on a pleasure
+ride without getting his chief&#8217;s permission.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Sigi</i>, beat it, I tell you, <i>pronto</i>!&#8221; said the soldier impatiently, emphasizing the command with a push. Almost before Piang realized it, he found himself on
+the gunboat, which was slowly moving out toward the channel. In his hand was a crumpled piece of paper which the soldier had
+gingerly thrust into it.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here&#8217;s your passport, kid,&#8221; he had said with a grin. Piang carefully unrolled the paper and stared at the queer American
+characters. A sailor offered to translate it for him, but when he glanced over the paper, he uttered a low whistle.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Say, you go away back and sit down! Don&#8217;t you come near me or any one else, sabe?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang recoiled before the look of disgust on the sailor&#8217;s face. What was the matter with every one? Why were they all afraid
+to come near <a id="d0e2229"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2229">235</a>]</span>him, and where were they taking him? He summoned up enough courage to ask who had written the letter, and when he was told
+that it was signed by Governor Findy, he felt reassured. Surely if the good governor was sending him somewhere, it would be
+all right. Disconsolately, Piang crouched in a corner, watching sharks and dolphins sporting in the foaming wake. He wondered
+how long the boat was going to be out, if it would return in time for him to save the governor. When he started toward a group
+of men to ask for information he was met with a shout.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Get out of here, you!&#8221; they yelled, and poor Piang hurriedly retreated to the stern. Much talk of the coming baile seemed
+to indicate that the sailors expected to return before evening, so Piang patiently squatted on a coil of rope, wondering when
+the mysteries of his errand would be revealed to him.
+
+</p>
+<p>The ocean is dotted with many lovely islands off Zamboanga. Somber, lowering Basilan guards its secrets to this day; Sacol,
+home of Dato Mandi, invites and then repels the intruder; tiny clumps of vivid green rise out of the channel <a id="d0e2235"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2235">236</a>]</span>in the most unexpected places, as if timidly wishing to investigate before adding their emerald mite to crown the Celebes.
+The island toward which the <i>Sabah</i> was making her way seemed blacker and denser than its more frivolous neighbors. Two staccato whistles warned the islanders
+of the <i>Sabah&#8217;s</i> approach, and the beach was soon the scene of lively commotion. The engines stopped, and the gunboat slid along easily. A
+boat was lowered. The sailors were speaking in low voices; one looked toward Piang and shook his head sadly.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My task is not to be an easy one,&#8221; thought the charm boy, but his head went up proudly. These sailor men should see how a
+brave Moro executed the commands of his superiors.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come on, kid,&#8221; called a jacky, and just as Piang stepped over the side a kindly sailor slipped a quarter in his hand. It
+was evidently a gift, and the boy grinned appreciatively.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Wastin&#8217; your coin, man,&#8221; remarked another sailor with a harsh laugh. &#8220;He&#8217;s not likely to need <i>dinero</i> (a silver coin) soon.&#8221; Piang wondered again at the pitying looks that were cast <a id="d0e2252"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2252">237</a>]</span>at him, but he only held his head higher and climbed into the boat. The men seemed in a great hurry; they landed far up the
+beach, and bags and provisions were hastily dumped on the sand.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Here you are, young &#8217;un,&#8221; said a sailor, and Piang looked up eagerly.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Me, here?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yep, this is your place,&#8221; replied the man, looking away quickly from the soft brown eyes.
+
+</p>
+<p>Obediently the jungle boy jumped out, awaiting instructions. The sailor in charge pointed to the paper in Piang&#8217;s hand and
+waved toward the barrio.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;For dato?&#8221; Piang asked, with a puzzled look.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sure, the dato,&#8221; replied the man evasively, and Piang turned and started off through the jungle, following a well defined
+path.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Plucky kid, that,&#8221; said the sailor who pushed off. &#8220;Wonder if he knows what&#8217;s up? Half the time they don&#8217;t tell the poor
+devils. Row over toward the patrol-boat, and I&#8217;ll warn them to watch carefully to-night in case he tries to <a id="d0e2268"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2268">238</a>]</span>escape. When they first land here they kick up a terrible row and usually try to make a get-away or commit their particular
+brand of hari-kari [suicide].&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang was in a great hurry. There was no time to be lost and whatever the business in hand might be, it must be finished quickly.
+He wondered why some of the sailors had not come with him. Americans are always so curious and never lose an opportunity to
+visit a strange barrio. He ran on swiftly.
+
+</p>
+<p>Two sounds broke simultaneously on his ears. What was there in them to strike a chill to his heart, to fill him with forebodings?
+That shrill whistle! It was surely the <i>Sabah&#8217;s</i>, and as Piang came to a small clearing, he caught a glimpse of the harbor. A cry broke from him. The <i>Sabah</i> was sailing away. Before he could fully realize the calamity, that other sound, ominous and terrible, came again from the
+barrio. A low rumbling, punctuated with shrieks and screams, came nearer, nearer. Suddenly from out the dense undergrowth
+protruded a face, shoulders, and finally a woman, old and bent, crept through. <a id="d0e2280"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2280">239</a>]</span>Spell-bound, Piang watched her. Wisps of unkempt gray hair straggled around her head; filthy rags hung from her lean, stooping
+shoulders; sunken eyes, sly and vicious, glared at Piang. Tremblingly the boy watched her creep toward him. There was something
+about the old hag that turned his blood cold. The distant rumble became individual howls, and Piang suddenly realized that
+he was being hunted. But why, and by whom? The innocent paper in his hand crackled. The old hag was very near, was about to
+touch him. With a shriek, Piang jumped back. Her hands were festered; her face and neck were covered with white splotches.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;A leper!&#8221; cried the boy and suddenly he realized that he had been trapped by that villain, Sicto. Not Sicto, but Alverez
+had filched the order for the confinement of a leper, had erased the name, and substituted Piang&#8217;s. He flung the damning paper
+from him.
+
+</p>
+<p>As the boy darted off through the jungle, the old woman yelled. The cry brought the others, and when Piang caught sight of
+them, he almost lost hope. Would he be able to escape the contamination <a id="d0e2286"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2286">240</a>]</span>of this island? With mad shrieks, the lepers gave chase, eager to lay hands on one so lately relegated to their colony. Was
+he not a leper too? What right had he to scorn them, his brothers? Hotter, fiercer grew the chase. The island was so small
+that it afforded little refuge for the hunted boy. Sounds from all sides indicated that the chase was almost over; it was
+only a matter of minutes now, and never again could he leave the dread colony.
+
+</p>
+<p>A rustle at his feet startled him, and some animal scurried off into the bush. A dark hole from which it had evidently crawled
+attracted Piang&#8217;s attention, and without an instant&#8217;s hesitation, he flung himself on the ground and wormed his body into
+the welcoming shelter. Pulling a fallen branch in front of the opening, he shrank farther back into the cave. Cave? No, he
+had taken refuge in a fallen tree trunk, hollowed out by the persistent ferreting of termites (ants).
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;He was here, here,&#8221; screamed the old woman. The pursuers flocked to the spot, and Piang listened as they beat the bush, clamoring
+for their victim. They were so infuriated at the new arrival&#8217;s <a id="d0e2292"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2292">241</a>]</span>unsociability that they would probably kill him if they found him.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang crouched back in his cramped quarters. The tiny white ants announced their disapproval of the intrusion by vicious stings,
+but Piang did not move. A sudden jolt made his heart beat wildly. Some one had jumped on the other end of the log, and the
+rotting wood had caved in. He expected each moment to be his last. Over his head the pattering of bare feet, running along
+the trunk, sounded like thunder.
+
+</p>
+<p>When the lepers moved off into the jungle, Piang was not deceived. They would lie in wait, and their revenge would be the
+more terrible for the delay. Sweat poured down Piang&#8217;s face; his body ached where the ants had stung him. He tried to plan
+some means of escape, but none came to his tired brain.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There is no God but Allah,&#8221; whispered the charm boy, and a peace seemed to fall upon him.
+
+</p>
+<p>Many weary hours went by before a squawk penetrated the death-like stillness. Fruit-bats! It must be night. Very slowly he
+made his way toward the opening. Unfortunately for Piang <a id="d0e2302"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2302">242</a>]</span>the full moon was rising, making the soft, tropical night a wonder of beauty and loveliness. Cautiously he thrust his head
+through the branches that shielded his retreat. He was very near the ocean; the other end of the fallen tree, in which he
+had found refuge, was lying in the water, and the rising tide was gradually creeping up over it. The gentle swish of the sea
+comforted Piang. It was his friend, the only friend that could help him escape from this island of decay. His practised eyes
+discerned the shadowy forms of watchers squatting along the beach; beyond, the patrol-boat moved about restlessly, and in
+the distance twinkled the lights of Zamboanga.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;If I could only get past the lepers and the boat, I could swim back,&#8221; thought Piang, and he looked with longing at the oily
+smoothness of the water. Nothing could slip past the boat on that sea of glass in the bright moonlight. He remembered the
+schools of sharks he had seen in the <i>Sabah&#8217;s</i> wake and shuddered; but even that was better than being doomed to die here. He pillowed his head on his arms and leaned against
+<a id="d0e2309"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2309">243</a>]</span>the trunk; his hand closed over a piece of dry bamboo. Lifting it to his eye, he idly squinted through it; it was smooth and
+clean.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang fell to soliloquizing. How many times, surrounded by his friends, he had swum in the moonlight. He remembered one night
+in particular. How they had sported with bamboo sticks, blowing the spray high in the air, laughing as it fell upon each other!
+Piang could swim miles with arms folded, pushing through the water like a fish, rolling over on his back or sides, when tired.
+He had fooled the tribe by staying under water for three minutes, breathing easily through his hollow, bamboo tube. Kali had
+given him a prize.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang&#8217;s eyes widened, brightened. With the bamboo stick&#8212;could he? He blew through it softly and laughed. But how to get into
+the water without being detected? The approaching tide, lapping the other end of the fallen log, seemed to be caressing it
+in pity. Piang examined it closely. Dared he crawl along the trunk? His eyes fell upon the hole just above the water where
+one of his pursuers had broken through.
+<a id="d0e2315"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2315">244</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Allah, I thank Thee,&#8221; breathed the excited boy. He had found his chance, had discovered a possible means of escape.
+
+</p>
+<p>Crawling back into the log, he tested the heart of the tree and to his joy, it crumbled under his touch. With a smothered
+cry, he began to cut his way through the pithy, dust-like wood, and as he gradually worked quantities of the soft fiber loose,
+he tossed it behind him. If he could work his way through the rotted trunk before the tide turned, it would be an easy matter
+to slip through the hole into the water.
+
+</p>
+<p>It was suffocating in the damp inclosure, as the discarded pith began to fill the opening. Tiny apertures let in just enough
+air, but Piang was panting and dripping with sweat. As he struggled on toward the hole, he could feel the water under him,
+as it swayed the log gently. Only a little further!
+
+</p>
+<p>The moonlight bathed Piang in its soft light; a cool breeze blew across his face. One of the watching lepers stood up suddenly.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There are many crocodiles to-night,&#8221; he finally said, pointing toward the log where a <a id="d0e2326"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2326">245</a>]</span>slight ripple, widening into vanishing rings, closed over a dark form.
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s a queer kind of fish!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The sailors on the patrol-boat crowded around the speaker, glad of any excitement to break the monotony of their vigil. A
+thin stream of water had spurted up, disturbing the perfect calm of the surface, and a small black object could plainly be
+seen, hurrying through the water.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now what the deuce?&#8221; said the captain. Two bells were loudly sounded, and the boat bounded forward.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Look out, don&#8217;t run it down. Steer to one side.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The search-light, turned full upon the strange object, revealed to the puzzled sailors a slim bamboo tube, sticking upright,
+propelled by a strong force from below.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Now, why don&#8217;t that stick float, instead of sailing along like a periscope?&#8221; pondered the captain.
+
+</p>
+<p>As suddenly as the phenomenon had appeared, it sank from sight and the chase ended abruptly.
+<a id="d0e2344"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2344">246</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Look at our visitors,&#8221; said a sailor, pointing over the side. Long streaks of phosphorescence darted back and forth in the
+shadow of the boat.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s a pretty bunch of shovel-nosed man-eaters, for you,&#8221; remarked the mate. &#8220;Gosh, wouldn&#8217;t you hate to give the hungry
+devils a chance at you, though?&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>The baile was in full swing. The bichara was proving a great success. Governor Findy graciously accepted the savages&#8217; allegiance
+to the new government and their promises to make the trading system a success. The small park in the center of the garrison
+was teeming with life. On one side the American band gave the first notes of civilized music that the Moros had ever heard;
+opposite, rows of brass tom-toms responded mournfully. Gaudy lanterns festooned the tall trees and swung between, describing
+graceful curves. Flickering moonlight and fireflies added their bit. At one end of the park a platform had been erected for
+the officers and their families. The savages crowded around as the Americans swayed to the waltz, and their surprise <a id="d0e2353"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2353">247</a>]</span>was no less than that of the Americans, when the tom-toms stirred the Moros to the dance and they whirled and crouched in
+native fashion.
+
+</p>
+<p>Governor Findy was surrounded by his personal guard; burly Irishmen shared this honor with stalwart Moros, thus proving the
+governor&#8217;s trust in the wild people.
+
+</p>
+<p>Dato Mandi, Dato Kali Pandapatan, and Governor Findy were conversing on the steps of the dancing platform.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Kali says that Piang mysteriously disappeared about noon to-day,&#8221; explained Mandi in excellent English.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Who is this Piang, Mandi?&#8221; asked the governor.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang is the idol of the Buldoon tribe. He is Kali Pandapatan&#8217;s famous charm boy, friend of General Beech and Lieutenant
+Lewis,&#8221; replied Mandi.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Strange that one so well known should disappear. Yes, I have heard much of this boy&#8217;s loyalty and sagacity.&#8221; The two Moros
+turned quickly, warned by a startled look on the governor&#8217;s face. Far down the smooth shell road a <a id="d0e2367"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2367">248</a>]</span>figure was staggering, wavering toward them.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Trouble, trouble,&#8221; muttered Findy.
+
+</p>
+<p>The music ceased with a discordant jar, there was a slight stir among the spectators as Sicto and his companions attempted
+to retire, but to their surprise, Kali&#8217;s faithful men closed about them significantly. On came the figure, lithe, slim, and
+brown.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang!&#8221; cried Kali Pandapatan, and instantly his eyes sought out the cowering Sicto.
+
+</p>
+<p>The heavy, labored breathing became audible as the exhausted boy stumbled through the crowd. A sentry started forward to seize
+him, but the governor waved him aside. Dripping and panting, Piang staggered toward his chief.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Juramentado&#8212;gobernador!&#8221; faintly whispered Piang.
+
+</p>
+<p>A wild shriek crashed through the intense stillness; a green sarong was torn off, and the white-clad figure of a juramentado
+rushed at the governor. But Kali Pandapatan was quicker, and just as the assassin raised his barong, a slender kriss glistened
+in the moonlight and descended. The juramentado lay bathed in his own blood.
+<a id="d0e2381"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2381">249</a>]</span></p>
+<p>Jumping up to the platform, Kali Pandapatan raised his hands.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My brother chiefs,&#8221; he cried, &#8220;did any of you know of this foul plot?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;No, no!&#8221; came the quick response from every Moro, and although the Americans could not understand his words, they began to
+realize that Kali was exhorting his people to disclaim knowledge of the outrage.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Viviz Gobernador!&#8221; came from the full, savage throats, and the cry was taken up by the multitude.
+
+</p>
+<p>The dazed governor looked down at the prostrate figure at his feet, looked long, and sorrowed.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But for the brave Piang I should have been lying there,&#8221; he murmured.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang supported by Kali watched this new chief.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Come here, Piang,&#8221; said the governor. Fumbling with the collar of his white uniform, he loosened something.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;My lad, I thank you for your bravery,&#8221; he said, his voice shaking slightly. &#8220;For your <a id="d0e2400"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2400">250</a>]</span>timely arrival, and your courage. Your name shall be sent to the great chief at Washington.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The words were repeated to the jungle boy, and his manly little chest swelled with pride.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang, I am about to decorate you with the emblem of our government; these infantry cross-guns I shall pin on your breast.&#8221;
+The dignified governor reached forward to make good his words, but he paused in embarrassment, the noble speech dying on his
+lips. He gazed in dismay at the naked little savage, standing straight and expectantly before him.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;I shall <i>place</i> this emblem.&#8221; The officer began again. There was a titter among the spectators.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang, eagerly eyeing the treasure, wondered why the governor delayed. Suddenly a gleam of understanding broke over him, and
+he grinned, broadly. With the tip of his finger he touched the shining cross-guns, then his necklace of crocodile teeth. The
+situation was saved.
+
+</p>
+<p>Amid thunderous applause the smiling governor fastened the guns to the indicated article of dress, and loud and clear rose
+the shout:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang! Piang!&#8221;
+
+
+
+<a id="d0e2417"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2417">251</a>]</span></p>
+<div class="footnotes">
+<hr class="fnsep">
+<p class="footnote"><span class="label"><a id="d0e2093" href="#d0e2093src" class="noteref">1</a></span> <i>Bichara</i> means meeting and corresponds to the East Indian word, <i>durbar</i>.
+</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div id="d0e2418" class="div1"><span class="pagenum">
+[<a href="#d0e149">Contents</a>]
+</span><h2 class="label">Tenth Adventure</h2>
+<h2 class="normal">Piang&#8217;s Triumph</h2>
+<p>Two years had passed since the bichara. Prosperity and honor had come to Dato Kali Pandapatan and his people under the rule
+of General Beech and Governor Findy, and Piang had been raised to the post of official interpreter. Sicto, the disturber,
+had been seized in Zamboanga on the charge of complicity in the plot on Governor Findy&#8217;s life; he had attempted to escape,
+and there were varying reports as to the results. Some said that he had been killed by a crocodile, others that he had escaped
+and swum to Basilan; but the tribe had not heard of him since the bichara, and they were relieved to be rid of his bullying
+presence. Especially the little slave girl, Papita, whom Sicto had annoyed since infancy, was glad that he was gone. Sicto&#8217;s
+father had captured the little maid in a raid on <a id="d0e2425"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2425">252</a>]</span>the Bogobo country, and the boy seemed to think it his special privilege to abuse and torment her.
+
+</p>
+<p>Along the steep mountain trail, dividing the jungle as a river might, crept a slow procession. A lumbering carabao swayed
+lazily forward, and on each side walked four stalwart Moros, ever heedful of the dignified figure astride the beast. Dato
+Kali Pandapatan rode in silence. Occasionally he gazed down into the deep valleys or off in the direction of Ganassi Peak,
+but the sorrowful, patient expression never left his face.
+
+</p>
+<p>Where was Piang? For three days the boy had been missing, and Kali guessed only too easily what had taken him away in such
+haste. A few days before little Papita had mysteriously disappeared. It was whispered that the notorious Dato Ynoch (Ee-nock)
+had kidnapped her, and Kali was already preparing an expedition against the marauder. He felt the strain of civilization for
+the first time, for he had given his word never to assemble his warriors without the permission of the white chiefs at Zamboanga.
+But Piang, the impatient, the valiant, could not brook the delay, and had in all probability started <a id="d0e2431"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2431">253</a>]</span>after his little friend alone. Kali&#8217;s messengers should return to-day, and he had ridden far out to watch for their coming.
+
+</p>
+<p>The procession reached the clearing that gave a full view of the sea. In the distance the eye could discern the curving coast
+of tiny Bongao; Kali was impervious to the summer beauty and youth of the sparkling ocean, to the charm of the dainty island
+so gaily chatting with the garrulous waves. He did not see the graceful, white rice-birds or the regal aigrets flitting about
+among the trees; he saw only the vast, restless ocean. There were no boats in sight.
+
+</p>
+<p>Slowly the willing carabao was turned homeward, and the aged monarch sorrowfully gave up hope of sending succor to Piang that
+night. The recent storm had probably delayed his envoys, and he must wait the <i>Sabah&#8217;s</i> monthly visit, which would come the next day.
+
+</p>
+<p>At the door of his hut Kali Pandapatan was helped from the royal beast&#8217;s back and up the steep ladder entrance into the cool
+dusk of the interior where industrious women squatted at their several tasks.
+<a id="d0e2442"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2442">254</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;I miss the child&#8217;s lively chatter,&#8221; Aioi was saying sadly.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;She was a trying pupil, I can tell you,&#8221; remarked the woman at the loom, &#8220;but a winning child.&#8221; She leaned closer to Aioi
+and whispered:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Did you know that Papita had been asked in marriage?&#8221; The surprised look on Aioi&#8217;s face made an answer unnecessary.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Our chief is said to have spurned the offer. You know he has always hoped to prove Papita&#8217;s noble birth; he wanted Piang
+to have her, so when the terrible Dato Ynoch&#8217;s offer came&#8212;&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Who speaks the name of our enemy in my house?&#8221; thundered Kali, glowering at the chattering women. &#8220;Bend to your tasks and
+have done with idle gossip.&#8221;
+</p>
+<hr class="tb"><p>
+
+</p>
+<p>What difference did it make to Piang if he was alone, if he had only the barest clue to Papita&#8217;s whereabouts? He was going
+to follow up that clue, and something seemed to tell him that he was on the right track. The jungle was dripping and steaming
+after a three days&#8217; downpour; <a id="d0e2457"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2457">255</a>]</span>monkeys and birds were huddled in the trees, melancholy, but patient, knowing that their friend, the burning tropic sun, would
+come to them again, some day. Piang trudged on through the sticky, slippery jungle. An occasional fresh track or recent camping
+site made him push forward eagerly. What he should do when he did overtake the kidnappers, he had no idea, but something always
+happened to help Piang. He reverently touched his sacred charm.
+
+</p>
+<p>The deluge through this lower jungle must have been terrific. Piang was glad that he had been in his mountain barrio during
+the tempest. Strewn everywhere were branches and enormous tree-ferns; a dead hablar-bird lay in his path. Leeches, hiding
+on the backs of leaves and twigs, caught at Piang as he brushed by, clinging and sucking their fill, before he could discover
+them. He raised one foot quickly and yelled:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Tinick!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Thorn!&#8221;) While he was searching for the thorn his other foot began to ache and pain. Piang was too wise to hesitate a
+moment, so he swung up to a low branch and sat there nursing his feet. He was puzzled; there was no <a id="d0e2466"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2466">256</a>]</span>thorns in them, and he could find no cuts. Gradually the soles of the feet began to swell and take on a purplish hue. Piang
+gave a low whistle and bent to examine the ground.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;<i>Badjanji!</i>&#8221; (&#8220;Bees!&#8221;) he exclaimed. The ground was yellow with the little bedraggled, stupified creatures. They had been beaten down
+by the storm and would remain there until the sun came to coax them into industry again. Swinging lightly from one tree to
+another, Piang reached one of the numberless brooks that ramble aimlessly about through the jungle, and, dropping to its banks,
+buried his feet in the healing clay. After a short time the pain grew better, and he continued his journey.
+
+</p>
+<p>He was nearing Dato Ynoch&#8217;s domain on the banks of Lake Liguasan. The outlaw had chosen his lair well, for it was one of the
+most inaccessible spots in Mindanao. On all sides treacherous marsh lands reached out from the lake, and it was almost impossible
+to tell when one might step from the solid jungle into a dangerous morass. A few hidden trails led to the barrio, and by great
+good luck Piang discovered <a id="d0e2475"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2475">257</a>]</span>one. Quietly he crept along into the ever-increasing twilight, for the trail led deep into the jungle&#8217;s very heart where daylight
+and sunshine never penetrate. Sounds came faintly from the barrio; tom-toms and many drums beat a monotonous serenade. A fiesta
+must be in progress. A fiesta? Piang&#8217;s face grew hot, and his black eyes flamed. Could it be that the fiesta was poor Papita&#8217;s
+wedding? He broke into a run and, panting and sweating, pushed farther into the darkening jungle; but the trail was evidently
+an abandoned one, for it brought up suddenly against a wall of thorns and closely woven vines. Throwing himself on the ground,
+Piang wriggled through the offensive marsh weeds, and finally found himself almost on the edge of Lake Liguasan. From his
+retreat he could plainly see the village streets. The barrio was certainly preparing for a fiesta and no ordinary one, either,
+for elaborate and barbaric decorations shrouded huts and street. Raised on two posts at the entrance of the village, was a
+carcass of a mammoth crocodile, in its opened jaws a human skull. Piang shuddered. He had heard that Dato <a id="d0e2477"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2477">258</a>]</span>Ynoch&#8217;s followers were gathered from among the renegade Dyak pirate head-hunters, who fled to Mindanao from Borneo justice.
+The human skull confirmed the rumor, for there are no cannibal tribes among the Moros.
+
+</p>
+<p>It was certainly a marriage feast that the women were preparing. A raised platform in the middle of the campong (common),
+tastefully decorated with skulls small, skulls large, and skulls medium, formed the altar, and a large black bullock was already
+tied to the <i>sapoendoes</i> (sacrifice post). Piang flushed with excitement at an unusually loud beating of tom-toms; the chief was coming. Piang had
+long wished to see this terrible Ynoch. Weird stories of his terrible personality, his disfigured countenance were widespread.
+That so powerful a dato could have sprung up so suddenly puzzled the Moros, and Ynoch&#8217;s identity still remained a mystery.
+
+</p>
+<p>Down the center of the street advanced a gaudy procession headed by a barbaric priestess. From her head protruded massive
+horns decorated with flaming red flowers. Around her loins was strapped a crimson sarong; her body swayed <a id="d0e2486"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2486">259</a>]</span>and twisted to the savage rhythm of the tom-toms. A tall, amazingly fat man stepped to the platform. His back seemed oddly
+familiar to Piang, as well as the slinking gait, the shambling step. Straining his eyes, Piang waited. Dato Ynoch raised his
+hand for silence and turned toward the waiting populace. Piang nearly cried out as he caught sight of the face.
+
+</p>
+<p>Oily of hair, oily of eye was this Dato out-law. His shifting glance wandered restlessly over the heads of the people, meeting
+no man&#8217;s eye. Beneath the pomp of his trappings, the fat, overfed body protruded grotesquely, and his movements were slow
+and clumsy. One almond-shaped eye had been partly torn from its socket, leaving a hideous, red scar. An ear, which appeared
+to have slipped from the side of the oily head and lodged on a fold of the fat neck, had in reality been neatly carved from
+its proper place by an enraged slave and poorly replaced by a crude surgeon. A bamboo tube had been inserted in the original
+ear-drum.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Sicto!&#8221; gasped Piang. The mysterious Dato Ynoch, was Sicto, the mestizo.
+<a id="d0e2492"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2492">260</a>]</span></p>
+<p>That Papita had been dragged to the barrio, Piang now had no doubt, and his nimble wits began to look about for a way of escape.
+He was near the banks of a creek that led to the Cotabato River and thinking that the most likely escape, he wormed his way
+toward it. Along the bank were canoes of every description. The swift ones seemed to be all four-oared, and he knew that he
+must have a fleet, light vinta to elude the Dyaks. He spied a tiny white boat tied to a gilded post, and his heart nearly
+stopped beating when he read the name &#8220;Papita&#8221; on the bow.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Papita!&#8221; Piang scornfully whispered. &#8220;Papita, indeed!&#8221; His lip curled, and he glared through the rushes at the hideous Sicto.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, it shall be Papita&#8217;s after all!&#8221; Piang said and he smiled. He crept toward the little craft to see if there were paddles
+in it. There were two, and Piang suddenly remembered that part of the Dyak betrothal ceremony takes place upon the water.
+
+
+</p>
+<p></p>
+<div id="d0e2500" class="figure"><img border="0" src="images/p261.jpg" alt="The waterspout caught the eggshell praus in its toils" width="381" height="512"><p class="figureHead">The waterspout caught the eggshell praus in its toils</p>
+</div><p>
+
+
+</p>
+<p>Long Piang pondered as he watched the preparations for Papita&#8217;s betrothal. He examined the <i>cotta</i>, counted the praus, and his keen eyes <a id="d0e2509"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2509">261</a>]</span>followed the creek to its sharp turn. He crawled past the bend to make sure that the stream was navigable. Satisfied that
+he could escape through its waters, Piang began to cut rushes, and, squatting in the protecting undergrowth, busily worked
+while he indignantly listened to the loquacious Sicto telling his followers that Papita was no slave, but a maiden of royal
+Bogobo birth. He and his father had kept it secret because they intended her for his wife, and at last he had captured the
+girl from Kali Pandapatan. Faster and faster flew Piang&#8217;s fingers, and finally a basket began to shape itself out of the rushes.
+Soon Piang had two perfect baskets, and he slung them over his shoulder. While Sicto and his villains were celebrating the
+coming wedding, Piang quietly slipped back through the jungle, back to the brook where the medicinal clay had cured the bee
+stings. When he returned later, he handled the baskets with great care and chuckled softly to himself.
+
+</p>
+<p>A second beating of tom-toms thundered through the barrio. The bride was coming. Down an avenue made for her by hostile looking
+<a id="d0e2513"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2513">264</a>]</span>women, crept a tiny, terrified figure. It was draped in the softest Eastern stuffs; jeweled anklets and bangles tinkled merrily.
+A gauzy veil of wondrous workmanship swathed the figure, but through it all Piang recognized his beloved Papita. Slowly she
+approached the altar; fearfully she raised her eyes to the man who awaited her there. Her little feet faltered, and the priestess
+supported her. Papita leaned heavily against the woman. Three soft notes of a mina-bird floated over the barrio, and Papita
+became suddenly alive. Again the notes stole through the jungle. The bride threw back her veil.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;The unwilling maid seems to have forgot her woe,&#8221; said one scornful woman to another. &#8220;Now that she is about to become our
+chief&#8217;s first wife, she does not weep and cry to be taken home.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>The priestess commenced the ceremony that was to last all night. Chants, prayers, admonitions, all, Papita responded to with
+renewed vigor, and her eyes furtively glanced toward a spot near the curve of the creek where a slender <a id="d0e2519"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2519">265</a>]</span>reed swayed unceasingly. After many hours the priestess led the way to the water and Ynoch placed Papita in her gala vinta
+and pushed her out into the stream. He got into another, and the two boats nosed each other while the crowd showered them
+with oils and perfumes. When the command came to part, each boat shot off in an opposite direction. A maiden and a bridegroom
+are each supposed to meditate for the last time on the advisability of the union before the final ceremony; so reads the Dyak
+marriage laws.
+
+</p>
+<p>As indifferently as a queen, Papita plied her paddle, paying no heed to the unfriendly eyes and mutterings of the Dyaks; she
+seemed in no haste and managed her vinta with amazing skill for one so small. Only once she seemed to lose control; her vinta
+cut deep into the tall rushes near the bend of the creek. Had the Dyaks been less intent on exhibiting their scorn, they might
+have noticed that when the boat drew back from the rushes it rode deeper in the water, and the little figure labored harder
+at the paddle as the vinta turned the bend and passed from sight.
+<a id="d0e2523"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2523">266</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Piang! is it you?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>As Papita spoke, the form lying in the bottom of the vinta slowly unfolded like a huge jack-knife. The merry eyes twinkled,
+the youthful, firm mouth curved at the corners, and Piang, the adventurer, smiled up at the astonished girl.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But yes, Chiquita, did you think that Piang would suffer the outcast Sicto to kidnap his little playmate?&#8221; Piang took up
+the paddle and the vinta shot forward. Silently the two bent to the task, every moment increasing the distance between them
+and their enemies.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Will they catch us, Piang?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Of course not, my Papita. Piang, the charm boy comes to rescue you.&#8221; The proud head went up with arrogant superiority.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;But there are many hidden cut-offs and creeks between us and the river, Piang; Sicto will surely trap us.&#8221; The terrified
+expression in the girl&#8217;s soft eyes touched Piang&#8217;s heart.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Have no fear, Papita. Let Sicto overtake us and he will be sorry. Put your ear to the baskets.&#8221;
+<a id="d0e2538"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2538">267</a>]</span></p>
+<p>As the girl bent over the two baskets, lying in the bottom of the vinta, a frown puckered her brow. A dull hum, like a caged
+wind protesting in faint whispers, rose from them. Gradually a smile broke over her face, and she laughed softly.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes; Sicto will be sorry if he overtakes us,&#8221; she whispered.
+
+</p>
+<p>Through the deepening night, a roar came to the fugitives. A deep, cruel howl; tom-toms beat a ragged and violent alarm; savage
+war-cries rent the air, bounding back from one echo to another. Papita&#8217;s hand wavered at her paddle. Piang&#8217;s stroke grew swifter,
+surer. The outraged bridegroom had returned from his meditations to find himself brideless.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;How will they come, Piang?&#8221; Papita&#8217;s voice trembled.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Some by water, some by land. Work, Papita.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>And so the deadly tropic night closed about them. The little nut-shell sped down the river, past snags, skulking crocodiles,
+and many unseen dangers. The jungle came far out over the water, dangling her treacherous plant-life above <a id="d0e2551"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2551">268</a>]</span>them, ready to drag them from the vinta: it crept beneath them, shooting up in massive trees that obstructed their passage&#8212;trees
+loaded down with parasites, intertwined, interlaced in hopeless confusion, each trying to crush and climb over the other in
+the fight for supremacy.
+
+</p>
+<p>Where the creek empties into the Cotabato River, Piang paused; there were suspicious-looking shadows close to the bank, and
+he reached for his precious baskets.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Work slowly, Papita,&#8221; he whispered, and the trembling girl kept the vinta just moving. From its ominous silence, the jungle
+crashed into chaos.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;L&egrave; l&egrave; l&egrave; l&egrave; iiiiiio!&#8221; shrieked the echoes.
+
+</p>
+<p>Piang was ready.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;L&egrave; l&egrave; l&egrave; l&egrave; iiiiiio!&#8221; he tauntingly replied.
+
+</p>
+<p>Kneeling in the bow of the vinta, he hastily lighted a green resinous torch and stuck it upright. It gave forth the pungent,
+heavy perfume of the jungle pitch. Waiting until his enemies were almost upon him, Piang raised one basket above his head
+and opened the trap. A sudden buzz and whirl filled the air; Piang reached for the second basket and held it in the smoke
+of the <a id="d0e2565"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2565">269</a>]</span>torch, ready to open. For a few moments, nothing happened, but the enemy slackened their pace, and the war cries were silenced.
+Finally yells of rage and pain broke from them:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Badjanji!&#8221; they screamed. The little insects, infuriated at the treatment they had received, fairly pounced upon the defenseless
+Dyaks. No jungle pest is so dreaded as the enraged honey-bee. Its envenomed stings are poisonous, deadly, and often cause
+more painful wounds than bolos. The men fought desperately. Tauntingly Piang laughed, swiftly he and Papita paddled, and the
+smoke from the torch enveloped them in its protecting waves. Coming abreast of the war-prau, Piang loosed the other basket
+of bees.
+
+</p>
+<p>On sped the vinta, and ever nearer came the great estuary that gave upon the Celebes Sea. The sounds of the sufferers grew
+fainter, and finally Papita and Piang were again alone in the great night.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They will return and assemble the war fleet, Papita; they will pursue us into the ocean. If the water is rough, we cannot
+cross the bay to Parang-Parang in this vinta. We must hide <a id="d0e2573"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2573">270</a>]</span>near the coast and make our way homeward on foot.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Morning fairly burst upon them. Twilight in the tropics is a name only, for the sun rises and disappears abruptly, and it
+is day or night in a few moments. The early light showed the ocean in the distance, and at the same moment sounds behind made
+Piang listen anxiously.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;They are coming, Papita; we must hide.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>As Piang headed for the bank, he noticed a thin stream of smoke trembling above Bongao. He paused and trained his eye on the
+blur. Suddenly he dug his paddle into the water.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Papita, quick! The <i>Sabah</i> is coming!&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>Again the vinta shot forward, down through the shifting, treacherous delta, out into the ocean. Louder grew the beating of
+paddles against the Dyak war-praus, and Piang could hear the war chant. He knew that Sicto cared little for ships; he had
+evaded too many of them. Only the <i>Sabah</i>, Sicto feared, but he would probably take a chance on this being the Chino mail boat or a Spanish tramp. That the Dyaks would
+take the chance and follow, Piang was sure.
+<a id="d0e2591"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2591">271</a>]</span></p>
+<p>The sea was choppy and fretful. The little bride boat danced and careened about recklessly. Between the <i>Sabah</i> and Piang lay Bongao, and straight for Bongao he headed, skilfully keeping the vinta steady. A white mist rose, as if to
+hide the vinta from the pursuers, but when the fleet reached the river&#8217;s mouth a yell announced that they had been discovered.
+The race was for life, for more than life, and the boy seemed possessed of a supernatural strength. Nearer came the smoke,
+and finally around the point of Bongao, burst the little gunboat. At first the Dyaks did not heed the stranger, so used were
+they to hurling contempt at island visitors, but when in answer to Papita&#8217;s signal, as she stood up waving her disheveled
+wedding veil, there came a shrill whistle, they paused in dismay.
+
+</p>
+<p>In a very short time Papita and Piang were raised over the side of the <i>Sabah</i>, and General Beech and Governor Findy were questioning them.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;You say that Dato Ynoch is pursuing you?&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Yes, yes, that is him in the first prau,&#8221; excitedly replied Piang.
+<a id="d0e2606"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2606">272</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Well, Piang, it is Ynoch that brings the <i>Sabah</i> here to-day. We thank you, my boy, for tempting him into the open.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>When the Moro boy disclosed Ynoch&#8217;s identity, a grim smile settled over Governor Findy&#8217;s face.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Man the guns, Captain!&#8221; commanded General Beech in his dignified, quiet way.
+
+</p>
+<p>The Dyaks were scattering in the wildest confusion, making their way back to the river with all speed, but the <i>Sabah</i> relentlessly pursued. A sudden darkening shadow startled the captain of the <i>Sabah</i>, and he pointed toward the mountains.
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;Something queer hatchin&#8217; over there, General.&#8221;
+
+</p>
+<p>A dense mist hid the hills; only old Ganassi Peak stood out, dignified and stern. Like a dirty piece of canvas, one cloud
+balanced itself on Ganassi&#8217;s shoulder and rapidly spread itself around the peak. It seemed to sap the very life from Ganassi,
+as it enveloped it in a chilling embrace. Slowly the cloud loosed its hold and bounced along on the lower hills. In its center
+<a id="d0e2628"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2628">273</a>]</span>it seemed to bear a restless, struggling mass, and the passengers on the <i>Sabah</i> watched it nervously. Strange things happen very suddenly in the sunny Celebes. Fascinated, they watched the odd cloud lumbering
+toward them, dipping and lifting its burden. It sailed over the mountains, flitted past the jungle and reached the ocean,
+where it hovered and waved as if undecided which way to go. At times, like canvas, it would belly down in the middle, almost
+burst, right itself, and come sailing on. Again and again the heavy contents pulled the cloud to earth, but valiantly struggling
+with its burden, it resisted. The cloud brought with it a death-like mist, damp and choking, and the sunshine was abruptly
+put out. The thing hesitated over the <i>Sabah</i>, dipping and sucking itself back, as if made of elastic; it wandered about aimlessly and paused over the fleeing Dyaks. Finally
+as if discouraged and strained beyond its endurance, it gave up.
+
+</p>
+<p>With shrieks and cries the Dyaks watched it. Tons and tons of water burst from the cloud, striking the sea with a hiss that
+sent the spray high in the air.
+<a id="d0e2638"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2638">274</a>]</span></p>
+<p>&#8220;Waterspout!&#8221; yelled the captain and ordered the <i>Sabah&#8217;s</i> engines stopped. In horror they beheld the crazy column careen about, obeying its master, the capricious wind, and following
+any stray current; around and around the spiral, grinding mass of water veered and circled aimlessly. It danced and capered
+about the ocean like some malignant monster loosed from torment, and finally, as if by direct intent, started for the river&#8217;s
+mouth. The Dyaks saw it coming, and in their puny efforts to escape, looked like ants before an elephant. The five streams,
+flowing through the delta of the Cotabato River, seemed to draw the vicious waterspout toward them, and on it went, directly
+in the wake of the doomed Dyaks. Tensely the <i>Sabah&#8217;s</i> passengers followed the course of the spout. The whirling Nemesis descended upon the pirates; their cries of anguish came
+faintly through the roar and hiss of water; crude Dyak prayers, shrieked by terrified worshipers, smote upon their ears, and
+finally, like a whirlwind, the waterspout pounced upon its victims. It caught at them with a thousand arms; it tossed them
+up, <a id="d0e2647"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2647">275</a>]</span>bore them down, tore them from the light eggshell praus, crushing them to bits.
+
+</p>
+<p>Through the entire fleet stalked the monster, dealing out death and destruction to all, and, when there remained naught to
+vent its wrath upon, like an insatiate giant, it turned toward the jungle. Straight up the river it marched, rooting up trees,
+tearing down banks, and gradually vanished in the distance, leaving wreckage and disaster in its path.
+
+</p>
+<p>Silenced by the terrible spectacle, the Americans seemed to huddle closer together for protection, or comfort. But two figures
+stood out alone on the <i>Sabah&#8217;s</i> deck.
+
+</p>
+<p>Papita&#8217;s eyes were fastened on Piang, on the charm that dangled from his necklace of crocodile teeth; Piang was lost in Ganassi
+Peak. His eyes were filled with a divine awe as he silently faced his beloved peak, where dwelt his wonder man, the Hermit
+Ganassi. Every element of his being, his very attitude, proclaimed that his spirit was pouring out a thanksgiving to his patron,
+whose prayers to Allah, the Merciful, had sent the waterspout to destroy his enemies. The <a id="d0e2658"></a><span class="pagenum">[<a href="#d0e2658">276</a>]</span>Christians, boasting a greater God, were put to shame by this artless exhibition of a faith that they could never feel, and
+their eyes were filled with admiration as they looked upon this Moro boy, transfigured in his faith, as he muttered softly:
+
+</p>
+<p>&#8220;There is no God but Allah!&#8221;
+
+
+</p>
+<p class="aligncenter"><span class="smallcaps">The End</span>
+
+
+</p>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="back">
+<div class="transcribernote">
+<h2>Colophon</h2>
+<h3>Availability</h3>
+<p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give
+it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/">www.gutenberg.org</a>.
+
+</p>
+<p>This eBook is produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at <a href="http://www.pgdp.net/">www.pgdp.net</a> from scans made available by Google.
+
+</p>
+<p>The scans used to prepare this eBook can be found at Google Books at <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=0i_6HtWLwIsC">http://books.google.com/books?id=0i_6HtWLwIsC</a>.
+
+</p>
+<h3>Encoding</h3>
+<p></p>
+<h3>Revision History</h3>
+<ul>
+<li>25-AUG-2007 Started.
+
+</li>
+</ul>
+<h3>Corrections</h3>
+<p>The following corrections have been applied to the text:</p>
+<table width="75%">
+<tr>
+<th>Location</th>
+<th>Source</th>
+<th>Correction</th>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td width="20%"><a href="#d0e348">Page 11</a></td>
+<td width="40%">
+[<i>Not in source</i>]
+
+</td>
+<td width="40%">&#8221;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td width="20%"><a href="#d0e870">Page 82</a></td>
+<td width="40%">Assin</td>
+<td width="40%">Asin</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td width="20%"><a href="#d0e1375">Page 144</a></td>
+<td width="40%">bajuka</td>
+<td width="40%">bajuca</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td width="20%"><a href="#d0e1960">Page 211</a></td>
+<td width="40%">confidents</td>
+<td width="40%">confidants</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td width="20%"><a href="#d0e1973">Page 212</a></td>
+<td width="40%">mein</td>
+<td width="40%">mien</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Piang the Moro
+Jungle Boy, by Florence Partello Stuart
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF PIANG ***
+
+***** This file should be named 22407-h.htm or 22407-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/2/4/0/22407/
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ from scans made
+available by Google Books.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p000.jpg b/22407-h/images/p000.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..363dc1c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p000.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p017.jpg b/22407-h/images/p017.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b160b90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p017.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p037.jpg b/22407-h/images/p037.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae170dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p037.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p070.jpg b/22407-h/images/p070.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..115d759
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p070.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p087.jpg b/22407-h/images/p087.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..99bea49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p087.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p122.jpg b/22407-h/images/p122.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9cb87be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p122.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p139.jpg b/22407-h/images/p139.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d935791
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p139.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p149.jpg b/22407-h/images/p149.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c057849
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p149.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p167.jpg b/22407-h/images/p167.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..48272fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p167.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p210.jpg b/22407-h/images/p210.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a67d3e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p210.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p227.jpg b/22407-h/images/p227.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..646e754
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p227.jpg
diff --git a/22407-h/images/p261.jpg b/22407-h/images/p261.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d6c722d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-h/images/p261.jpg
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f001.png b/22407-page-images/f001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b097ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f001.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f002.png b/22407-page-images/f002.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b153d42
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f002.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f003.png b/22407-page-images/f003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fda8128
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f003.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f004.png b/22407-page-images/f004.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e140ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f004.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f005.png b/22407-page-images/f005.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a166858
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f005.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f006.png b/22407-page-images/f006.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c166f04
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f006.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f007.png b/22407-page-images/f007.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..027905c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f007.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f008.png b/22407-page-images/f008.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3f653f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f008.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/f009.png b/22407-page-images/f009.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b3a1dce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/f009.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p003.png b/22407-page-images/p003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b12dc61
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p003.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p004.png b/22407-page-images/p004.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2c2cc96
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p004.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p005.png b/22407-page-images/p005.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d17aee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p005.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p006.png b/22407-page-images/p006.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b4be01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p006.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p007.png b/22407-page-images/p007.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5c39f2b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p007.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p008.png b/22407-page-images/p008.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..79b15a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p008.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p009.png b/22407-page-images/p009.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4864fbd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p009.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p010.png b/22407-page-images/p010.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2f4d15d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p010.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p011.png b/22407-page-images/p011.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e10e822
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p011.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p012.png b/22407-page-images/p012.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4cd9e49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p012.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p013.png b/22407-page-images/p013.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95dd180
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p013.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p014.png b/22407-page-images/p014.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..008ebdf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p014.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p015.png b/22407-page-images/p015.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c4cff47
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p015.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p016.png b/22407-page-images/p016.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3b8aaa8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p016.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p017.png b/22407-page-images/p017.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..18b929c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p017.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p018.png b/22407-page-images/p018.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78498a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p018.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p019.png b/22407-page-images/p019.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6f1f2dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p019.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p020.png b/22407-page-images/p020.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ebb65e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p020.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p021.png b/22407-page-images/p021.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d6737c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p021.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p022.png b/22407-page-images/p022.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1522c9a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p022.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p023.png b/22407-page-images/p023.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6238b5e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p023.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p024.png b/22407-page-images/p024.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..31a4ba8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p024.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p025.png b/22407-page-images/p025.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e02a9c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p025.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p026.png b/22407-page-images/p026.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..36e47d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p026.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p027.png b/22407-page-images/p027.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..832d16c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p027.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p028.png b/22407-page-images/p028.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..db1413f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p028.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p029.png b/22407-page-images/p029.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2efdc8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p029.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p030.png b/22407-page-images/p030.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9a62e90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p030.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p031.png b/22407-page-images/p031.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0c5c358
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p031.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p032.png b/22407-page-images/p032.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..42239d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p032.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p033.png b/22407-page-images/p033.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55c84b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p033.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p034.png b/22407-page-images/p034.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..74881ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p034.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p035.png b/22407-page-images/p035.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f9db229
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p035.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p036.png b/22407-page-images/p036.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e333b01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p036.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p037.png b/22407-page-images/p037.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..33e758a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p037.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p038.png b/22407-page-images/p038.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1d8e3e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p038.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p039.png b/22407-page-images/p039.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..acbc856
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p039.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p040.png b/22407-page-images/p040.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c534391
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p040.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p041.png b/22407-page-images/p041.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e1d2a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p041.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p042.png b/22407-page-images/p042.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78c6c53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p042.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p043.png b/22407-page-images/p043.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4ed94c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p043.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p044.png b/22407-page-images/p044.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..50442c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p044.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p045.png b/22407-page-images/p045.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1ec1e10
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p045.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p046.png b/22407-page-images/p046.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e7a8c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p046.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p047.png b/22407-page-images/p047.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..202179b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p047.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p048.png b/22407-page-images/p048.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8124d48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p048.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p049.png b/22407-page-images/p049.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..462ef4f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p049.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p050.png b/22407-page-images/p050.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d70cb7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p050.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p051.png b/22407-page-images/p051.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60bade1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p051.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p052.png b/22407-page-images/p052.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f39a8d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p052.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p053.png b/22407-page-images/p053.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df47457
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p053.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p054.png b/22407-page-images/p054.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3afee94
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p054.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p055.png b/22407-page-images/p055.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..83f6774
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p055.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p056.png b/22407-page-images/p056.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3350b3c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p056.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p057.png b/22407-page-images/p057.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d4777d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p057.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p058.png b/22407-page-images/p058.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cc900ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p058.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p059.png b/22407-page-images/p059.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c81cce2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p059.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p060.png b/22407-page-images/p060.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c381ecf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p060.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p061.png b/22407-page-images/p061.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..826e779
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p061.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p062.png b/22407-page-images/p062.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7a46d13
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p062.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p063.png b/22407-page-images/p063.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ed51ad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p063.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p064.png b/22407-page-images/p064.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5f77f5c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p064.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p065.png b/22407-page-images/p065.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..85c9772
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p065.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p066.png b/22407-page-images/p066.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..750ca67
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p066.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p067.png b/22407-page-images/p067.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e0b2047
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p067.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p068.png b/22407-page-images/p068.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6d413c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p068.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p069.png b/22407-page-images/p069.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..65cf121
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p069.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p070.png b/22407-page-images/p070.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d76604
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p070.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p071.png b/22407-page-images/p071.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f84b5d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p071.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p072.png b/22407-page-images/p072.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a99db26
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p072.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p073.png b/22407-page-images/p073.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e758c5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p073.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p074.png b/22407-page-images/p074.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..28603a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p074.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p075.png b/22407-page-images/p075.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d27983
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p075.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p076.png b/22407-page-images/p076.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4cf26f1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p076.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p077.png b/22407-page-images/p077.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..62eacba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p077.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p078.png b/22407-page-images/p078.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1382abf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p078.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p079.png b/22407-page-images/p079.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bcedfa9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p079.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p080.png b/22407-page-images/p080.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3160cbb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p080.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p081.png b/22407-page-images/p081.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..39bde7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p081.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p082.png b/22407-page-images/p082.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..12c9ad7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p082.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p083.png b/22407-page-images/p083.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7ef7b89
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p083.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p084.png b/22407-page-images/p084.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..06c7e5f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p084.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p085.png b/22407-page-images/p085.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e6b882
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p085.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p086.png b/22407-page-images/p086.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..62268f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p086.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p087.png b/22407-page-images/p087.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..126d399
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p087.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p088.png b/22407-page-images/p088.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..31c5042
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p088.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p089.png b/22407-page-images/p089.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e9cd8b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p089.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p090.png b/22407-page-images/p090.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2657594
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p090.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p091.png b/22407-page-images/p091.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a1866a8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p091.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p092.png b/22407-page-images/p092.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..73c2f13
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p092.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p093.png b/22407-page-images/p093.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2616707
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p093.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p094.png b/22407-page-images/p094.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c4e73bd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p094.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p095.png b/22407-page-images/p095.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55d8d59
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p095.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p096.png b/22407-page-images/p096.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5f1e830
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p096.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p097.png b/22407-page-images/p097.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d967d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p097.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p098.png b/22407-page-images/p098.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0a141e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p098.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p099.png b/22407-page-images/p099.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a1fa7e9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p099.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p100.png b/22407-page-images/p100.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b4c77c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p100.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p101.png b/22407-page-images/p101.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c2af398
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p101.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p102.png b/22407-page-images/p102.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..517a4d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p102.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p103.png b/22407-page-images/p103.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..15d8178
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p103.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p104.png b/22407-page-images/p104.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..93ce94f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p104.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p105.png b/22407-page-images/p105.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..409ff75
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p105.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p106.png b/22407-page-images/p106.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c795e2b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p106.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p107.png b/22407-page-images/p107.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..029c56c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p107.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p108.png b/22407-page-images/p108.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c6248e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p108.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p109.png b/22407-page-images/p109.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e2f84a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p109.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p110.png b/22407-page-images/p110.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0e6c86d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p110.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p111.png b/22407-page-images/p111.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca42295
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p111.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p112.png b/22407-page-images/p112.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d1e07eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p112.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p113.png b/22407-page-images/p113.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ead0555
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p113.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p114.png b/22407-page-images/p114.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fa79e03
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p114.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p115.png b/22407-page-images/p115.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e09e618
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p115.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p116.png b/22407-page-images/p116.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3a0f105
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p116.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p117.png b/22407-page-images/p117.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..289bbb1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p117.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p118.png b/22407-page-images/p118.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a84a3b3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p118.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p119.png b/22407-page-images/p119.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e8120c5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p119.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p120.png b/22407-page-images/p120.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27aa5ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p120.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p121.png b/22407-page-images/p121.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c7485b2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p121.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p122.png b/22407-page-images/p122.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2f6e3c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p122.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p123.png b/22407-page-images/p123.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5dc5b24
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p123.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p124.png b/22407-page-images/p124.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9203d2f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p124.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p125.png b/22407-page-images/p125.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..52e84c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p125.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p126.png b/22407-page-images/p126.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..23ac09e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p126.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p127.png b/22407-page-images/p127.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6db89e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p127.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p128.png b/22407-page-images/p128.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55faae3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p128.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p129.png b/22407-page-images/p129.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fdaee31
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p129.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p130.png b/22407-page-images/p130.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..294f7ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p130.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p131.png b/22407-page-images/p131.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..94330aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p131.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p132.png b/22407-page-images/p132.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a78545f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p132.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p133.png b/22407-page-images/p133.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb04013
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p133.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p134.png b/22407-page-images/p134.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f21267a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p134.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p135.png b/22407-page-images/p135.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e13b1f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p135.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p136.png b/22407-page-images/p136.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab473dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p136.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p137.png b/22407-page-images/p137.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5ef3bd9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p137.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p138.png b/22407-page-images/p138.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f9f457b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p138.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p139.png b/22407-page-images/p139.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa78e61
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p139.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p140.png b/22407-page-images/p140.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f5cd9bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p140.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p141.png b/22407-page-images/p141.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8667150
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p141.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p142.png b/22407-page-images/p142.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cfc211a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p142.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p143.png b/22407-page-images/p143.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9b8966b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p143.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p144.png b/22407-page-images/p144.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c0eb9a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p144.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p145.png b/22407-page-images/p145.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..68dfb81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p145.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p146.png b/22407-page-images/p146.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..368a9c4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p146.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p147.png b/22407-page-images/p147.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9823fed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p147.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p148.png b/22407-page-images/p148.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f0de61d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p148.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p149.png b/22407-page-images/p149.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e585c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p149.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p150.png b/22407-page-images/p150.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1d894ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p150.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p151.png b/22407-page-images/p151.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2a1b93
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p151.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p152.png b/22407-page-images/p152.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..90bd13e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p152.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p153.png b/22407-page-images/p153.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c7d6943
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p153.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p154.png b/22407-page-images/p154.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5bf6966
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p154.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p155.png b/22407-page-images/p155.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d64d5e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p155.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p156.png b/22407-page-images/p156.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..16c0a47
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p156.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p157.png b/22407-page-images/p157.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..760c26f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p157.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p158.png b/22407-page-images/p158.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1f2a21
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p158.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p159.png b/22407-page-images/p159.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c48be7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p159.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p160.png b/22407-page-images/p160.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6d11248
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p160.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p161.png b/22407-page-images/p161.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3a1c865
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p161.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p162.png b/22407-page-images/p162.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d374415
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p162.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p163.png b/22407-page-images/p163.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..535673d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p163.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p164.png b/22407-page-images/p164.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..235124b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p164.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p165.png b/22407-page-images/p165.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..75b9085
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p165.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p166.png b/22407-page-images/p166.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e650dda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p166.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p167.png b/22407-page-images/p167.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd94286
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p167.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p168.png b/22407-page-images/p168.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aadadb1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p168.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p169.png b/22407-page-images/p169.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce40ac1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p169.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p170.png b/22407-page-images/p170.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ffffd4d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p170.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p171.png b/22407-page-images/p171.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ef165d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p171.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p172.png b/22407-page-images/p172.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..535a293
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p172.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p173.png b/22407-page-images/p173.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..69f4233
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p173.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p174.png b/22407-page-images/p174.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6b05da0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p174.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p175.png b/22407-page-images/p175.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a688666
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p175.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p176.png b/22407-page-images/p176.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..892069d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p176.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p177.png b/22407-page-images/p177.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..87ed144
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p177.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p178.png b/22407-page-images/p178.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8975dcb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p178.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p179.png b/22407-page-images/p179.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..406be27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p179.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p180.png b/22407-page-images/p180.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..72ff362
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p180.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p181.png b/22407-page-images/p181.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6ad3c1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p181.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p182.png b/22407-page-images/p182.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b249bda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p182.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p183.png b/22407-page-images/p183.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c5b7c11
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p183.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p184.png b/22407-page-images/p184.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7497b0c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p184.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p185.png b/22407-page-images/p185.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..63d0694
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p185.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p186.png b/22407-page-images/p186.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..09fb575
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p186.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p187.png b/22407-page-images/p187.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2b50a57
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p187.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p188.png b/22407-page-images/p188.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8cfa11c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p188.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p189.png b/22407-page-images/p189.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab3f34e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p189.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p190.png b/22407-page-images/p190.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a9376b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p190.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p191.png b/22407-page-images/p191.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c7af498
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p191.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p192.png b/22407-page-images/p192.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b4335cb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p192.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p193.png b/22407-page-images/p193.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..18d8c0b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p193.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p194.png b/22407-page-images/p194.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9c6749d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p194.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p195.png b/22407-page-images/p195.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d8cb95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p195.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p196.png b/22407-page-images/p196.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cb628a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p196.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p197.png b/22407-page-images/p197.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..12d83d6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p197.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p198.png b/22407-page-images/p198.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..02d922b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p198.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p199.png b/22407-page-images/p199.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e5a32fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p199.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p200.png b/22407-page-images/p200.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7efe963
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p200.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p201.png b/22407-page-images/p201.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dc58848
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p201.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p202.png b/22407-page-images/p202.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e324c85
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p202.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p203.png b/22407-page-images/p203.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..76bd5db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p203.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p204.png b/22407-page-images/p204.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..22db50e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p204.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p205.png b/22407-page-images/p205.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4558d07
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p205.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p206.png b/22407-page-images/p206.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c25f9ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p206.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p207.png b/22407-page-images/p207.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fbd3778
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p207.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p208.png b/22407-page-images/p208.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3a23eec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p208.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p209.png b/22407-page-images/p209.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0edf504
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p209.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p210.png b/22407-page-images/p210.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8cf55f1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p210.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p211.png b/22407-page-images/p211.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8ba9962
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p211.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p212.png b/22407-page-images/p212.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c75da6d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p212.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p213.png b/22407-page-images/p213.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6734985
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p213.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p214.png b/22407-page-images/p214.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bf4769b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p214.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p215.png b/22407-page-images/p215.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7fa6ebc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p215.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p216.png b/22407-page-images/p216.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9049b47
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p216.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p217.png b/22407-page-images/p217.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe54f09
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p217.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p218.png b/22407-page-images/p218.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ff3f3e9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p218.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p219.png b/22407-page-images/p219.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd7e604
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p219.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p220.png b/22407-page-images/p220.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3f341a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p220.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p221.png b/22407-page-images/p221.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cc5ecb5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p221.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p222.png b/22407-page-images/p222.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..940faba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p222.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p223.png b/22407-page-images/p223.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a5db461
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p223.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p224.png b/22407-page-images/p224.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8352427
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p224.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p225.png b/22407-page-images/p225.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..020bbf0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p225.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p226.png b/22407-page-images/p226.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30841d0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p226.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p227.png b/22407-page-images/p227.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a4d6c53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p227.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p228.png b/22407-page-images/p228.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..da841a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p228.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p229.png b/22407-page-images/p229.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c805b9a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p229.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p230.png b/22407-page-images/p230.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ea06788
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p230.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p231.png b/22407-page-images/p231.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0543994
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p231.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p232.png b/22407-page-images/p232.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0a6213b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p232.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p233.png b/22407-page-images/p233.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..354a991
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p233.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p234.png b/22407-page-images/p234.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c36c666
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p234.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p235.png b/22407-page-images/p235.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..993fba1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p235.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p236.png b/22407-page-images/p236.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c0b5231
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p236.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p237.png b/22407-page-images/p237.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..36c0062
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p237.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p238.png b/22407-page-images/p238.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d71cc21
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p238.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p239.png b/22407-page-images/p239.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bad572f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p239.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p240.png b/22407-page-images/p240.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5b2aba7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p240.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p241.png b/22407-page-images/p241.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fb1e9bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p241.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p242.png b/22407-page-images/p242.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0b29912
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p242.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p243.png b/22407-page-images/p243.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a4261f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p243.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p244.png b/22407-page-images/p244.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..665118c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p244.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p245.png b/22407-page-images/p245.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1bdbf49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p245.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p246.png b/22407-page-images/p246.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c15952f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p246.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p247.png b/22407-page-images/p247.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f90fdfb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p247.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p248.png b/22407-page-images/p248.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..90acbab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p248.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p249.png b/22407-page-images/p249.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e5125f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p249.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p250.png b/22407-page-images/p250.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e1b6e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p250.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p251.png b/22407-page-images/p251.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ab8749
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p251.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p252.png b/22407-page-images/p252.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3cbd9c4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p252.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p253.png b/22407-page-images/p253.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0732e68
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p253.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p254.png b/22407-page-images/p254.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f4b0e1f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p254.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p255.png b/22407-page-images/p255.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3cfd21e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p255.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p256.png b/22407-page-images/p256.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1b3ba0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p256.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p257.png b/22407-page-images/p257.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a08811b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p257.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p258.png b/22407-page-images/p258.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3013f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p258.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p259.png b/22407-page-images/p259.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..04c73db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p259.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p260.png b/22407-page-images/p260.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..75038d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p260.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p261.png b/22407-page-images/p261.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5f7ad26
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p261.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p262.png b/22407-page-images/p262.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..90f772e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p262.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p263.png b/22407-page-images/p263.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7001471
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p263.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p264.png b/22407-page-images/p264.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2145d16
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p264.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p265.png b/22407-page-images/p265.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c0e0d35
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p265.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p266.png b/22407-page-images/p266.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aff69bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p266.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p267.png b/22407-page-images/p267.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..178c280
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p267.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p268.png b/22407-page-images/p268.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd4bacc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p268.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p269.png b/22407-page-images/p269.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1073228
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p269.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p270.png b/22407-page-images/p270.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f453393
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p270.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p271.png b/22407-page-images/p271.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0af1dda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p271.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p272.png b/22407-page-images/p272.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60fc305
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p272.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p273.png b/22407-page-images/p273.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0a95d77
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p273.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p274.png b/22407-page-images/p274.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ed646d6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p274.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p275.png b/22407-page-images/p275.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f98485b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p275.png
diff --git a/22407-page-images/p276.png b/22407-page-images/p276.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6e13026
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407-page-images/p276.png
diff --git a/22407.txt b/22407.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c4a8051
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5434 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy, by
+Florence Partello Stuart
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy
+       A Book for Young and Old
+
+Author: Florence Partello Stuart
+
+Release Date: August 26, 2007 [EBook #22407]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF PIANG ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ from scans made
+available by Google Books.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Adventures of Piang
+The Moro Jungle Boy
+
+A Book for Young and Old
+
+
+By Florence Partello Stuart
+
+Illustrated By Ellsworth Young
+
+
+New York
+The Century Co.
+1917
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Copyright, 1917, by The Century Co.
+
+Copyright, 1916, by David C. Cook Publishing Company Copyright, 1917,
+Boys' Life The Boy Scouts Magazine
+
+Published September, 1917
+
+
+
+
+
+
+To "Buddy"
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+    I         The Charm Boy   6
+    II        The Floating Island   32
+    III       The Hermit of Ganassi Peak   51
+    IV        The Fire Tree   78
+    V         Riding the Cataract   108
+    VI        The Jungle Menace   129
+    VII       The Secret of the Source   157
+    VIII      The Juramentado Gunboat   193
+    IX        The Bichara   223
+    X         Piang's Triumph   251
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+
+
+    Slowly he swam downward, conscious of a large body moving near
+    him   _Frontispiece_
+    Rising to his feet, spear poised, he waited   17
+    His hands closed over something   36
+    On its neck it supported a weird creature   70
+    "The boom! We must cut it!"   87
+    With hands outstretched above his head, he waited for the great
+    moment   122
+    Piang reached up on tiptoe to pluck a ripe mango   139
+    Gracefully the little slave-girl eluded Piang and Sicto   149
+    Over and over they rolled, splashing and fighting   167
+    A shrill whistle echoed through the forest   210
+    "Juramentado! Gobernado!" faintly whispered Piang   227
+    The water spout caught the eggshell praus in its toils   261
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                "Do you know the fragrant stillness of the orchid
+                        scented glade,
+                Where the blazoned, bird-winged butterflies
+                        flap through?"
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURES OF PIANG
+THE MORO JUNGLE BOY
+
+
+Piang is a real boy. Dato Kali Pandapatan is a real Moro chief. The
+Moro is not a Filipino.
+
+When I returned from my life among the natives of the lower
+Philippines, I was appalled to find that America was not only ignorant
+of, but entirely indifferent to our colonies across the seas. The
+general impression seemed to be that Manila was a delightful Spanish
+city, and that Manila was the Philippines. That there are several
+thousand little islands in the Philippine group, each harboring its
+distinct tribe, each with its own dialect and religion, was entirely
+unknown. Impressed by the nobility of the Moro in contrast to the
+other tribes of the archipelago, by his unfortunate treatment and his
+possibilities for development, I found myself taking up his cause,
+and was repaid by intense interest wherever I launched forth on my
+pet subject. I was so successful that gradually I began to idealize
+the Moro, weaving around him, not the "might have beens," but the
+"might be's." Hence, "The Adventures of Piang."
+
+Many of our military heros of other days share the honors with Piang;
+their exploits and privations are a romance in themselves, and among
+these pages the army and navy will recognize stories that have long
+since become history. I am indebted to Dean Worcester for statistics
+and a great deal of information on the origin and development of the
+Moro. Indeed some of Piang's adventures are actual incidents of Dean
+Worcester's travels. Robinson and Foreman have given me much material,
+and I find their books authentic and true chronicles of the Malay
+people. But most of all I am indebted to that great and wise man,
+Colonel John P. Finley, United States Army, who during his term as
+civil governor of the Moro provinces, did more to help a down-trodden
+people than any Christian who has ever attempted to bring them to
+the true light.
+
+Anticipating carping criticisms from geographic purists, the author
+is ready to admit taking liberties with longitudes and latitudes,
+juggling lakes and mountains to the envy of Atlas, in order to serve
+the picturesque and romantic purposes of Piang.
+
+Some of the stories in this volume appeared in the juvenile magazines,
+"St. Nicholas," "What To Do," and "Boys' World," and are reprinted
+through the courtesy of the editors.
+
+
+
+
+FIRST ADVENTURE
+
+THE CHARM BOY
+
+
+In the warm Celebes Sea, four hundred miles south of Manila, lies the
+romantic, semi-mysterious island of Mindanao, home of the Moro. For
+three centuries Spain struggled to subjugate this fierce people,
+with little or no success, and she turned them over to America with
+a sigh of relief. Perpetual warfare is the pastime of the Moro; it
+is his sport, his vocation; and the Mother Jungle hurls a livelihood
+at his feet. Food, clothing, shelter are his birthright.
+
+One of the most powerful tribes of Moroland is ruled by Dato (chief)
+Kali Pandapatan. Far up in the hills dwells this powerful clan,
+arrogant and superior in its power. Piang, the chosen of Allah,
+dwells among them; haughtily the boy accepts their homage as his due,
+for he is destined to become their ruler some day. His prowess and
+bravery are the boast of his people, and the name of Piang is known
+from one end of Mindanao to the other.
+
+The tribe was assembled for the ceremony. Within the hollow square
+stood Dato (chief) Kali Pandapatan and old Pandita (priest) Asin. There
+was a rustle of expectancy among the onlookers; their interest was
+divided between the two solitary figures, silently waiting, and a
+hut, much bedecked with gaudy trappings and greens. On all sides the
+silent jungle closed in around the brilliant throng, seeming to bear
+witness against mankind; men might force a tiny clearing in its very
+heart after years of struggle and work, but the virgin forest sang on,
+undisturbed, watchful.
+
+The grass flaps, forming the door of the hut, moved. Like a soft wind
+caressing the palm-trees, a murmur rustled through the crowd:
+
+"It is he!"
+
+Children scrambled away from restraining parents to get a better view;
+dogs, filled with uneasiness by this strange silence, whined. The
+stillness was unnatural. Distant cries of a mina-bird floated to this
+strained audience; the river, muttering its plaints to the listening
+rushes, sounded like a cataract in their ears.
+
+Into the midst of this crowd walked a stately, graceful youth. The
+dusky goldenness of his skin was enhanced by his rainbow-hued
+garments. From waist to ankle he was encased in breeches as tight as
+any gymnast's pantaloons; they were striped in greens and scarlets
+and had small gold filigree buttons down the sides. A tight jacket,
+buttoned to the throat, was fastened with another row of buttons,
+and around his waist was gracefully tied a crimson sash, the fringed
+ends heavy with glass beads and seed-pearls. A campilan (two-handled
+knife, double-edged), and a pearl-handled creese (dagger) were thrust
+into the sash. With arrogant tread he advanced, the ranks dividing
+like a wave before an aggressive war-prau. His piercing black eyes
+expressed utter indifference, and he ignored those gathered to witness
+his triumph. Only once he seemed to smile when the little slave girl,
+Papita, timidly touched his arm. The rebuke that fell upon her from the
+others, brought a frown to the boy's face, but he continued to advance
+until he stood beside Dato Kali Pandapatan and Pandita Asin. Here,
+like a sentinel giant, bereft of his nearest kin, one monster tree
+remained standing. It seemed to whisper to its distant mates, who
+nodded answer from their ranks at the edge of the clearing. Under
+this tree Piang paused, gazing fixedly at his beloved chief.
+
+"Piang," said Kali, "the time has come for you to prove that you are
+the chosen of Allah."
+
+A perceptible rustle followed this.
+
+"On the night of your birth, the panditas announced that the charm
+boy, who was to lead the tribe to victory, would be born before
+the stars dimmed. Your cry came first, but there was another, also,
+fated to come to us that night. The mestizo (half-breed) boy, Sicto,
+opened his eyes before that same dawn, and you are destined to prove
+which is the chosen Allah." Anxiously the Moro men and women gazed
+at their idol, Piang. His manly little head was held high, and the
+powerful shoulders squared as he listened.
+
+The sun, but lately risen, bathed the multitude in its early light
+and chased the light filigree of moisture from the foliage. Through
+the branches of the solitary tree, wavy sunbeams made their way to
+flicker and play around Piang, and one bold dart seemed to hesitate
+and caress the mass of glossy, black hair.
+
+"Sicto!" called Kali. There was another murmur, but very different
+from the one that had preceded Piang's coming. From the same hut
+came forth another boy. A little taller than Piang, was Sicto, lean
+and lank of limb. His skin was a dirty cream color, more like that
+of the Mongolian than the warm tinted Mohammedan. His costume was
+much like Piang's, but it was not carried with the royal dignity of
+the other boy's. Sicto's head was held a little down; the murky eyes
+avoided meeting those of his tribesmen, and his whole attitude gave
+the impression of slinking. The high cheek-bones and slightly tilted
+eyes bore evidence of the Chinese blood that flowed in his veins,
+and the tribe shuddered at the thought of Sicto as charm boy. He
+advanced with a shambling gait.
+
+"Sicto, it is given that you shall have your chance." Kali Pandapatan
+spoke loudly, a frown on his brow. "Piang is of our own blood, and
+we, one and all, wish him to be our charm boy, but there shall be no
+injustice done. Born under the same star, within the same hour, it is
+not for me to decide whether you or Piang is the Heaven-sent." Turning
+to the pandita, Kali whispered something. The old man nodded and
+advanced a few steps, saying:
+
+"My people, I shall leave it to you, whether or not I have made a wise
+decision. There is no way for us to prove the claim of either of these
+boys, so I am sending them to seek the answer for themselves." Asin
+paused, and the crowd moved. "On yonder mountain dwells the wise
+hermit, Ganassi. He has lived there for many years, apart from man,
+alone in the jungle with beast and reptile.
+
+There are no trails to his haunt; no man has seen Ganassi for a
+generation, but that he still lives we know, for he answers our signal
+fires each year and replies to our questions." Turning to the two boys,
+he addressed them directly: "The mountain where he dwells has been
+named after him, Ganassi Peak, and friends through the hills will
+direct you toward it. You shall both start at the same time, but by
+different routes. One leads through the jungle, over the hills; the
+other follows the river to its head-water, the lake. Old Ganassi will
+guide the real charm boy to him; he is great; he is ubiquitous. Have
+no fear of the jungle or its creatures, for he will be with you."
+
+Amazement and joy were written on Piang's face. He was to penetrate
+the jungle at last, alone! His heart thrilled at the thought of the
+adventures waiting for him there, and with radiant face he turned
+toward the inviting forest.
+
+"Piang! Piang!" resounded through the stillness, as the excited Moros
+watched him.
+
+Sicto stood, head down, wriggling his toes in the sand. He did not
+like the idea of the lonely jungle, or the thought of the long hard
+days between him and Ganassi Peak, but he did not speak.
+
+With solemn ceremony the pandita prepared to anoint the boys according
+to the rites of the tribe. A slave boy ran lightly forward and sank
+on his knees before the pandita. On his head he bore a basket covered
+with cool, green leaves. Praying and chanting, the priest uncovered
+the basket, revealing two beautiful dazzlingly white flowers.
+
+"The champakas!" cried Papita in amazement as the rare flowers
+were exposed. An admonishing hand was placed over her lips. Slowly
+Asin raised the flowers, heavy with dew, above the two boys, and the
+clear, crystal drops fell upon their heads. Across the sky trailed a
+flock of white rice-birds; as they flitted across the clearing, their
+shadows leaped from one picturesque Moro to another; a twig snapped,
+startling a baby, who cried out. The spell was broken.
+
+The chant was taken up by the entire tribe, and slowly at first, they
+began to revolve around the central figures. As their excitement
+grew, the pace quickened, until they were whirling and gyrating
+at a reckless rate. Like a pistol-shot came the command to cease,
+and quietly all returned to their original places. Kali Pandapatan
+raised his hand for silence.
+
+"I shall throw my creese into the air. Sicto, you may have first
+choice. Do you choose the point, or the flat fall?"
+
+Sicto considered:
+
+"If the creese falls without sticking into the ground, I shall choose
+my route first."
+
+The crowd instinctively pushed a little closer as Kali tossed the
+shining blade into the air. A gasp, forced from between some anxious
+lip, broke the stillness. Every eye followed the course described by
+the knife, and when it fell, clean as an arrow, the blade piercing
+the earth, there was a sigh of relief. Piang was to have first choice.
+
+"Piang, it is given that you shall choose. Will you proceed by the
+river or take your chances with the jungle? One route is as safe as
+another, and only the real charm boy can reach Ganassi."
+
+"I will go by the river," Piang answered quietly, with great dignity.
+
+
+
+It was a beautiful day. To us, the heat would have been stifling,
+the humidity distressing, but Piang loved it all and joyfully looked
+forward to the trip up the river.
+
+The trying ceremony over, the two candidates had hurried off to prepare
+for the long journey. Cumbersome garments were discarded, and Piang
+was clothed in the easy costume of the jungle traveler; breech-clout,
+head-cloth, a sarong, flung carelessly over one shoulder, and a
+_panuelo_ (handkerchief) with a few necessary articles tied securely
+in it. His weapons were a bolo, a creese, and a bow and arrow. Piang's
+bare limbs, bronze and powerful, glistened in the brilliant sunshine,
+and he was very picturesque as he paddled along the stream, dipping
+his slim hands into the current, arresting objects that floated by. He
+had made his _banco_ (canoe) himself; had even felled the palma brava
+alone, and had spent days burning and chopping the center away, until
+at last he was the proud possessor of one of the swiftest canoes on
+the river. As on ice-boats, long outriggers of slender poles extended
+across the banco, and the ends were joined by other bamboo poles, so
+that the canoe looked like a giant dragon-fly as it skimmed lightly
+over the water.
+
+Piang stopped at a lily-pad to gather some of the inviting blossoms,
+but regretted it instantly, as a swarm of mosquitos rose and enveloped
+him. He thought to escape their vicious attacks by paddling faster,
+but it was no use; they had come to stay. Trailing after him a long
+uneven stream, they seemed to take turns in tormenting him, and as the
+leaders became satiated, they fell back, allowing the rear rankers to
+buzz forward and renew the attack. Piang longed for a certain kind
+of moss that grows at the roots of trees, but his keen eyes could
+not discover any.
+
+It was almost all he could do, to paddle his banco and fight the pests;
+his sarong was wrapped tightly around him, but it was no protection
+against the savage mosquitos, and he was about to drop in the water
+despite the crocodiles, when he spied some of the moss. With a cry
+of relief, he headed toward the bank and managed to pull some into
+the boat. Taking from his bundle a queerly shaped, wooden object,
+he spun it like a top, rapidly, backward and forward in a pan until
+smoke appeared at the point of the rod. Powdering some bark, he threw
+it into the pan, and when it began to blaze, he added some of the
+damp moss. Gradually a thick, pungent smoke arose. It curled upward,
+enveloping him and almost choking him with its overwhelming aroma,
+but it dispelled the mosquitos immediately, and Piang continued his
+journey unmolested.
+
+He was very happy that morning, for was he not free, honored by his
+tribe, and engaged in the dearest of pastimes, adventure? The poor
+little girls have no choice in their occupations, for as soon as they
+are large enough, their tasks are allotted to them; they must sit all
+day and weave, or wear out their little backs pounding rice in the big
+wooden bowls. But the man child is free. The jungle is his task. He
+must learn to trap game, to find where the fruits abound, and to avoid
+the many dangers that wait for him. Piang broke into a native chant:
+
+"Ee-ung pee-ang, unk ah-wang!" As it resounded through the forest in
+his high-pitched, nasal tones, he was answered from the trees, and
+little, gray monkeys came swinging along to see who their visitor might
+be. Piang mischievously tossed a piece of the smoking moss to the bank
+and paused to see the fun. Their almost human coughs, as the smoke
+was wafted their way, made him laugh. They scampered down, tumbling
+over each other in their anxiety to be first, and one little fellow,
+who succeeded in out-distancing the others, stuck its hand into the
+smoldering embers. Astonished, at first, it nursed the injured member,
+but gradually becoming infuriated, it finally shrieked and jumped up
+and down. It began to pelt the smudge madly with stones, chattering
+excitedly to its companions, as if describing the tragedy. The others
+had climbed back into the trees, paying no attention to Piang, but
+keeping a watchful eye on the danger that had been hurled among them.
+
+Piang lazily plied his paddle, laughing to himself at the foolishness
+of monkeys. He tried to peer through the dense trees that crowded
+toward the river, hiding the secrets of the jungle. He wanted to know
+those secrets, wanted to match his strength against the numberless
+dangers that are always veiled by that twilight, which the sun strives
+in vain to penetrate, year after year, turning away discouraged. Piang
+listlessly examined the river, little knowing the perilous adventure
+that waited for him just beyond the bend.
+
+One lone log, majestic in its solitude, floated down the river,
+resisting the efforts of tenacious creepers to bind and hold it
+prisoner. Piang poked it with his paddle. Another was floating in
+its wake, and he idly tapped this, also. It stirred, turned over,
+and disappeared under the boat.
+
+"_Boia!_" ("Crocodile!") breathed the startled boy. He had disturbed
+one of the sleeping monsters! Piang's heart beat very fast, and a
+shudder passed through him as he felt something bump the bottom of
+the boat. The crocodile was just beneath him and if it rose suddenly,
+it would upset him. One, two, three seconds he waited, but they were
+the longest seconds Piang had ever known. There was a slight movement
+astern; the boat tipped forward, swerved, and before Piang could right
+himself, a vicious snort startled him. The crocodile was lashing the
+water with its tail, and the light shell was pitching and rolling
+dangerously. Piang scrambled to his knees.
+
+There are only two vulnerable spots on a full-grown crocodile;
+under the left fore leg, where the heart can be pierced, and the
+jugular vein, easily reached through the opened jaws. Piang, in
+the bow of the boat, paused, arm raised, waiting for a favorable
+opportunity. The canoe was being swept backward, stern first, and
+the crocodile swam close, nosing it, making it careen perilously. Any
+moment the merciless jaws might close over the brittle wood, crushing
+it to splinters. The small, bleary eyes seemed to devour Piang as
+they tortured him with suspense, but he patiently waited for his
+chance, knowing that he would only have one. The banco gave a jerk
+as it bumped into an obstruction, and the impact forced it outward
+a few feet. The moment had come. As the crocodile plunged forward,
+Piang thrust his spear into its breast. There was a gurgling sound,
+a swishing of the water, and the Ugly thing rolled over on its back.
+
+Piang never could remember just how he escaped. From every sheltered
+cove, from behind innocent-looking snags, appeared the heads of hungry
+crocodiles, awakened by the fight. Luckily they were attracted by the
+blood of Piang's victim, and he skilfully avoided the clumsy animals
+as they rushed after the fast disappearing meal. One powerful monster
+succeeded in dragging the body into the rushes, and the noise of the
+dispute, as they fought over their unfortunate mate, nauseated the
+boy. His arms were tired and stiff and his head was reeling, but he
+bravely worked at the paddle until he reached a bend of the river. It
+had been a narrow escape, and Piang had learned a lesson. Never again
+would he idly thump logs in a stream!
+
+The boat suddenly came to a standstill. It was turning as if on
+a pivot. It had been caught in one of the numerous eddies at the
+mouth of a small tributary stream. Vigorously he strove to gain
+the channel. He hugged the bank, hoping to free himself from the
+whirlpool, but his outrigger became entangled in some weeds, and
+the boat slowly began to tip. Frantically he reached toward the
+tall nipa-palms, nodding over his head, but their flimsy stalks gave
+easily, and he was almost thrown out of the boat. The sparkling water,
+as if laughing at his predicament, caressed the helpless craft,
+drawing it closer and closer to its bosom. The banco gave a lurch;
+it was tipping; it shipped a quantity of water. All Piang's weight
+thrown against the upturned outrigger had no effect. Helplessly,
+he looked into the green, whirling depths.
+
+There was only one thing to be done. Taking a long breath, he grabbed
+his creese and dived. Down, down; the current pulled and tugged at
+him; the rush of sand and mud blinded him, and he was almost swept out
+into the river. But he managed to catch hold of the roots that were
+twined about the boat and finally cut the banco free. With a bound it
+started down the river. The empty shell, at the mercy of the waves,
+danced and frolicked like a crazy thing, and Piang was almost stunned
+by a blow from the outrigger as it passed him.
+
+The boat was rushing right back into the midst of the crocodiles,
+but he bravely struck out after it. There was no chance for him if he
+failed to reach it. The whispering rushes and feathery palms at the
+water's edge hid evil-smelling mud, festering with fever, the home
+of reptiles and crocodiles. Desperately the boy strove to overtake
+the boat, and just as he was giving up hope, a friendly snag tempted
+the runaway to pause, and Piang's strong, young hand closed over the
+outrigger. Then began the task of climbing back. A sudden movement
+might release the banco, and it would continue its mad flight, which he
+would be powerless to stop. Keeping his eye on the frail-looking snag,
+he threw himself on his back in the water and worked his way along the
+outrigger as he would climb a tree. Finally his hand touched the body
+of the boat, and, cautiously turning over, he sat straddling the bamboo
+frame. It was all he could do to keep from jumping into the boat,
+but he restrained his impatience and started worming over the side.
+
+Half-way in his heart gave a leap! He could hear the swish-swish of
+the water on the other side of the banco as something made its way
+toward him. The eddy was the only thing that saved him, for he could
+see the dread thing twirling round and round as it tried to reach
+him. The boy was almost paralyzed with fear. As long as the crocodile
+was on the other side of the boat, he was safe, but now--the snag
+creaked, stirred.
+
+Piang made one heroic effort, lifted himself clear of the water,
+and fell exhausted into the boat. He was not a moment too soon. The
+crunching sound, as the support began to give under the strain, was a
+fit accompaniment to the snarling and snapping of the crocodile, which,
+deprived of its prey, was lashing the water, trying to reach the frail
+outriggers. Piang thought he had never been swept through the water
+so rapidly, and that he would never gain control of his boat. Louder
+and clearer came the sounds of the fighting monsters beyond the bend,
+and there between him and safety lurked his latest enemy.
+
+An impertinent, ridiculous twitter came from a tiny scarlet-crowned
+songster, as if it were trying to advise and direct the hard-pressed
+boy. Its solemn, round eyes stared at him, reproving and admonishing
+him for his foolhardiness. Piang, on his knees, struggling with the
+current, was unaware of his audience. Gradually he worked the boat
+around and headed up-stream, straight for the crocodile. Surprised by
+this sudden change in tactics, it snorted and opened its repulsive
+jaws. Piang had hoped to catch it in this position, so, pressing
+forward as rapidly as possible, he took careful aim and hurled his
+knife into its mouth. Rising to his feet, spear poised, he waited
+to see if the knife would be effective. The creature floundered and
+slashed the water, gave a blood-curdling bellow, and rolled over on
+its back, dead. A crocodile fights with its last breath to remain on
+its belly, for if not dead, it drowns as soon as it turns over.
+
+Piang wanted his weapon. The body of the animal was caught by the
+current and shot rapidly past him down-stream, but the boy, warned
+by the commotion further down, hesitated to follow it. He realized,
+however, that his knife was very valuable to him, and that he was
+sure to have urgent need of it again, so he started after the ugly
+body. The sparkling wavelets sported and capered with their grewsome
+burden, sometimes dashing it against some stray log, again bearing it
+far across the river as if purposely assisting it to elude its pursuer.
+
+Piang skilfully guided his banco in its wake, and finally succeeded in
+thrusting his spear into its side, and pulled it toward the bank. The
+knife was embedded far down in the terrible jaws, and Piang wondered
+if he dared reach into them. He looked at the tusk-like teeth, the
+first he had ever seen at close quarters, but he remembered with a
+shudder the wounds that he had helped care for--wounds made by such
+poisonous tusks.
+
+Mustering his courage, he slowly extended his hand into its mouth. The
+big, wet tongue flopped against his hand; the powerful jaws quivered
+spasmodically, and the hot, fetid steam from the throat sickened
+him. His knife! He must get it! Desperately he tugged at the handle;
+it would not loosen its hold. Cold sweat broke out all over Piang. A
+new sound arrested him. The crocodiles below had already smelled the
+blood of the second victim and were plunging up-stream to find it. The
+boy thought the knife would never come out. He worked and twisted,
+and finally it gave so suddenly, that he lost his balance, and by a
+quick turn of his body just saved himself from another ducking. It
+was lucky for Piang that he finished when he did, for around the
+curve in the river, headed directly toward him, came the crowding,
+vicious scavengers.
+
+Gathering his wits quickly, he pushed forward. The snorting and
+fighting grew more and more distant; the peaceful river stretched
+out before him like a silver road beckoning him to safety, and he
+offered a prayer of thanksgiving to Allah, the Merciful, that he had
+been spared that awful death.
+
+
+
+It was nearly evening when Piang beached his banco and took up the
+trail to the village where he was to spend his first night. Confidently
+he trotted through the jungle, picking his way easily among the
+gathering shadows. Soon voices became distinguishable, and he heard
+tom-toms beating the evening serenade. Dogs howled in  response,
+women chattered, boys quarreled. To Piang this represented the usual
+day's peaceful ending.
+
+As he trotted into the clearing and paused before the hut of the dato,
+the curious crowded around him: mothers to see if the stranger's
+muscles could compare with their lads'; girls to flaunt their charms;
+boys to measure him with their eyes. Piang had no interest in anything
+but the boys, and as soon as the dato condescended to greet him with
+the customary salutation for guests, he was left in peace to join
+them at their interrupted game of pelota.
+
+Twilight comes quickly in the tropics. When darkness had fallen,
+each family was squatting beside its rice pot, and as the night
+silence deepened, the village slept. Piang had asked for no shelter,
+and no invitation had been extended, but he silently accepted the
+hospitality, according to the strange Moro codes.
+
+Slumber claimed the inhabitants of the barrio, but all around the
+jungle woke to the night. Noxious blooms raised their heads to drink
+in the deadly moisture; hungry pythons took up their silent vigil
+at water holes; night prowlers slunk in the gloom to spring on the
+more defenseless creatures, and over it all the inscrutable jungle
+kept watch, passing silent judgment on man and beast, in this great
+scheme of life.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND ADVENTURE
+
+THE FLOATING ISLAND
+
+
+Like a mirror framed in soft velvet green, the lake broke upon
+Piang. In the still noon heat the motionless water scintillated
+and sparkled and the powerful rays of the sun seemed to penetrate
+to the very bottom. Dragon-flies and spiders skated merrily about,
+eluding the ever-watchful fishes lying in wait amid forests of lacy
+seaweeds and coral. Tall, stately palms, towering above their mates,
+scorned to seek their reflections in the clear depths, but frivolous
+bamboo and nipa-palms swayed gently out over the water, rustling and
+chattering with delight at their mirrored images.
+
+Piang slipped through the mouth of the creek and gazed in amazement at
+the vast sheet of water. Stories of the lake and its wonderful floating
+islands had lured him from the more direct route to Ganassi Peak, and
+he eagerly searched for one of the curiosities. His eyes focused on a
+dot of green far in the distance. It was moving, turning, and suddenly
+a whole fleet of dancing, playful islands became distinct. Joyfully
+Piang started in pursuit. He wanted to see one, to touch it. Swiftly
+he flew through the water. As if detecting his purpose, the nomad
+islands eluded him. As soon as he chose one to pursue, it flaunted
+its charms the more and capered and dodged behind its fellows. Like a
+giant may-pole, the largest island held several smaller ones in leash,
+permitting them to revolve around it, interlacing vines and creepers
+that were rooted on the mother isle. Monkeys and jungle creatures
+crept fearlessly along these natural ropes, sporting from one island
+to another. Hablar-birds and aigrets squabbled over bits of rice
+and wild fruits. Piang caught sight of a civet-cat crouching in a
+tree on one island. It had probably gone to sleep in that tree while
+the island was nosing the mainland and had awakened to find itself
+adrift. Sometimes these floating islands would be held to the shore
+for years, intertwining liana (climbing plants of tropical forests)
+and _bajuca_ (jungle rope), but sooner or later some wild storm is
+sure to set them wandering again.
+
+There were weird tales of early Dyak settlers. These Borneo pirates had
+fled to Mindanao to escape justice, bringing many cruel and terrible
+customs that were to take root and bear fruit among the tribes of the
+sultan. A favorite pastime of the Dyaks had been to bind captives to
+a stray island and lead it slowly and tantalizingly to the mammoth
+waterfalls, shouting and dancing with glee as it plunged into the
+abyss.
+
+The lake was like a fairy-land. Purple lotus flowers surrounded the
+boat. Piang dipped his hands into the cool water, and pulled them
+up by long slender roots; lily-pads offered their beauties and soon
+the banco was a bower of fragrant and brilliant flowers. Playfully
+Piang caught at a vine, floating in the wake of an island. The
+natural boat led him gently about, twisting and circling back and
+forth. He laughed merrily. The islands were too funny! They seemed
+almost human in their antics. Some had regular routes, and, like mail
+boats touched the same spot again and again, only to be hurried on
+as the current caught them. Others with malicious intent strayed in
+the path of their more systematic brothers, bumping and jarring them
+with obstinate regularity.
+
+The joy of freedom thrilled Piang; the intimacy with nature and its
+mysteries stirred within him a desire to know more, feel more, and
+he gazed at the distant peak where his fortune awaited him, wondering
+if the old hermit, Ganassi, was in reality watching for his coming.
+
+Toward afternoon Piang became conscious of a heavy steam-like
+vapor rising from the undergrowth at the edge of the jungle; the
+atmosphere grew suddenly sticky and sultry. Almost within a moment
+the brilliant sunshine was blotted out, and a gray twilight settled
+over the lake. Frightened birds, squawking and screaming, hurried by;
+a fawn, drinking at the water's edge, darted off through the jungle. A
+slight frown rippled across the water; the breeze chilled Piang. Trees
+in the distance seemed to bend nearly double with no apparent cause,
+but the rush of wind finally swept the whole valley, and the jungle
+shuddered and swayed before it. The storm seemed an animate thing,
+seemed to come upon the peacefulness of the lake like an evil genius,
+hurling its fury upon nature and her creatures.
+
+Piang had never been alone in a typhoon. In bewilderment he looked
+about, wondering where he could find shelter. He watched the birds,
+the animals; his boat brought up against something with a thud. An
+island had bumped into him, and he realized in dismay what a menace the
+pretty toys might become in a typhoon. Struggling with the tempest,
+Piang fought past the islands, reached the shore, turned his banco
+bottom side up, and crept underneath.
+
+The violent wind began to dash loose objects about, tearing limbs
+off trees and hurling them aloft as if they were mere splinters. A
+cocoanut crashed down, striking the ground near Piang; another fell,
+and yet another. Then the rain came in torrents. It fell unevenly
+as if poured by mighty giants from huge buckets. The ground beneath
+Piang was swaying, undulating. A tree crashed to the ground, tearing
+away vines and ferns. As he began to experience the motion of a boat,
+Piang became thoroughly alarmed and, dashing aside the banco, sprang
+to his feet.
+
+Terror flashed into his heart. What was happening? He had landed on
+the mainland and put his banco under a big tree, and now this tree
+was pitching and swaying, its branches sweeping the ground. The tree
+was being uprooted, and the earth at Piang's feet was plowed up as
+roots tore through the surface. The next tree was being felled in the
+same manner, and as his eyes darted about, he beheld everywhere the
+same terrifying picture. These mighty monuments of time, trees older
+than man, were being torn from their beds and thrown to the ground
+or left standing against each other for support. It seemed to be
+only the trees in Piang's vicinity that were doomed to destruction,
+and, although it was a dangerous thing to attempt, Piang decided to
+seek another shelter. He took a few difficult steps forward and was
+almost stunned by the immense fall of water. It dashed into his face,
+beat upon his head in a stinging, hissing mass; it ran in streams
+down his arms and legs, making him heavy and clumsy. As he caught at
+a tree for support, it groaned under his weight and crashed to earth;
+the ground was giving way, and he felt himself sinking. With a scream,
+he freed himself, and, jumping to a fallen tree, clung desperately,
+hoping to escape flying missiles. Just as he gathered himself for
+another advance his heart gave a jump. Through the mad rage of the
+typhoon, he could hear quick breathing! The ground tipped and swayed
+alarmingly, tossing trees about like masts on a ship in distress.
+
+"_Linug!_" ("Earthquake!") moaned Piang. Bravely the boy crept forward,
+knife in hand. Whatever it was, hiding under that log, Piang must
+take his chances; if he remained where he was he would certainly be
+killed by falling trees. His feet made a sucking sound; a vivid flash
+of lightning blinded him, and it was all he could do to force his
+way through the wall of water that was pounding down upon him. With
+a desperate effort, he pulled himself along by vines, hoping to pass
+the unknown animal before it could leap; but the branches stirred,
+and he sprang back with a cry.
+
+"_Babui!_" ("Wild boar!") he gasped. The creature's head shook
+with fury; its teeth were bared, and the tiny red eyes flamed
+with anger. The babui had the largest tusks Piang had ever seen,
+and he grasped his bolo firmly to meet the rush. One second, two
+seconds--the suspense was fearful, and Piang wondered why the boar
+did not attack. Strained almost beyond his endurance, he stood, rigid
+and cold, waiting. The wind sucked at his breath; the torrents of
+water, dashing in his face, kept him blinking and gasping, and still
+that wild thing pawed and snorted. Fascinated, Piang gazed into the
+vicious, bleary eyes, and finally he realized that they were losing
+some of their fury; the tusks sank into the spongy earth; the head
+fell lower. The babui was a prisoner, pinioned to the ground by a
+fallen tree! Relief was Piang's first sensation, but pity for the
+animal and fear for himself, roused him to the realization of new
+dangers yet to be faced. He must plunge into the dense jungle; it was
+only a short distance now. He glanced back to be sure that the babui
+could not free itself; it was swaying and moaning, unable to move.
+
+As Piang paused to get his directions, the earth gave a tremendous
+jerk, which threw him on his face. He lay stunned for a few minutes and
+when he rose to his knees, he had the sensation of floating gently,
+softly. The jerking and trembling had ceased, and the ground swayed
+soothingly. Piang turned toward the jungle, to the spot where he
+had been about to step. Could he believe his eyes? Almost numb with
+terror, he gazed stupidly into the receding jungle. He was on land,
+but he was floating. He was sailing away from the jungle! Piang had
+taken refuge on a floating island.
+
+In despair he gazed about him, trying to penetrate the thickly driving
+rain. He was on the very edge of the island and he wondered why he had
+not been swept into the lake. The mass of vegetation, wrenched from
+its bed, trailed along in the water as the nomad island whirled and
+danced on the angry waves. A tree, the branches of which were hanging
+in the water, was pulled from its bed, dragging part of the island
+with it. One long vine struggled to right itself against the current,
+to gain the shelter of the island again. It seemed most lifelike, and
+suddenly Piang realized with a shudder that it was alive. A python had
+been knocked from the falling tree and was being dragged along. Only
+the end of its tail was twined about a log; desperately it strove
+to work its way back, and Piang watched with dread. Its struggles
+grew weaker and weaker, and finally its head sank below the waves,
+and it joined the unresisting creepers that were being dragged along
+to destruction.
+
+Piang leaned wearily against the only tree that remained standing;
+the fall of water, tearing down the trunk, cascaded over the jungle
+boy, and he raised his hand to shield his eyes. What had saved the
+solitary tree, Piang could not imagine, until he discovered a small
+diamond-shaped cut in the bark. He drew back with a shudder. Two
+crossed arrows were carved within the diamond. This was another Dyak
+custom so hateful to the Mohammedan; the tree was the sarcophagus of
+some Borneo chief. A century must have passed since the burial, for
+the incision was almost obliterated, but Piang knew that the mummy
+of his enemy reposed in savage dignity within the heart of the tree,
+and that the Dyak belief was that the tree could not fall or decay. He
+fought his way to the other side of the island. On it sped. Cries of
+frightened animals came faintly from the mainland; screams of birds,
+beaten to earth, pierced the din.
+
+A tremor ran through the island. There was a tearing sound as if
+strong timbers were being forced apart; the whole mass stood still,
+then came a tremendous crash. It had collided with the fleet that
+Piang had been sporting with only an hour before. Surely the stray
+bits of jungle would crush each other to bits. A gray streak flew
+past Piang, and a frightened monkey, thinking to save itself from
+the other derelict, nearly landed on the babui. Paying no attention
+to either the boy or the babui, the monkey shrank against a log and
+hid its head, whining piteously.
+
+A pale light broke through the gloom, and the rain ceased as suddenly
+as it had come. Piang's heart gave a bound as he watched the tempest
+abate. Suddenly he straightened himself and strained his ears to catch
+a new sound. What was that deep, distant rumbling? A cry so piteous
+broke from him, that even the dying babui started. The falls! He could
+hear them distinctly and realized that he was rushing toward them
+at a mad pace. Louder and clearer grew the thunder of those falls,
+and Piang's staunch little heart rebelled. He would not stand there
+like a Dyak prisoner! He would do something. He would save himself! A
+blazing flash rent the heavens and Piang caught sight of Ganassi Peak
+frowning and lowering in the clouds. Ganassi! If he only knew! No,
+it was too late. The falls roared hungrily, and nothing could keep
+the island from plunging to destruction.
+
+Slowly Piang rose to his full height, and, folding his arms, determined
+to die bravely. He could see the upper falls now, high above his
+head, and he pictured the greater falls below him--the falls that
+were waiting to swallow his island. He tried to remember the prayer
+for such an occasion, but none came to him.
+
+"There is no God but Allah!" muttered the terrified boy.
+
+The island was pitching again as obstacles caught at it, spinning it
+around and around. Each thing that it struck on its reckless journey
+tore portions from it; gradually it became smaller. The light grew
+steadily clearer, and Piang could see what awaited him. Massive rocks
+loomed up at the head of the falls, and he calmly wondered if he would
+be killed before the plunge. The side of the island where he stood
+began to give way, and, although he was to die in a few minutes,
+instinct made him move to the other side. He tried to walk, but
+the ground gave at each step. He crawled along the trunk of a tree
+and unexpectedly came upon the monkey. The little creature was still
+huddled against the log and showed no fear of Piang; it whined louder,
+seeming to sense the rapidly approaching danger.
+
+Suddenly the monkey jumped into the tree, and Piang followed it with
+his eyes. It seemed to be gathering itself for a greater leap. As
+Bruce watched the spider, so Piang, fascinated, kept his eyes on
+the little wild thing. Gradually it dawned on him that the monkey
+had discovered an avenue of escape! The island had veered off and
+was fast approaching a monster boulder that would surely break it in
+two. Growing on it were vines and trees hanging far out over the water.
+
+Piang stumbled along and somehow made his way to the burial tree. A
+moment he paused, awed by a superstitious fear of the dead, but a
+violent clap of thunder terrified him into forgetting all but his
+immediate danger. There were only a few moments left; if he could
+reach the top of the tree before the island dashed past the vines, he
+might save himself. His hands tremblingly sought the notches sacred
+to the dead; he scrambled upward. Thorns pierced his tired limbs;
+vines and creepers took vicious delight in fastening themselves upon
+him. The tree shook as the monkey jumped farther out on a limb, and
+the movement seemed to put new strength in Piang. As he struggled up,
+a calmness came to him. He carefully watched the monkey, and when
+it crouched for the spring, Piang searched the approaching vines for
+one strong enough to hold him.
+
+In a moment it would all be over. What if he jumped too soon or too
+late? What if the vine proved too frail? The monkey was crouching
+for the leap. The branch that Piang was clinging to bent under
+his weight. The monkey flashed through the air, made a desperate
+grab, and swung out of sight. In a daze, Piang prepared to follow;
+breathlessly he watched for his chance. With a prayer on his lips and
+with a mighty effort, he sprang straight out into space. His hands
+closed over something small and round. A dizziness came over him.
+
+In dismay he felt the vine give, as if uncoiling itself from a
+windlass. Down, down he fell until his feet touched the soggy earth
+of the island. Still the vine uncoiled; the island crashed into the
+boulder. Desperately Piang tried to climb the vine, but its slackness
+offered no resistance. Slowly the island began to tip, to slide
+over the falls, and Piang made one more effort to save himself. As
+he grasped the vine more firmly, it brought up with a quick jerk,
+almost breaking his hold.
+
+He felt the vine tighten, heard it creak and groan under his weight,
+and finally it lifted him clear of the island, swinging him far out
+over the abyss like a weight at the end of a pendulum.
+
+His island slid from under him, leaving him suspended in mid air;
+in the second that he hung there, he could see the cruel rocks below,
+the seething, steaming water. The stately funeral tree gently inclined
+to the fall, and, with stern dignity, took the plunge. The dying
+babui, flung far out into space, added its diminutive death-wail to
+the din. The vine trembled over the chasm. Piang felt a quick rush
+of air, a sickening feeling, as if he were rapidly falling; with a
+tremendous impetus the vine swung back, crashed into a tree, and,
+with the agility of the monkey, Piang climbed to safety.
+
+"There is no God but Allah!" came from the strained lips, and the
+boy turned his eyes toward the setting sun as it struggled to pierce
+the gloom.
+
+"_Bulutu!_" ("Rainbow!") he cried, and a faint smile flitted across
+his bruised and bleeding face.
+
+Startled by a movement at his side, Piang found the frightened monkey
+trying to thrust its head under his arm. Taking the trembling little
+creature up, Piang pillowed it against his breast. And so these
+strange companions, the timid, wild monkey and the gentle, savage boy
+crouched in the tree together, watching the typhoon beat out its fury
+on the helpless things of nature, and ever clearer grew the _bulutu_
+as it wreathed and crowned Piang's goal, Ganassi Peak.
+
+
+
+
+THIRD ADVENTURE
+
+THE HERMIT OF GANASSI PEAK
+
+
+The silence was oppressive. Piang stumbled along through the tangle of
+vines and weeds, tired and foot-sore. Would he never find the path to
+the peak? And was there really a mysterious old man who had lived up
+there for over a hundred years? Sicto was somewhere on that mountain,
+striving to reach the summit too, and the pandita had said that the
+boy who arrived first, was the real charm boy. They had both started
+from the _barrio_ (village) the same day; Sicto had plunged into the
+jungle, while Piang had chosen the river and lake. He shuddered at
+the recollection of his many narrow escapes during the journey. Where
+was his enemy, Sicto, now? Had he found an easier route, and was he
+already with old Ganassi, receiving the rites of charm boy?
+
+Unfamiliar with the vegetation on the mountain, Piang was afraid
+to touch the many strange fruits, so he contented himself with
+bananas and cocoanuts, and for water he drank dew from the enormous
+pitcher-plants. The jungle was thick, and it was difficult to decide
+in what direction to go, so Piang had to climb trees to get his
+bearings. One day just as he was starting up a tall tree, he was
+startled by a sound. Something was crashing through the bushes below
+him. Visions of terrible mountain animals flashed through his head,
+and he hastily scrambled up the tree. On came the creature, now pausing
+a moment, now plunging into the mesh of vines, tearing them asunder,
+always following the path Piang had made. Preparing himself for some
+strange beast, the boy drew bow and waited. Suddenly he started. A cold
+chill gripped him. That sound! It was a voice--Sicto's! Crouching
+against the tree, Piang hoped to escape detection, but just as
+Sicto passed beneath the tree, Piang's bow slipped and fell to the
+ground. Sicto jumped aside and looked up:
+
+"Oh, ho, my pretty Piang! So I've got you, have I?" The bully started
+up the tree.
+
+Like a flash Piang was away. As easily as any monkey he swung himself
+into the next tree, and before Sicto realized it, Piang was taunting
+him from the very top of a far-off tree. More agile and much smaller
+than Sicto, Piang could easily travel in this way, and after a few
+unsuccessful attempts to follow, Sicto jumped to the ground. Slyly
+making his way along on foot, Sicto watched his rival. When Piang
+thought he had outdistanced his pursuer, he slipped to the ground
+and started off.
+
+"Leeeeee lelelele ouiiiit!" The war-cry rang through the jungle,
+and Piang knew that his life depended on his fleet-footedness. Over
+fallen tree trunks, through dense cogon grass, Piang fled. His feet
+were pierced by wicked thorns, and everything he touched seemed to
+throw out a defense against him. Bamboo caught at his clothing and
+held him prisoner; _bajuca_ vines clutched his weapons, hurling him
+to the ground. Sicto was gaining on him. After poor Piang had made
+the path through the jungle, it was easy enough for Sicto to follow.
+
+On, up, fled the boy. He came to a clearing through which a mountain
+stream was bubbling. The sun beat down; the stifling heat rising
+from rotting vegetation took his breath away, but Piang ran on. What
+was that black hole yawning in the mountain side? With a gasp, Piang
+realized he was at the mouth of the haunted cave.
+
+The brook, flowing swiftly down the mountain, plunged into the cave
+and disappeared, to come to the surface about two miles away. It was
+the home of the most terrible reptiles and animals, and the souls of
+wicked people waited there for Judgment Day.
+
+Piang scanned the precipitous cliffs, the impenetrable jungle, in
+search of an avenue of escape. He was trapped. A gloating cry from
+Sicto decided him. Sicto was a coward and would be afraid to follow
+him, so Piang ran toward the cave. Had not the pandita said that
+Ganassi would be with the real charm boy, and was not Piang sure of
+that protection? Who but Piang was the charm boy?
+
+Piang's courage began to flag, however, as he caught the cold, damp
+odor from the cave, but he bravely plunged into the forbidding-looking
+cavern. Man had probably never set foot in that place before. Creeping
+along, he peered into the increasing darkness, but could see nothing. A
+shriek startled him, and the sight that met his eyes made his blood
+run cold. Sicto had started to follow Piang, but just as he came
+to the opening, a huge python slipped across the mouth of the cave,
+waving its enormous head from side to side. Sicto, trembling with fear,
+retreated into the jungle, and as Piang saw him disappear, he longed
+to be out again, fighting Sicto, anything, rather than penned up in
+the cave with that frightful snake and the unknown horrors. There
+was no turning back, however, for that sentinel continued to slip and
+slide across the opening, and Piang bravely faced the two miles that
+lay between him and the other end of the underground passage.
+
+The air was heavy and moldy; the sides of the cave wet and
+slippery. Once his hand touched something that moved, and he almost
+fainted.
+
+"I am the real charm boy," he whispered, "and nothing will hurt
+me. Ganassi, the wonder man, is with me. Forward!"
+
+Courageous and determined, the boy pressed on. A muffled cry resounded
+through the passage. Flattening himself against the slimy wall,
+Piang listened. He could not imagine what had made the sound, and he
+unsheathed his knife. At times he followed the bed of the stream,
+wading ankle-deep in the water, but the slippery stones turned or
+tripped him, and when he stepped on something that moved, he groaned
+and jumped to the narrow shelf-like ledge that overhung the water.
+
+A faint light stole through the gloom. Was it the end? But surely
+not, he had not gone more than a few hundred yards. He hurried
+forward. Brighter, clearer, it grew. Suddenly the brook made a sharp
+turn, and he found himself in a high, vaulted chamber, sparkling and
+shimmering in the light from above. Piang was so glad to see daylight
+again, faint as it was, that he did not stop to consider new dangers,
+and eagerly ran forward. He searched the sides for support on which
+to climb to the crevices, but the rotting vines and moss that lined
+the walls gave at his touch, and he fell back discouraged. Something
+crumbled under his body, and he discovered to his horror that he had
+fallen on a skeleton. A man had been here before him, then? But closer
+examination proved the bones to be those of a _packda_ (ape). Snakes
+and worms wriggled out of the skeleton, and Piang shrank back in
+fear. The dread hamadryad leered at him; poisonous toads and lizards
+scurried for cover. How many more of these creatures would he encounter
+before escaping from this dungeon? Would Ganassi protect him and lead
+him safely through? Something seemed to tell the boy that he was safe
+and with renewed faith, he prepared to continue the journey.
+
+Everywhere the beauty of nature asserted itself. Pale green ferns
+seemed to hold out beseeching arms toward the light; moss crept upward
+hopefully, softening the rough ledges with its velvet touch. Great
+stalagmites and stalactites, smothered in the embrace of lichen and
+creepers, accepted the homage of the plant life indifferently. Piang
+was blind to the sublimity of his surroundings, as he hurried
+on. Carefully he stepped on the ledge; warily he held out his bolo
+to ward off surprises. A sudden hiss made him leap into the stream,
+and shuddering, he plunged on, down the black path. Would the stream
+lead him to the sunlight again? Or was he burrowing into the depths
+of the earth, never again to breathe the air of life?
+
+Finally, after almost giving up hope, he heard the distant call of
+a mina-bird. The jungle! Frantically he worked his way forward,
+wondering if the mate to the sentinel at the other opening would
+bar his passage. Daylight! Faintly, at the end of the long tunnel,
+he could see the blessed green of the forest, but his cry of joy was
+stilled; his hope of safety vanished. Again that mournful cry echoed
+through the cavern, and he gave himself up for lost. The souls of
+the wicked were pursuing him, would capture him, and make him pay
+for intruding upon them! Piang reeled as he heard a splash in the
+water behind him; he caught at something for support; it writhed out
+of his hand. Paralyzed with fear, the boy scarcely breathed. On came
+the pursuer, stealthily, warily. Reaching the end of his endurance,
+Piang wheeled, and faced the cave. Something paused, whined, and a
+streak flew past him. The fetid odor of a living creature brought
+him to his senses, and his anxious eyes discerned the outline of a
+civet-cat making its way to the opening.
+
+As he struggled through those last few rods, Piang thought he had
+never worked so hard in his life, but finally he lay in the sunshine,
+safe, free, and unafraid.
+
+
+
+For two days Piang struggled upward. Everything was strange to him;
+the growths and trees were different from those of the lowlands. Scrub
+palms, covered with small buds, on which the dread packda feeds,
+began to appear, and Piang anxiously scanned the trees. There is no
+creature in the jungle that has the strength of the packda. Only the
+crocodile and the python are foolish enough to attack it, but the
+crocodile's jaws are torn asunder, and the python is clawed to pieces.
+
+"Piang!" The name echoed and vibrated through the forest. Who had
+called him? Trembling with fear, filled with apprehension, Piang
+took refuge in a tree. From the branches he scanned the surrounding
+forest. Was a spirit following him from the haunted cave, or was it
+the hated Sicto?
+
+"Piang!" It came softly this time, as if from a greater distance. The
+underbrush moved, and Piang prayed that it might not be a spirit come
+to destroy him. The bush rustled, cracked, and parted as a dazzling
+white head made its appearance. Piang shut his eyes, dreading what
+was to come. Almost swooning, he slipped, lost his hold, and went
+crashing through the branches. Stunned by the fall, it was sometime
+before he regained consciousness, but the first thing he was aware of,
+was a hot breath on his face. Slowly he opened his eyes, wondering if
+he was dreaming. There, bending over him, was a marvelous white fawn.
+
+Startled and ashamed, Piang looked at the lovely thing. He put out
+his hand and the animal laid her soft muzzle in his palm, allowing
+him to caress her. What did she want? Were some of her babies in
+trouble? With his arm about the fawn's neck, Piang allowed himself
+to be led along a well defined path, trodden by many feet.
+
+"Piang!" Again his name was called, but for some reason fear had been
+banished from his heart, and he advanced without a qualm. Presently
+they came to one of the numerous jungle clearings. The sun did not
+burn at this altitude, and Piang took a deep breath of the fresh,
+crisp air. A flapping of wings startled him, and before he could
+prevent, a brilliant mina-bird circled his head and gently lighted
+on his shoulder. A soft white mist was floating around and below
+him. The clouds! He was in them, "the breath of the wind," and he
+thought that this must be fairyland.
+
+"Piang!" This time the voice was near at hand. Both creatures responded
+to the call, and Piang suffered himself to be led onward. The fawn
+stopped near a gigantic banian-tree. It was the only tree in the
+clearing and spread over more than an acre of ground, enticing the
+surrounding creepers and orchids to its shelter. Piang had seen these
+trees before, but never such a large one. The banian is like a huge
+tent; each branch sends shoots to the ground, which take root and
+become additional trunks, and year after year the tree increases its
+acreage; hundreds of men can find shelter under these jungle temples.
+
+"Piang!" The voice came from within the tree. Astonished, Piang
+watched the mina-bird flit through the sunlight and disappear into
+the banya. The fawn paused, looked gravely into the boy's eyes,
+and with stately mien, walked into the tree.
+
+"Thank you, my little friends, for bringing Piang to Ganassi," said
+the voice from within.
+
+Ganassi! So this was the haunt! This lovely natural dwelling, the
+dread Ganassi's home! Expectantly, Piang waited. Was Ganassi a man,
+or was he only a voice, the heart of this banian-tree? While he stood
+gazing at the tree, waiting for the spirit to address him, or the man
+to appear, he was startled by a black, shiny head, and the loathsome
+coils of a python, writhing in the branches. The serpent! Piang
+had heard that it could fascinate animals, keeping them prisoner by
+its mystic powers, until ready to devour them. Ganassi was, then,
+an evil spirit in the form of a serpent! Piang uttered a low cry.
+
+"So, my little pet, you have frightened Piang, the charm boy! You
+must not do that."
+
+The snake, responding to the voice, stuck its head through the foliage
+and slipped from sight.
+
+The voice! The voice! It had called him the charm boy! Piang's fear
+abated, and he said tremblingly:
+
+"O great Ganassi, will you not show yourself to me,
+Piang?" Breathlessly the boy listened. The branches swayed, parted,
+and the mina-bird floated through. The python, head erect, followed,
+and next came the graceful white form of his first friend. On its
+neck it supported a weird creature. Bent and wrinkled, was the
+little old man; a few strands of white hair flowed from his chin,
+and his eyebrows and lashes had almost disappeared. Toothless, almost
+hairless as he was, there was that about Ganassi that precluded horror,
+for his sparkling eyes were kind, and his mouth gently curved into
+a smile. Piang fell on his knees. The hermit surrounded by his pets,
+advanced and raised the boy.
+
+"My little Piang! So you have come to Ganassi at last. He has known
+for many years that you would come. Long before you were born he knew,
+and his heart is glad to welcome you."
+
+"Is it true, O wise man, that I am the real charm boy, and that I
+shall lead Kali Pandapatan's tribe to victory?"
+
+"You have spoken, my son. It was over you, not the impostor, Sicto,
+that the mystic star hovered on the night of your birth."
+
+At the mention of his enemy's name, Piang quickly scanned the
+surrounding jungle, but Ganassi's soft chuckle reassured him.
+
+"Have no fear, child. Sicto can never harm you, nor will he ever reach
+Ganassi. The python would smother him; the mina-bird would peck out
+his eyes; the gentle fawn would lead him astray."
+
+"How do you know all this, O Ganassi?"
+
+"The question shall be answered, Piang, because you are charm boy,
+but should other lips utter it, they should never speak again. Enter."
+
+Ganassi held back the slender trunk-roots of the banian. Curiously,
+the boy looked about. All the wonder of the jungle seemed centered
+in this sacred spot. A forest of stems and aerial roots greeted his
+eyes; from overhead the graceful and rare Vanda lowii sent inquisitive
+blooms to caress his cheek; they mingled with his dark hair, scenting
+the air with their strange fragrance. From tree-ferns, nestling in
+the branches, tiny heads peeped out, and little feathered creatures
+chirruped a welcome. A civet-cat was lazily stroking its face with one
+paw. Something large and hairy stirred on a nest of dried grass, and
+sleepily a full-grown packda stretched himself and gazed at Piang. The
+python approached it, and a hairy paw was extended; his snakeship
+coiled up beside the ape, and the mina-bird flew to the ape's shoulder.
+
+Piang could scarcely believe his eyes. Here all was at peace, and
+natural enemies forgot to fight and kill.
+
+"Piang, all these creatures are going to be your friends."
+
+Piang seated himself on the soft turf opposite Ganassi; the fawn
+nosed her head under Piang's arm and sank by his side.
+
+"The charm that I am about to give you will protect you from tempest,
+danger, and deceit: no storm can destroy you; no animal can creep upon
+you unaware, and no man can lie to you. You will become the wise man
+of Mindanao, the guide of your people, the heart of the island."
+
+Solemnly the boy followed the words of the old man.
+
+"You shall be taught all the truths of the nation, and you shall pass
+them along to the generations."
+
+Piang's face brightened. At last he was to know the answers to many
+puzzling questions.
+
+"Ask what you will, boy. I will answer you truthfully and justly,
+telling you the things as they are, as they have been since the day
+of creation."
+
+"Why, O Ganassi, must Mohammedans never eat the flesh of the wild
+boar? It is forbidden that we touch pork, yet the Christians find it
+good." Ganassi's brow clouded:
+
+"Have you never heard of the Christian's God? Do you not know that we
+hate Christians because they believe a Son of God could be killed by
+man? They call him Christ, but we know that the Almighty is Toohan,
+omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. Their prophet Isa [Jesus]
+once visited the great Mahomet, and when Mahomet demanded that he
+divine what was in the room beyond, Isa refused, saying that he had
+no wish to show power.
+
+"'Answer correctly, or you pay for it with your life!' thundered
+Mahomet. Isa then replied that he had two strange animals in the room.
+
+"'Wrong!' cried Mahomet. 'You shall now be killed. My two beloved
+grandchildren are behind those doors!' but when they were flung
+open, two filthy boars ran out; Isa had changed the children into
+pigs! And so, Piang, no true Mohammedan will eat the flesh of the
+wild boar. Beware, lest you ever let a Christian hear this story;
+it is not for us to acknowledge that Isa is greater than Mahomet."
+
+Piang was shocked. No wonder his people abstained from the flesh of
+the boar.
+
+"Can you tell me what makes the sea rise and fall, and why the tides
+rush in and flow out again?" asked Piang.
+
+A smile broke over Ganassi's leathery features.
+
+"In a far distant sea lives a giant crab; when he goes into his
+hole, the water is pushed out, and when he comes forth for food, the
+water rushes in." It was so simple that Piang laughed heartily. The
+mina-bird, startled, squawked an admonition and fluttered to Piang's
+lap.
+
+"Where do we go when we die," asked the inquisitive boy.
+
+Ganassi scouted the Christian's belief that heaven is in the
+clouds. Were they not in the clouds now?
+
+"When a child is born, the soul enters the body through the
+opening left in the skull. This hole soon closes, confining the
+spirit within. When death comes to a household in Moroland, have
+you not seen the master of the house mount to the roof and remain
+there through the night? Well, that is to prevent the evil spirit,
+Bal-Bal, from entering. This dread creature sails through the air
+like a flying Lemur (monkey), tears the thatch from the roof with
+his terrible curved nails, scatters the defenders, and licks up the
+body with his forked tongue of fire. The soul of this deceased never
+reaches heaven. Your charm, Piang, will ward him off." The boy sat,
+mouth open, eyes staring. "A soul is guided to a cave that leads deep
+down in the earth, and there, between two gigantic trees, stands
+Taliakoo, a giant, who tends the eternal fires. Taliakoo inquires
+of the newcomer what he has to say for himself, and to the surprise
+of the soul, something within it answers. Conscience, the witness,
+replies, and according to the decree of this strange arbiter, the fate
+of the soul is decided. If nothing but ill can be said for it, it is
+pitched into the fire; if it has been good, it is allowed to pass on
+to the abode of the blessed. The soul that meets with neither fate,
+is punished according to its sins: if it has lied, its mouth pains;
+if it has been a thief, its hands itch and burn, and eventually,
+after the period of punishment is over, it precedes to heaven,
+cleansed of its sins."
+
+The big ape, sleeping soundly, emitted a snore so human, that Piang
+laughed.
+
+"Why does the packda look so like a man, Ganassi?"
+
+"Because he once _was_ a man," was the startling reply. "He
+was lazy and, instead of working, climbed trees and hunted minas
+(monkey-nuts). A companion, becoming vexed, uttered a curse on him
+and threw a stick at him. These things clung to the lazy man: the
+stick became a tail, and the curse deprived him of speech. Ashamed
+of himself, he and his family took to the trees, never to return."
+
+Many questions were put to the wise old hermit, and his ready answers
+astonished, but satisfied, Piang. Night came on, and the strange
+company lay down together under the shelter of the banian and slept.
+
+Piang was very happy. He had reached Ganassi, was proclaimed the
+real charm boy, and was at last to receive the glorious charm. Some
+said it was a star tossed to Moroland by the Creator, that it was the
+emblem of power, and that he who wore it would be filled with a divine
+understanding. Others believed it to be the great diamond of Borneo,
+captured many years before from the pirates of that fierce land. Piang
+did not care which it proved to be, as long as it shone and sparkled
+with beauty. All agreed that its brilliance dazzled the eye, that its
+magnificence was unrivaled. Ganassi had waited a hundred years for
+the charm boy who was destined to wear it, and at last the star had
+proclaimed Piang to be the lucky boy. Through Piang's dreams flitted
+the visions of shimmering jewels of gold, and the happy smile on the
+boy's lips made old Ganassi's heart glad.
+
+
+
+"Up, up with you, sleepyhead!" called Ganassi. "The sun will catch
+you napping if you do not hurry."
+
+Piang sleepily rubbed his eyes and sat up. Horror and fright seized
+him as he beheld the body of the python curled up beside him and the
+packda contemplating him with indifference. From the doorway Ganassi
+smilingly watched him.
+
+"Come, my subjects are assembling; they will all assist in the ceremony
+of the sacred charm." The charm! Piang remembered and jumped to his
+feet. Creatures from all over the mountain were answering Ganassi's
+weird call; the air was full of fluttering birds, and monkeys came
+swinging toward them. Ganassi gave to each a sweet or a fruit.
+
+"Piang, no dato can boast of a grander court than Ganassi,
+eh?" chuckled the old man.
+
+It was indeed marvelous. Ganassi seemed to reign among the jungle folk
+as royally as any king. He chastised, praised, petted, and scolded;
+and one and all the beasts loved their wizened little master. Solemnly
+Ganassi went about his task. From his bosom he took a small object,
+smoothed, and caressed it. Piang trembled with excitement. Ganassi
+called each animal, and they responded to the beloved voice.
+
+"Piang, my creatures approve my action. This is the sacred charm. One
+and all the animals have blessed it, and through your life, if you
+have faith, nothing will harm you." Piang's eyes darted around the
+strange circle, and, indeed, the animals accepted him as naturally
+as they did Ganassi.
+
+"The time has come, Piang. The heavens have watched over you from
+babyhood, and you have proved your worth and bravery many times. I
+am ready to reward you. Come!"
+
+Trembling, the boy advanced. Kneeling before the hermit, Piang clasped
+his hands and prayed that he might be worthy of the great honor about
+to be bestowed upon him. Gently the wise man laid his hands on Piang's
+head; softly he muttered a few words; then something dropped around
+the boy's neck.
+
+"You may rise, Piang. You are now invincible!"
+
+Bounding to his feet, Piang clasped the charm.
+
+"I cannot see it, Ganassi. May I unclasp it to behold its beauty
+and splendor?" Keenly the old man looked into the face of the boy,
+measuring him, studying him.
+
+"And if it is not beautiful, shiny, and bright, boy, what then?"
+
+"Oh, but it must be, Ganassi! It is the most valuable thing in
+the world!"
+
+"You may unclasp it, Piang."
+
+Clumsily the boy fumbled with the fastenings; eagerly his eyes sought
+the charm. His face went blank; tears sprang to his eyes. He was
+holding a tiny gourd, no larger than a monkey-nut, suspended from
+a necklace of polished crocodile teeth. His disappointed eyes met
+Ganassi's, still studying him.
+
+"Are you not satisfied, Piang? Are you then unworthy of the great
+honor bestowed upon you? Do you think that to be of value a thing must
+sparkle and shine?" Piang gathered himself, hid his disappointment,
+and bravely answered:
+
+"I am satisfied."
+
+"Shake the gourd, Piang."
+
+A hollow rattle came from the immature growth, and Piang's face
+brightened.
+
+"Its worth may be inside. Who knows? Only Ganassi, the wonder man,
+and he will tell no one." The keen old eyes twinkled as they watched
+Piang's face.
+
+The mystery! It was again established, and Piang was happy. Maybe
+the precious stones were inside and some day would be revealed to
+him! As if reading his thoughts, Ganassi said:
+
+"The charm must remain intact to wield its spell; if the gourd should
+ever be broken or stolen, both you and the charm lose the mystic power
+lately bestowed upon it. Piang, the source of power is faith! Believe,
+be honest, be true, and the world holds naught but joy for you and
+Kala Pandapatan's people."
+
+A silence fell upon them all. The solemn words had sobered Piang,
+and he gazed into the eyes of the wise man.
+
+"Begone, boy. The sun rises, and you have many miles to go. To-night
+I will light the signal fires and tell your tribe that you have come
+and gone, that Piang is charm boy of Kali Pandapatan's people forever."
+
+
+
+
+FOURTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE FIRE TREE
+
+
+The velvety dusk of the jungle was pierced here and there by the
+brilliant, crimson buds of the fire-tree. For weeks all Moroland had
+waited for their coming, the heralds of the combat season. During
+the harvest time there is a truce in these turbulent islands, but
+when the crops have been gathered, the natives become restless and
+long to sally forth to conquer. The myth that victory comes only
+to the tribe whose fire-tree has bloomed is implicitly believed,
+and impatiently the Moros await this announcement of the combat
+season. Paying no heed to their capital city, Manila, these merry
+little isles revel in intrigue, and there is no sport in Moroland that
+can compare with the combat. Tribes go forth to conquer and enslave
+others; the men look forward to it as an opportunity to prove their
+prowess; the women thrill at the possibility of capture. True, they
+may become the slaves of some unscrupulous dato, but there is always
+the romantic chance that they may fall into the hands of the hero of
+their dreams and become the favorite of his seraglio.
+
+"Where is Piang?" Dato Kali Pandapatan addressed a copper-colored
+slave who salaamed and replied:
+
+"In the jungle, O most high one, searching for the blooming fire
+branch."
+
+"It is well." Kali Pandapatan, with folded arms, paused in the
+doorway of his hut, watching expectantly the only opening into the
+frowning jungle.
+
+"He comes! He comes!" rippled through the barrio.
+
+The eager inhabitants gathered to learn if the time was yet ripe. Into
+their midst ran a slim, bronze lad, waving above his head a branch,
+almost bare of green, but aflame with crimson blossoms. There was
+a hush. Women gathered their children to them; men grasped their
+weapons more firmly, and the young boys looked with longing eyes at
+the fortunate Piang.
+
+"_Ooola!_" exclaimed Piang. Every lip repeated the word; every knee was
+bent, and the tribe lay prostrate at his feet; only old Kali Pandapatan
+remained standing, eyeing Piang with satisfaction. For a full two
+minutes the crowd remained motionless. The palm-trees whispered and
+crackled above them, and the river sent a soft accompaniment to the
+jungle music. To and fro above their heads Piang majestically waved
+the branch, until finally one bold voice demanded:
+
+"_Anting-anting!_" ("The charm, the charm!") Piang defiantly bared
+his breast, exposing the sacred charm suspended from his necklace of
+crocodile teeth. There was moaning in the crowd, sobs of excitement,
+and protests of impatience, but every head remained lowered until
+the august relic was again covered. Piang began to chant in a high,
+nasal voice, and the others rose and joined in creating a weird,
+monotonous drawl. Like a statue stood the boy, holding the branch
+high above his head while they circled round and round him. Faster,
+faster they whirled; in a frenzy they shrieked; some fell and others
+tramped them in their excitement. Suddenly the boy stamped his feet,
+uttering a sharp cry. Every eye turned toward him.
+
+"To the river!" he cried and lead the way. Two boys hurried forward
+and were on their knees in a twinkling, hollowing out a place in the
+sand, dog fashion. With many incantations and prayers, the branch was
+planted in the hole, the damp sand laid carefully around the base,
+and the two proud boys left to watch. If the flowers of the fire
+tree faded before the scorching sun set, it was destined that the
+tribe would be unsuccessful in its ventures for the season; should
+the blooms defy the rays of the sun until the dews of evening rested
+on its petals, old Kali Pandapatan could sally forth unafraid to meet
+his fierce brothers of the jungle.
+
+Patiently they waited through the long, hot day; many eyes were
+anxiously turned toward the sacred emblem, but none dared approach. The
+little Moro boys, in whose care the branch had been left, squatted in
+silent patience. No butterfly was suffered to light on the delicate
+petals, no droning bee allowed to gather the honey of its cups. On
+dragged the sweltering afternoon. Piang and the dato were the only
+ones allowed to know that the branch was still fresh, but only Piang
+knew that its flowers had been dipped into a cool stream before it
+came to the tribe to foretell its victories or defeats.
+
+"Allah, il Allah!" the call rang through the village. Sunset, the
+hour of prayer! Now, now they would know. Solemnly old Pandita Asin
+led the chant while the Moros prostrated themselves in supplication,
+and the dying sun slipped over the mountains, touching every tree
+and flower with its gold.
+
+There was great feasting and celebration in the barrio that
+night. Women donned their most brilliant sarongs, tinted their
+silver-tipped finger nails with henna, and streaked their brows
+with splotches of white rice paste. The men twisted their hair up in
+gorgeous head-cloths, and the knot bristled with creeses. Suspended
+from their many-colored sashes were barongs, campilans or bolos, and
+tiny bells were fastened into the lobes of their ears. The brilliantly
+striped breeches seemed likely to burst, so tightly were they drawn
+over shapely limbs.
+
+The branch had not withered. It had withstood the scorching rays of
+the sun. Kali Pandapatan was invincible.
+
+
+
+"Piang!" called Kali Pandapatan.
+
+The noises of the barrio were hushed. Their dato had spoken. The
+name was repeated, and gradually the call reached the charm boy,
+idly dangling his feet in a clear brook, attracting and scattering
+the curious fish. He sprang to his feet, listened, and darted off. His
+sleek, well fashioned limbs glistened in the sunlight, and the sarong
+that was gracefully flung over one shoulder floated out behind like a
+flame fanned by the wind. Twined in his long black hair was a wreath
+of scarlet fire flowers; every face brightened as he fled past.
+
+"You have again brought the sign, Piang. When do we fight?" asked
+Kali Pandapatan.
+
+"Not until we have delivered the _siwaka_ (tribute) to the sultan at
+Cotabato. The fire-tree has not yet bloomed in the enemy's country,
+and we may yet pass through safely," Piang replied.
+
+"You have spoken," said the dato and laid his palms on the youth's
+head.
+
+Though the latent passion of battle stirred in the Moros' breasts,
+they were compelled to heed. Piang had proved a wise charm boy, and
+the tribe must obey him. Each season the siwaka must be carried over
+the steep, treacherous trail down to the coast, and those detailed
+to accompany the slaves who carried the bags of rice and _comoties_
+(sweet-potatoes), dreaded the trip. Added to the pitfalls of the
+obscure trail, were hostile territories to be traversed, and if the
+enemies' fire-tree had bloomed, they would surely be attacked and
+probably despoiled of their cargo.
+
+"We will need warriors to guard the siwaka, chief," Piang reminded
+Kali, and the chief nodded and gave a quiet order. Every man
+disappeared from the streets. When they returned, in place of the
+gaudy, tight trousers, they were wearing loose, black pantaloons,
+the garb of battle. The women, true to the feminine nature, wailed and
+cried aloud, but in their hearts they, too, were glad that the quiet,
+monotonous days were over, and that before nightfall they might sleep
+in some strange cota (fort), slave or wife of the victorious dato.
+
+"Piang," murmured a soft voice at the charm boy's elbow, and he turned
+to find the little slave girl, Papita, timidly looking up at him.
+
+"_Chiquita?_" ("Little one?") he questioned.
+
+"Sicto goes with you. Beware of him, for he would kill you!"
+
+"I am not afraid," proudly answered Piang, "but why would Sicto
+kill me?"
+
+Solemnly the little girl touched Piang's breast where lay hidden the
+sacred charm.
+
+"He would kill you so that he might be charm boy of the tribe,"
+whispered the girl. Piang laughed gaily, patted his little friend on
+the arm, and bounded to the head of the forming column. Nevertheless
+he noticed Sicto's sly, surly glance as the slaves and warriors bent
+before him.
+
+Amid beating of tom-toms, wails of women, and howls of dogs, the
+column, single file, dipped into the jungle and was lost to sight.
+
+Anxiously Piang watched for signs of the fire-tree as they slipped
+along through the enemies' country, but as yet the buds had not
+stirred, and he was thankful that the warm rains had not come to coax
+them into glow. That whole day the party toiled silently through the
+dense cogon grass that covered the mesa. High above their heads waved
+the wiry, straw-colored spines. Its sharp edges cut into the flesh,
+tore through cloths, stinging and paining old wounds. Not a breath of
+air reached them through the impenetrable mass, and the sun beat down
+on them mercilessly. For long stretches the path tunneled through the
+grass, boring deeper into the tangle, and they were almost suffocated
+by the choking dust that stung their nostrils.
+
+"_Iki!_" ("Beware!") called Sicto. Every bolo was out, every savage
+ready, but the word was passed along the line that the leader,
+Sicto, had stepped on a snake. Entirely surrounded by the cruel
+grass the column paused. The heat, increased by the oven-like
+tunnel grew steadily worse, and those in the rear gasped and fought
+for breath. They could hear the scuffle as the leaders fought the
+reptile, and the fetid odor of the dread creature added to their
+discomfort. Sicto had been swinging along ahead, stepping lightly on
+the mattress-like turf, when he felt something move under his foot. It
+was well under the matted grass, but it was wise to despatch the
+creature if possible. Piang came to his assistance, and the snake,
+probably gorged with rotting meat, exuded a terrible odor as it was
+stabbed to death. Kicking the wriggling remains out of the path the
+column pushed on, wondering if they would ever come to the end of
+the stifling tunnel.
+
+"Will it rain soon, Piang?" panted Tooloowee, as he toiled along
+behind the charm boy.
+
+"I cannot tell yet, but by sunset we shall know."
+
+Toward evening the grass thinned perceptibly, and the steaming,
+aching bodies felt the cool air rustling through the stalks.
+
+"We are near the jungle; soon we shall be cool," sighed Kali
+Pandapatan. Yes, it was growing cooler; they could breathe again,
+but Piang knew that before morning they would be shivering with cold,
+that the rain would come in the night. He smelled it, the rain that
+would not come to help them through the arduous day.
+
+When it came, there was a shout of joy. Kali looked anxiously at his
+sweating tribesmen. After the terrific heat of the day, this rain would
+chill them, and fever would surely follow; he must keep them on the
+move. There was a murmur of protest as the order was given to move;
+they had rested a scant two hours. By nine o'clock they were under
+way again, struggling with the jungle as they had fought the mesa. The
+downpour was straight and steady. It burrowed through the thick foliage
+and ran down the tree trunks in torrents. The footing became uncertain,
+and Piang warned Kali to look out for broken limbs. For many yards the
+path lay along fallen tree trunks, slippery with moss and mold. The
+footing became so treacherous that the order was given to crawl on all
+fours, and the progress was painfully slow and tedious. Frequently
+they strayed from the path and were forced to halt. The torches at
+the head of the column twinkled and flickered fitfully, but they only
+seemed to make the darkness more visible; they sputtered and flared,
+but the flames resisted the rain, and to the weary Moros they seemed
+like good spirits sent to guide them through the terrible jungle night.
+
+Palm leaves, strewn in the path, had long clusters of needle-like
+spines at their bases that pierced their feet, and the cry "_tinick!_"
+("thorns!") rang out frequently through the night. Finally it became
+necessary to march close up, in solid line, each man with his hand on
+the shoulder of the man in front. When the leader warned "_Cajui!_"
+("Log!"), each repeated it as he stumbled over the obstacle, and if
+one fell, half the line would be bowled over.
+
+"_Tubig Malakee!_" cried Piang. ("The big water!") Yes, the dull
+murmur of the river was plainly heard through the dripping rain,
+and they all quickened their pace in the desire to rid themselves of
+the jungle. Piang attempted to guide them across, but he walked into
+the water and sank from sight, and there was a cry of horror, for it
+seemed that one of the many crocodiles had dragged him under. When
+he came up sputtering and splashing, none the worse for his dip,
+he chided them for their little faith and pointed significantly to
+his charm. He had miscalculated in the blackness of the night and
+could not locate the ford. A drizzling rain was still falling; great
+hairy-legged spiders skated over the water, making things grewsome;
+the large lily-pad leaves moved suspiciously, so Kali gave the orders
+to camp for the rest of the night.
+
+Silently the Moros prepared their camp. Deftly the ends of low-lying
+branches were pinioned to the ground with forked sticks; over these
+supports hemp and banana leaves were strewn to shield the sleepers
+from the heavy dew and rain. After many attempts a fire was coaxed
+into life, much to the dismay of the jungle folk. A beautiful golden
+fly-catcher, probably mistaking the glare of the fire for dawn, awoke
+and began to sing at the top of its tiny voice; a parrot screamed
+lustily. A venerable old monkey, sleepily rubbing its eyes, shook
+its fist, muttering profanely. Sicto, exasperated at the persistent
+maledictions, raised his bow.
+
+"Do not kill the monkey, Sicto," warned Piang. "It is not good to
+kill in the jungle except for food or self-protection!"
+
+A scowl was the only reply, but the big mestizo lowered his bow and
+turned over on his bed of leaves.
+
+"Kali, we are no longer safe," Piang whispered as he crouched over
+the improvised bed of his chief.
+
+"Sssshhhh," he warned, finger on lip. "Do not wake the others." Then
+he pointed toward a spot where hoards of fireflies clustered around
+one tree, twinkling and swerving to and fro. It was a beautiful sight,
+but far from a novel one to these two.
+
+"The fire-tree!" muttered Kali.
+
+"Yes," answered Piang. "The rain has brought the blooms to the valley,
+and we will be attacked to-morrow!" Silently they gazed at the strange
+tree. Fireflies abandon every tree and shrub for the fire-tree the
+moment it puts forth its buds, and nothing can coax them away until
+the ominous scarlet blossoms have drooped and fallen to the ground.
+
+"We dare not cross the river now, Kali," said Piang, "but we can
+build rafts and float down to Cotabato."
+
+And so it was decided. Early in the muggy dawn the warriors set to
+work constructing rafts out of bamboo and ratan (palm), and soon the
+siwaka was loaded and the journey continued by water.
+
+Arrogantly Piang rode at the head of the procession, his proud little
+head crowned with a wreath of fire-tree blooms, the corners of his
+raft decorated with sprigs of the flaming buds. Cautiously they
+poled down the swift stream, avoiding treacherous logs and snapping
+crocodiles. Piang chuckled with delight as they stole along, for the
+enemy would not discover the ruse until they were far away.
+
+It was some time before Sicto was missed. His name was passed from
+raft to raft, but none had seen him that morning. At first it was
+feared that one of the crocodiles had pulled him from a raft, but
+something seemed to tell Piang that the wily half-breed had stolen
+away to warn the enemy of Kali's strategy. Once the news of the rich
+booty to be captured and the prisoners to be taken had reached the
+valley people, nothing could keep them from pursuing, now that their
+fire-tree had bloomed. A solemn conclave was held.
+
+The river is almost inaccessible from the jungle except at one point,
+the Big Bend. This is a favorite camping-ground of the valley people
+during the combat season; here their sacrifices are offered, their
+victims thrown to the crocodiles; they exercise full control of the
+river. If Sicto succeeded in warning the enemy before Kali reached
+that point there would be little hope of escape. Another force would
+surely be posted where he had embarked, cutting Kali off from his
+reinforcements at home. It was too late to attempt a retreat, however,
+hampered as they were with the cumbersome siwaka. Reach that bend
+first, they must.
+
+"The charm, Piang," whispered Kali. Springing to his feet, the boy
+uttered a fierce "Oola." Every head bowed, and the sacred talisman
+was exposed.
+
+"Forward, brothers!" he cried. "Forward with all your strength!"
+
+The sun came out, and the dripping jungle began to steam. Palm leaves
+were constructed into hats to guard against sunstroke. Toward sunset
+they drew near the danger point. What was that monotonous sound dully
+vibrating through the jungle? Anxiously all eyes turned toward Piang.
+
+"It is well, brothers," bravely comforted the boy. "Yes, that is the
+tom-tom of your enemy. Sicto has betrayed us, but have no fear. Piang,
+the charm boy leads you; take courage, and Allah, the Merciful, will
+give you victory." Piang commenced a murmur of prayer, and the Moros,
+joining in, filled the fast-settling night with whispered invocations
+which drifted off through the jungle.
+
+Another council of war was held.
+
+"Piang, if they have had time to lay the boom, what shall we do?"
+
+"Go forward, Kali. Fight your way through the blockade," answered the
+charm boy. "I will remain here with a few men to guard to siwaka. Do
+you hide at the first bend until the moon gives you light, then
+strike!"
+
+The astonished warriors looked with misgiving from one to the other,
+but Kali answered firmly:
+
+"It shall be so, Piang."
+
+The Moros were quickly assembled for the advance, and Kali paused by
+the side of Piang's raft:
+
+"If we are driven back, Piang, I will give three calls of the
+mina-bird. Answer likewise and retreat as quickly as possible."
+
+"Forward, Kali Pandapatan," answered Piang with great dignity. "We
+will not retreat."
+
+Like ghosts in the night the little handful of men parted from their
+fellows and courageously faced the river and its dangers. The stream,
+swerving to the left, flows on to the apex of the Big Bend. As
+if regretting its departure from the true course, it doubles back
+and returns to take up its original direction at a point separated
+from its first departure by only a few rods. Between the two points
+is a waste of murky soil and sand, covered by dense growths of the
+jungle's choicest variety of obstacles. Gloomily Piang contemplated
+the morass that lay between him and freedom. Long he sat, looking into
+the distance where he could almost see the river as it completed the
+curve and swept on to the ocean. What would he not give to be safely
+on the other side? Suddenly he sat up very straight. Why not? The
+sand was soft, the current swift. If he could only make a narrow ditch
+across the flats. Pulling his raft up to the right side of the river,
+he jumped to the bank, but when he sank ankle-deep in the soft, sticky
+earth, he climbed hastily back. Poling along he searched for a solid
+footing, but everywhere the marshy soil gave, and he abandoned his
+attempts to land. The night grew deeper, blacker.
+
+"Why not, why not?" he whispered again. The others came scurrying up
+in response to his excited call.
+
+"My brothers, Allah has sent me wisdom," he announced. "It is your
+duty to obey me!" Eagerly they listened, glad of any distraction,
+but when Piang explained that he wanted them to abandon their safe
+bamboo floats for the treacherous flats, home of crocodiles and vermin,
+there was a murmuring protest. Anger blazed in Piang's eyes.
+
+"Am I not charm boy?" he demanded. "Any one who refuses to obey me
+will be thrown to the crocodiles!" Gradually the dominant nature
+overruled their timidities, and the protests subsided. Following
+Piang's directions, strips of bamboo were cut, and the charm boy
+constructed light frames for his feet. They looked like snow-shoes,
+and when he bound one securely to each foot and jumped lightly to the
+bank, there was a cry of surprise. Piang, the wonderful, was indeed
+sent by Allah to guide them!
+
+In a twinkling each Moro was supplied with similar mud-shoes, and
+like giant land-crabs, they flitted off across the marsh. Too wise
+to begin before reconnoitering, Piang led his men to the banks of
+the stream below to Big Bend. After hasty calculations he set them
+to work digging toward the head waters, following a line of ratan
+which he stretched to guide them.
+
+Faster, faster flew the scoops and broad knives; deeper, wider grew
+the ditch that was to form a new river-bed. Piang was everywhere. He
+flew about on his light frames as lightly as a faun, directing the
+construction of new tools, calculating and measuring for the ditch.
+
+Once he heard a call from the man guarding the rafts. A troop of wild
+hogs, attracted by the comoties, was trying to reach the rafts. Piang
+lighted a torch and hurled it among them. Crocodiles lurked near,
+and he ordered torches kept burning to frighten them also.
+
+New difficulties confronted Piang. Would the water not at first rush
+through the ditch with such force that the rafts would be dashed
+to pieces? He held a branch in the current; it was torn from his
+grasp. With great foresight, he ordered all the floats to be taken
+up the river and securely moored. Back to the ditch he flew. Yes,
+yes, it was going to be successful! Before the attack was made by
+Kali Pandapatan, Piang would have the rafts through the cut-off,
+safely on their journey to the estuary. How surprised the dato would
+be when Piang advanced against the enemy from the other side of the
+Big Bend! He laughed softly, hugging himself in boyish delight.
+
+Away he pattered toward some men who were apparently in difficulty.
+
+"_Halamantek!_" ("Leeches!") they called. They were pulling the
+slothful creatures off each other, but as soon as they freed themselves
+from the pests, more fell from above or crept up from the mud. Piang
+had foreseen this difficulty and had supplied himself with a small
+gourd filled with cocoanut oil, strongly saturated with cinchona
+(quinine). Offering some of his small store to the men, they gratefully
+rubbed the mixture into their flesh and bent to their task again. Piang
+exhorted them to work, warning them if the ditch was not completed
+before moonrise, all would be lost, and off he danced blending in with
+the night and its secrets like a picturesque _pampahilep_ (jungle imp).
+
+Only Moros could have accomplished so difficult a task in the
+dark. With a will they sturdily plied the crude tools and before
+the blackness of the night had been lifted by the rising moon, the
+excited little party was crowding around Piang as he examined the few
+remaining feet to be accomplished. Like a general meeting a crisis,
+Piang sharply gave his orders:
+
+"Tooloowee, take your pole and stand on the far side of the ditch. When
+I give the signal, push the dyke with all your might." He stationed
+another powerful Moro opposite Tooloowee.
+
+"Bungao, do you hasten to the rafts and prepare to resist the first
+flood that will sweep through the ditch."
+
+When all was ready Piang raised his hand and the struggle began. Little
+by little the soft mud was worked away, and the current, feeling
+the banks weaken, seemed to lose interest in its natural bed. At
+first the stream only caressed its new-found outlet, but gradually
+it concentrated its forces, and, with a mighty rush, attacked the
+slight remaining resistance and went thundering off into the ditch. A
+smothered cry went up from the Moros:
+
+"Piang! Piang!" How they loved their wise little charm boy!
+
+But the work was not yet completed. Piang let go his anchorage and
+headed for the mouth of the ditch. The water was rapidly widening
+the work of their hands, but in places the cut-off was barely wide
+enough to let the long slender floats by, and the water was rushing
+through with terrific force. The moon trembled on the brink of the
+jungle. Would they reach the other side in time to aid Kali? Suppose
+he was driven back before Piang and his men could attack from the
+other side?
+
+"_Ala! ala!_" ("Quickly! quickly!") Piang called softly. His raft
+came up with a sudden jerk, almost throwing him into the seething,
+muddy torrent. Other rafts bumped into his, and soon a blockade was
+forming as the swift current bore them down upon him. Piang cut and
+slashed at the banks, tearing away protruding vines and accumulating
+driftwood. The moon, the moon, would it wait? Frantically he toiled
+while Tooloowee held off the other rafts with his long pole. When
+Piang's float was finally released, it bounded joyously along, nosing
+first one bank, then the other. The river! He could see it! Only a
+few rods more!
+
+At the mouth of the ditch there was more trouble. Mud and debris had
+collected along the sides, but these were quickly worked through and
+they passed into the main river. Little short of a miracle had been
+performed. The ditch was growing wider and deeper every moment and
+judging from the enormous flow of water, it would not be long before
+the river deserted its circuitous route in favor of this direct one.
+
+"Quick! quick!" whispered Piang. "Bungao, bind the siwaka rafts
+together and head for Cotabato. We will overtake you before
+sunrise." A faint cry reached them. Kali had begun the attack. In
+an agony of suspense the brave Moros worked their way up toward the
+Big Bend. Suddenly Piang grasped Tooloowee's arm and pointed toward
+a streak that ran across the river.
+
+"The boom! We must cut it!" They made a dash toward the obstacle that
+stood in Kali's path, but an arrow whizzed by their heads.
+
+"Tooloowee, we have been discovered. I go to cut the way!" and before
+the astonished Tooloowee could prevent, Piang had dived into the
+water and disappeared.
+
+"Piang, the crocodiles, the crocodiles!" wailed Tooloowee, but the
+charm boy could not hear as he slipped up the muddy river, swimming
+easily under water. Just as Kali was preparing to retreat, driven back
+by the fierce storm of arrows, he gave the signal that had been agreed
+upon. Three loud calls in imitation of the mina-bird went wailing
+through the night. What was Kali's surprise to hear the answer a few
+yards in front of him! And what was that dark shape bobbing up and
+down on the boom?
+
+While he watched, amazed, the big clumsy logs divided, and swung slowly
+out, leaving the channel clear. Piang had severed the ratan thongs.
+
+"Leeeee lelele ouiiiiii!" crashed through the night, and Kali
+recognized his tribal war-cry.
+
+"Piang! Piang!" he cried. The dark shape, clinging to the drifting
+boom answered, and Kali rushed toward it. Before the enemy could
+gather their scattered wits, the whole party was sweeping by, on
+toward freedom. As Kali bore down on Piang, the boy raised himself
+to meet the raft. It was coming at a terrific rate, and he feared it
+would knock him off the boom; measuring the distance, he prepared to
+leap. On came the raft, Kali leaning far over the side, arms extended
+to grab the boy. When Kali was only a few yards off, Piang screamed:
+
+"_Boia! boia!_" ("Crocodile! crocodile!") The men on the raft saw the
+water stir and hurled spear and arrow, but they glanced off the scaly
+hide. It was a race with death, and what a miserable death for Piang,
+their idol! The boy grew cold and sick as he waited. Suddenly the raft
+paused, held in check by Kali's pole. Piang almost fainted. What was
+his chief doing? In a moment he realized that the quick action had
+saved his life. The raft swerved, bumped against the crocodile, and
+came between it and Piang. The next moment Piang was in Kali's arms.
+
+In the light of the gray dawn, Sicto watched these two as they gazed
+into each other's eyes; they swept triumphantly by, heedless of
+flying arrows. The radiant fire-tree blooms still clustered around
+Piang's head, and his sacred charm gleamed in the early light. Firmly
+believing that spirits had aided Piang in his remarkable feat, Sicto
+trembled with fear, and, with a last glance at the victorious charm
+boy, he turned and fled into the jungle.
+
+Wonderingly, Kali Pandapatan and his followers viewed the new cut-off
+as they floated by. Amazed, they listened to the marvelous tale. Old
+Dato Kali Pandapatan laid his hands once again on his favorite's head:
+
+"Little brother," he said, "this shall be known as Piang's
+Cut-off. Some day you will be the greatest dato in Mindanao."
+
+
+
+
+FIFTH ADVENTURE
+
+RIDING THE CATARACT
+
+
+News that a strange craft had put into Cotabato reached Piang in his
+mountain home. Hurriedly he gathered his few weapons together and
+started down the trail. He passed many traders and venders, who had
+also heard of the boat, and he hastened his steps in his desire to
+be there early.
+
+"_Un-di?_" ("Whither?") called Sicto as Piang trotted past him.
+
+"To the barrio," replied Piang. Sicto hurried to keep up with him,
+but Piang had no wish to be in company with the ne'er-do-well Moro
+boy, and he did not try to conceal his feelings. The natural dignity
+of the Oriental kept Sicto from displaying his anger at the repulse,
+but he sullenly slackened his pace and registered a black mark against
+this haughty Piang.
+
+Piang loved to be alone; his playmates were too noisy, too talkative;
+he, too, loved to chatter and play games at times, but now in the
+jungle, as the morning light slowly broke through the damp foliage,
+he wished to be alone and watch nature unfold to the coming day. It
+seemed to him that the huge elephant ears lifted their dew-weighted
+leaves and shook themselves in the gentle wind. The monkeys peeped out
+at him and continued to make their toilet undisturbed. Other travelers
+startled the little creatures into watchfulness, but Piang came upon
+them so silently, so peacefully, that they scarcely noticed him.
+
+There was one spot, half-way down the trail which he wanted to reach
+alone; there the jungle seemed to part, as if to grant a glimpse of
+the harbor below. He quickened his stride, and as he passed a party
+of men one of them called to him, "You will be first to-day, little
+fleet one." So there was none before him. He was glad, and when he
+came within sight of the clearing, he rejoiced in his solitude. He
+wondered if the boat was a vinta from Borneo, or if it was loaded
+with copra for Japan. There now, when that mist lifted, he would know.
+
+As the beautiful harbor broke upon his sight, Piang paused, holding
+his breath, for out of the boat, the only one in view, smoke was
+pouring. It was on fire! But why were the people not trying to save
+the cargo? A huge black stick standing in the middle of the hull was
+belching smoke. While he was regretting that he would be too late
+to assist at the rescue, he was startled by a thin white stream
+spurting out of the mast-head. Gradually he connected it with the
+shrill whistle that pierced his ears.
+
+Piang wanted to run back, to warn the others that some strange monster
+had sailed into their midst; but he saw that his brothers in the barrio
+were calmly watching the thing, and as it did not seem to hurt them,
+he took courage and dashed on down the trail into the jungle. All the
+rest of the journey he strained his ears to catch that shrill voice,
+which he was now sure came from the boat. As he flew through the silent
+forest he recalled the tales of the demons that the wise men talked
+about, and he decided to approach the thing with caution. Finally he
+stood on the shore, and there before his eyes was a boat that seemed
+to be alive. It was breathing. But where were its sails? How did it
+move? Clusters of natives, their fear stilled by curiosity, watched
+the approach. Breathlessly they waited. It was coming toward the tiny
+wharf, and just as it settled alongside, a piercing screech from it
+sent them tumbling over each other in a mad attempt to get away. From
+the safety of trees and huts they waited. Big men, pale and straight,
+walked from the boat and beckoned them to descend. Cautiously the
+more daring ones responded, and soon the whole population was gathered
+around the visitors.
+
+Curious to see what the strangers were showing the dato, Piang slipped
+quietly up behind and caught sight of the most beautiful colored
+cloth he had ever seen. "Bandana," the pale man called it. Piang
+longed to possess it for his mother; how she would love to wear it
+for her gala head-dress! The sailor then produced a tiny object that
+glistened and sparkled in the sun; it was about as large as the palm
+of Piang's hand and very thin. The Moros were very much excited over
+it, and when Piang reached up on tip-toes to peer through the crowd,
+he cried aloud, for there, staring back at him was a boy he had
+seen somewhere. The little brown face and the piercing black eyes,
+the long hair twisted in a knot with the ends flying loose, were all
+strangely familiar. It was--Piang! "Mir-ro," he repeated after the
+white man when his scattered wits permitted, and the crowd had ceased
+its merriment at his expense. The Moros were more interested in the
+knives, tobacco, and strange food that the strangers had brought than
+in the red bandana handkerchief and the toy mirror; but Piang longed
+to carry the two things that had caught his eye back to his mother,
+and he was silently gazing at them when Sicto, attracted by Piang's
+admiration, picked the mirror up to look at it.
+
+Before Piang realized it, Sicto was negotiating with the owner,
+offering in trade his brass buyo, or betel-box, used for containing a
+preparation of the betel pepper, extensively chewed in the East. Why
+had Piang not brought his brass? He would run and fetch it; but the man
+would not wait. Just as he saw the things about to pass into the hands
+of his rival, he remembered his ring. Attracting the attention of the
+trader, he quickly unscrewed the tiny center and proudly displayed a
+few glittering flakes; Piang did not know that they were gold dust;
+but the trader whistled a low note of surprise and called one of
+his shipmates aside. The Moro boy had seen the Japanese trade whole
+shiploads of copra for the shiny stuff, so, when he had found some
+in the sand one day, he had gathered it.
+
+When the trader made it clear to Piang that he could have the
+treasures for more of the flakes, he was delighted, and without a
+moment's delay started off up the trail, not deigning to glance at
+the disappointed Sicto.
+
+
+
+Up, up, he climbed. Heat, thirst, nothing slackened his pace. Arriving
+at his home, he flew to the lake, and, without a word to any one,
+jumped into his banco and pushed out into the water. Sweat poured
+down his face; mosquitos buzzed around his head: but he had no time
+to build a smudge. He must hurry, or the strange boat would leave
+the island and take forever the treasures Piang so coveted.
+
+Soon he struck the current, and when he felt the boat settle into
+it he dropped over the side, holding on to the outriggers, and let
+the boat pull him through the cool water. He noticed another banco
+in the distance and wondered what brought another person out on the
+lake in the heat, but the mosquitos occupied all his attention, and
+he dived and swam under the water to avoid them, soon forgetting the
+other boatman.
+
+Which stream had he paddled up before, when he had found the bright
+sand? He examined the shore carefully as he climbed into the boat. It
+must be there. Yes, he remembered the orchids in that tree. Cautiously
+he guided the banco to the mouth of the creek, and he shuddered as he
+caught sight of a shiny black object slipping into the water. It was
+a harmless snake, but Piang did not like snakes and he hurried past
+the spot. Gradually he lost sight of the lake and the sun; overhanging
+vegetation and fallen trees engulfed him. At times he could not use
+his paddle, and cautiously avoiding the thorns and poisoned things,
+he pulled the boat along from above. Soon this little stream would
+take him into the big river where he had found the pretty sand.
+
+Piang was startled by a sound behind him. Surely he had heard a
+paddle. But all was silence when he paused to listen. When he came
+to the river he shouted with delight, for his journey was half over,
+and there in the sun sparkled his treasure. Taking his gourd from
+the boat, he filled it with sand and then started the long process
+of washing it away. Always in the bottom would be left a few of
+the bright grains. These he poured on a leaf, but he discovered in
+dismay that they stuck there, and when he tried to brush them off,
+they sank into the leaf.
+
+While he was pondering on his predicament he heard the chatter of a
+hablar-bird, and he chuckled to himself. He searched his banco for
+his bow and arrows, but was astonished to find only the bow. What a
+misfortune! He must have lost the arrows on the trail. Nothing daunted,
+little Piang set about his task in another manner. Scattering a handful
+of parched corn in a clearing, he laid the noose of his rope around
+it, and taking the end of it in his hand, silently withdrew into the
+thicket and waited.
+
+Soon the big bird discovered the handy meal and, loudly proclaiming
+its rights to possession, flapped its way to the earth and lighted
+right in Piang's noose. The hablar-bird fluttered and chattered as it
+settled to the task of filling its craw with the good food. Cautiously
+Piang watched his chance and, with a deft twitch of the rope, secured
+the noose around the bird's foot. Such screaming and flapping! "Now
+you be good bird, and I no hurt you," Piang admonished. Catching hold
+of the creature behind the head, Piang held it firmly and quickly
+plucked three large feathers from its brilliant plumage. He then set
+it free and laughed to see it searching for its lost glories.
+
+Piang would have enjoyed watching it, as it scolded him from a high
+limb, but he could not delay and he set about his task quickly. Cutting
+off the end of each quill, he scraped it clean inside and washed the
+pithy part out. He had seen his father prepare a quill in this way
+for packing tobacco-powder.
+
+When these receptacles were ready to receive the gold-dust, he
+began washing the sand again; and when he had secured enough to
+fill all three quills he stuck a piece of green banana on the ends
+for a stopper. Now he would have the treasures for his mother--that
+beautiful cloth and the funny, thin thing that played pranks on you
+when you looked into it.
+
+What was that sound? Surely some one was spying on him. In a
+flash he remembered the banco on the lake, the other sounds he had
+heard. Also he remembered that Sicto wanted the same treasures that
+he coveted. He had been followed by the bully, and now, without his
+bow and arrows, he was helpless. To gain the lake again, he must
+pass through that treacherous creek, and he knew that Sicto would
+think nothing of robbing him and hastening to the village to buy
+the treasures with Piang's hard-earned bright sand. Somewhere those
+wicked eyes were watching him from the foliage, but Piang bravely
+covered his misgivings.
+
+There were two trails to the village; one lay to the west through
+the lake that he had crossed; the other was straight ahead, down the
+river. But there were cataracts on this river, and Piang wondered if
+he could make his way on foot from the head of the first one to the
+right trail. He decided to take the risk and quickly headed his banco
+in that direction. As he started down the river, he heard a howl of
+rage, and glancing back, saw Sicto preparing to follow.
+
+So! It was to be a race! Piang had foiled the bully, and his little
+heart beat faster as he realized the consequences if Sicto should
+catch him. Piang had a good start, but the river was so treacherous,
+the eddies so powerful, that sometimes his boat seemed to stand still
+or almost turn around when it was caught by the counter-current. How
+he loved his slim little craft! Whenever possible, it obeyed his wish,
+and he chuckled to see Sicto struggling with his heavy boat. If he
+could only reach the first head-water and land on the opposite shore,
+he would not fear defeat. For who was more fleet-footed than Piang,
+who more able to ferret his way through the almost impenetrable jungle?
+
+Cautiously he watched the shore; he had been this way only once before,
+and wondered if he could remember where the trail began at the water's
+edge. The current was so swift here that it was hardly necessary to
+paddle at all; so he rested to examine the shore.
+
+But what was the matter with Sicto? Why had he stopped paddling? In a
+flash it came over Piang that the cataract was near, and he started to
+back water with all his might. To his horror he found that he could not
+control the boat; fight as he would, it paid no heed to his struggle,
+but dashed on toward the waterfall. At first Piang thought he would
+swim, but realized that he would be swept over just the same. There
+was only one thing to be done--he must ride the cataract. Sicto was
+left far behind, clinging to the bank, watching with a sneer the boy
+going as he thought, to his death. He wondered why Piang was standing
+up in the banco; surely it would be best to lie flat in the boat and
+cling to the bottom.
+
+Gracefully Piang poised his body for the dive. The feathers were safely
+thrust into his long hair, and his bolo secured in his belt. With hands
+outstretched above his head, he waited for the great moment. He knew
+that if he was skilful he could clear the dangerous waters below the
+falls and either swim to the shore or reach his banco. Faster, faster
+went the boat, and his little heart thumped so that he feared it would
+burst. He tried to remember that this was not such a dangerous feat;
+others had accomplished it, and he could, if he was careful. The drop
+was only a few yards, but the danger lay in the shoals at the foot of
+the falls. What a beautiful sight Piang was, poised on the brink of
+that foaming cataract, the black jungle for a background! As he felt
+the banco quiver and twist he prepared for the dive. Finally the boat
+reached the crest and, with a lurch, shot from under the boy as he
+sprang far out into space. It seemed an eternity to Piang before he
+plunged into the waters below; then he sank down, down. The roaring
+and thundering deafened him, and he wondered if he should ever stop
+tumbling over in the water. It tossed him, tore from his hands any
+support he was able to grasp, and finally, after almost depriving
+him of breath, left him floating on the surface of a calm pool. How
+delicious the rest seemed! How tired he was! As he lay there on his
+back, he watched the water pour over the rocks above his head, and
+marveled that he had accomplished it all so easily.
+
+Gradually Piang regained his composure, and his first thought was for
+the quills. Yes, they were still safe, and he must hurry. Not fearing
+Sicto's interference any more, he began to wonder how he should
+find the trail. Searching the river for his banco, he discovered
+it caught by some reeds near the shore. It was easy to swim on that
+side of the river; so he slowly made his way to the overturned canoe,
+deftly righting it, and in a moment was over the side, searching for
+the extra paddle he always kept tied in the bottom. Fortunately it
+had not been torn away, and avoiding the rapids, he hugged the shore
+and finally resumed his journey down the river.
+
+What a wonderful experience Piang had had! How he would boast of his
+bravery, Moro fashion, and maybe the wise men would praise him. As
+he paddled down the river he kept his eyes open for trails; and when
+he heard the next cataract thundering its menace in the distance, he
+decided to land and search the jungle for a path. Beaching his banco,
+he hid it in the undergrowth, and, carefully avoiding the stinging
+vines, crept into the shadow of the jungle.
+
+The great silence was everywhere, and Piang wondered if he could
+trust his instinct to lead him aright. The heavy vines obstructed his
+passage, and he was forced to cut and hew his way through the edge of
+the forest. Nature does her best to protect the jungle, for always, on
+the edges, bamboo, and _bajuca_ (pronounced bah-hoo-kah) vie with each
+other in forming an impenetrable wall; but after the first few yards
+the obstinacy of the vines seems to relax, their sentinel duty over.
+
+Luckily for Piang, the jungle was well supplied with paths here, and
+he soon found the one leading down to the barrio. His heart was light,
+now, and he threw back his head and shouted with glee as he remembered
+Sicto, pale with terror, lest he too be swept over the cataract. Very
+quickly his exultation subsided, however, when he realized that Sicto
+could easily be on this same trail, and he redoubled his efforts as
+he imagined he heard twigs snapping behind him. What if the boat had
+already gone. What if its coveted treasures were lost forever?
+
+From his customary trot Piang broke into a run, and, panting and
+sweating, pushed forward. Soon the trail joined the one he had
+taken that morning, and in a moment he would come to the clearing
+where he had first seen the strange boat. Yes, there it was;
+ugly, cross-looking, without one of those bright-patched sails that
+decorated all the boats Piang had ever seen. But--was it moving? With
+a cry, Piang started forward as the white smoke appeared, and the
+shriek echoed and reechoed through the jungle. Fury, resentment, and
+determination flashed across his face; with a howl he darted down the
+trail. There was only a little way to go now, and he would run like the
+wind. Friends and strangers tried to speak to him as he approached them
+on the trail, but he brushed them aside impatiently and rushed onward.
+
+With his last bit of breath he stumbled through the barrio, but the
+boat was steadily moving out to sea. He threw himself on his face and
+beat the wharf with his clenched fists. All was lost--the beautiful
+"ban-da-na" for his mother, the "mir-ro," too! An exclamation from
+one of the men arrested his attention, and he sprang to his feet in
+an instant. The boat had stopped; and--could he believe his eyes?--the
+man with the treasures was getting into a small skiff and was beckoning
+to Piang!
+
+Quickly the boy responded. Making sure that the precious quills were
+safe, he dived into the sea and struck out toward the approaching
+boat. When they pulled him over the side, a cheer went up from
+the Moros on the bank and was answered by another from the strange
+boat. Eagerly Piang searched the boat for the two objects so dear to
+his heart, but the trader silently tapped the ring and waited. Slyly
+the boy considered. Finally he drew forth one quill and offered
+it to the man. He handed Piang the red calico handkerchief, saying
+"ban-da-na." Eagerly the boy grabbed it. Guardedly the two contemplated
+each other. The trader reached into his pocket and produced the
+toy mirror, surrounded by colored pins; Piang offered to trade for
+another quill, but the man shook his head. Piang resolutely shook
+his, and the owner intimated that the trade was over by slipping
+the mirror back into his pocket. Piang could not stand the suspense,
+despite his passion for making a good trade, so he thrust the other
+quill into the stranger's hand, grasped the treasure, and, saluting
+them in his dignified fashion, slipped over the side and was off.
+
+
+
+When Sicto slunk into the hill barrio that night he was anxious to
+avoid Piang, but our hero was not concerned about him at all. Around
+the great fire in the center of the village were seated all the
+important members of the tribe, and Sicto's envy was complete when he
+saw that Piang's mother was the object of adoration. There she sat,
+the coveted "ban-da-na" crowning her stately head, and around her neck
+was suspended the funny thing that laughed back at you. Silently she
+offered each member of the circle one of the colored pins, and when
+all were supplied, they fell to the task of picking their teeth,
+at intervals reverently examining the instrument. When the allotted
+period had elapsed, Piang's mother again extended the mirror, and
+when each one had gazed into the depth, the pin was replaced, later
+to be handed on to a new comer.
+
+Sicto had joined the less fortunate persons who were watching the
+ceremony from a distance. Only the elect were permitted to approach
+the circle. From his place of honor Piang glanced loftily in their
+direction, and as his eyes met Sicto's, his triumph was complete. Under
+Piang's steady gaze, the bully quailed and, dropping his eyes,
+shambled off into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+SIXTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE JUNGLE MENACE
+
+
+Dato Kali Pandapatan had declared a three days' holiday in honor of
+Piang's safe return from his long journey to the haunt of Ganassi,
+the wonder man. That one so young had accomplished the difficult task
+proved to the tribe conclusively that Piang was indeed the chosen of
+Allah, the charm boy by divine right. Kali was glad of the opportunity
+to plunge his people into gaieties, for a mysterious shadow had hovered
+over the barrio for a week, and he hoped to dispel the effects of a
+recent disaster by merriment and fiesta. In the night an infant had
+disappeared from its hammock under the mango-tree and no trace of it
+had ever been found. The mother, who had been sleeping on the ground
+near her babe, told a strange story of being awakened by a suffocating
+pressure on her chest; as she stretched out her hand in the dark,
+she encountered a cold, clammy mass that moved under her touch. She
+must have fainted, for when she was able to scream for assistance,
+her baby was gone, and there were no tracks in the sand. The river
+was searched, but the crocodile pickets were intact; no monster from
+the river had broken through the barriers.
+
+The ominous whisper, "Bal-Bal," passed from lip to lip. Only that
+supernatural jinn could have whisked the infant from their midst;
+only Bal-Bal, with his demon body, sailing through the air on
+enormous wings, could have descended upon them so silently, so
+stealthily. Fearfully the wise men kept watch for the return of
+Bal-Bal, whose fateful visits were believed to come in pairs.
+
+At first the news of the fiesta failed to rouse the people from the
+lethargy into which they had sunk, but gradually their pleasure-loving
+natures responded, and preparations were begun for the three days'
+play.
+
+"Goody-goody!" exclaimed Papita, the little slave girl, dancing about,
+clapping her hands. "We are to have the macasla fiesta, Piang. Just
+think, we are to go to the ocean to-morrow!" Piang's newly acquired
+dignity would not permit him to respond to Papita's levity, but he
+secretly rejoiced, too, over the prospects of fun and excitement at
+the macasla.
+
+Runners were sent into the jungle to procure the all-important
+macasla herb, and that night the mixture was prepared. Macasla,
+chilli-peppers, carot, and tobah shrub were pounded together in an
+old dug-out canoe. Wood-ashes, earth, alcohol, and water were added,
+and the mixture was allowed to ferment. Early the next morning nearly
+all the inhabitants embarked upon the short journey to Parang-Parang,
+their seaport barrio. Every available boat was filled with the merry
+throng, and the river sang a soft accompaniment to their chatter;
+pet monkeys, parrots, and mongoosen joined in the hubbub, and the
+din echoed through the forest, to be taken up by nature's wild
+children. Bal-Bal was forgotten, for the moment, by all except the
+bereaved parents, who had remained behind with the aged, to mourn
+their loss.
+
+"I see the ocean! Oh, I saw it first!" cried Papita, nearly upsetting
+the banco in her glee. "Piang, do stop being so solemn and look--over
+there--through the trees!"
+
+"I saw the ocean long ago, Papita," answered the boy with exaggerated
+dignity.
+
+With a sigh the girl turned away, despairing of drawing him into
+sociability. Piang, the playfellow, had vanished, and Piang, the
+charm boy, was so superior, so awe-inspiring. Out of the corner of
+his eye Piang watched her. He longed to frolic and play, as of old,
+but the weight of the tribe was on his young shoulders, and he must
+put aside childish things. With folded arms he watched the revelers;
+his heart beat violently, but, to the envy and admiration of all,
+he retained his dignity and rigidity.
+
+The travelers gave a shout as they rounded a bend and came upon the
+sea. The curving coast line seemed to be ever smiling as the waves
+wooed it with cajoling and caressing whispers.
+
+The tide was on the turn; not a moment was to be lost. Men, women,
+and children assembled about the dug-out, carrying wicker baskets
+which they filled with the macasla mixture. Scattering quickly along
+the extensive shoals, they ran into the water, waist deep, immersing
+the baskets, jerking them about until the macasla was all washed out;
+slowly they retreated to the shore. Impatiently they waited five,
+ten minutes; then things began to happen. Crabs abandoned their holes
+and scurried about aimlessly; children, wild with delight, pursued
+and captured the bewildered creatures, tossing them into a brass pot
+of water over the fire. Small fish came gasping to the top; finally
+large ones began to show signs of distress. Screaming and laughing
+at the top of their voices, the Moros pursued; the men harpooning
+the largest fish, the women skilfully dipping up the smaller ones
+with nets. Helplessly the beautiful, rainbow-tinted creatures floated
+about, their opalescent hues fading soon after the Moros took them from
+the water. Monsters over a yard long fought for their freedom; giant
+crabs and shrimp struggled in the nets. A _liendoeng_ (water-snake),
+brilliantly striped with red and black, made the women scream with
+fright. Dashing among them, laughing and yelling as merrily as the
+other boys, Piang pursued the offending reptile, here, there, and
+finally grabbed the wriggling creature and ran to the beach.
+
+"Ah la la la lele!" he cried, dancing and jumping about, waving the
+snake above his head.
+
+"Oh, goody! Piang has come back to us," cried the delighted
+Papita. "You will not frown and scowl again, will you, Piang?"
+
+A shadow fell upon the manly young brow of Piang. He had transgressed;
+he had forgotten his responsibility for the moment and had allowed
+his glee to banish the dignity of his calling: Throwing the snake
+into the basket, he quietly walked away from the merry-makers.
+
+Crowds of friendly natives swarmed along the beach, hoping the
+kill would be great enough to supply food for all. At other times
+the Moros would have preserved any surplus fish, but those caught
+under the influence of macasla cannot be cured or dried, as they
+soon putrify. The macasla only blinds them temporarily, however,
+and those fortunate enough to escape soon recover, suffering no ill
+effects. Ten canoes, full of splendid fish, were the reward of the
+macasla fiesta. A huge fire was built on the beach, and the small
+fish, stuffed into green bamboo joints, were thrown in the ashes;
+larger ones were sprinkled with _lombak_ dust (seasoning) and wrapped
+in pisang leaves. Weird instruments made their appearance: drums of
+bell-metal, jew's-harps of bamboo. The _gansas_, a flute that the
+performer plays from one nostril, would have distracted an American's
+attention from the music, holding him in suspense, anticipating the
+dire consequences of a sneeze.
+
+Gradually the monotonous music stirred the savages to action. Solemnly
+they formed a circle around the fire, arms extended, lightly touching
+each other's finger-tips. To and fro they swayed in time to the
+crude music, and when the drums thundered out a sonorous crescendo,
+they crouched to the earth, springing up in unison, uttering fearful
+yells. When the individual dancing commenced, exhausted members began
+to fall out, leaving the youth and vigor of the tribe to compete
+for the honors. A maiden must prevent a youth from confronting
+her; the youth, while attempting to gain his position, must beware
+lest the maiden present her back to him. Fast and furiously they
+whirled and dodged, and a shout went up from the bystanders as each
+unfortunate dancer was compelled to retire. Finally there were only
+three contestants left; Papita, Piang, and Sicto. Gracefully the
+little slave girl eluded the boys; slyly she circumvented their
+attacks. Her little bare feet twinkled daintily about on the sand;
+her brass anklets jingled merrily; and the fireflies, confined in
+her hair, glowed contentedly.
+
+Now the hands must be held behind the back at all times during
+the dance, and when Sicto, exasperated at the girl's nimbleness,
+attempted to grab her, Piang protested loudly. A surly growl was
+Sicto's response, and during the hot dispute that followed, as
+the dancers swayed and dodged, Papita caught Sicto off his guard,
+and to his mortification he found himself contemplating the comely
+back of the girl. Over her shoulder she taunted the astonished boy,
+and thunderous applause greeted his defeat. Sicto slunk off into the
+shadow, muttering maledictions against Piang, whom he blamed primarily
+for his downfall. Papita, Piang, which would win? Breathlessly the
+audience followed the agile movements of the two; eagerly they claimed
+the honors for their favorite.
+
+The music ceased abruptly. With fear in their hearts and bated breath,
+the tribe waited again for the sound that had disturbed their revelry:
+
+"_Le le, li li._" The tribal call rang through the forest faintly.
+
+"_Blako ampoen_, Allah," ("I beg for mercy, Allah,") whispered Kali
+Pandapatan, supplicatingly.
+
+The call was repeated, came steadily nearer. Finally from the gloom
+of the river shot a banco, a very old man working at the paddle. It
+was Pandita Asin from the barrio.
+
+"_Un-di?_" ("Whither?") called Kali Pandapatan.
+
+"The barrio--Bal-Bal!" gasped the exhausted old man.
+
+The night pressed upon them. Up the river darted Asin's slender banco
+with Kali Pandapatan and a few picked warriors.
+
+"Asin, we shall need you, and you, Piang," the chief had said, and
+the boy jumped into the boat. Far behind they left the terrified,
+confused throng, preparing to embark, and soon the night swallowed
+up the little advance party, as it hurried toward the stricken barrio.
+
+A white mist rose from the water, obscuring the view; a damp breeze
+chilled the travelers, and they anxiously scanned the heavens for
+Bal-Bal, the terrible. Obstructions in the river were numerous and
+dangerous. Once they grazed the side of a floating log; it immediately
+turned upon them, emitting blood-curdling bellows through gaping
+jaws. Piang's spear silenced the menacing crocodile, and the party
+hurried on. A _taloetook_ (owl) wailed his melancholy koekh-koekh,
+and the mournful sound seemed to draw the handful of men closer
+together. Through the jungle the river wound its serpentine way; dense
+growths crowded the bank and leaned far out over the stream. Trailing
+vines and hanging ferns brushed the occupants of the canoe, and in
+fear they avoided contact with them, so often did their velvety green
+conceal wicked thorns and poisonous spines. Fiery eyes dotted the
+jungle, stealthily watching for a chance to pounce upon the intruders;
+rustling of the rushes warned them of invisible dangers.
+
+"_Karangan!_" ("Sand-bar!") cried Piang, and just in time the banco
+swerved, avoiding the slimy mud that might have held them prisoners,
+at the mercy of prowling night terrors.
+
+A light twinkled in the distance; confused sounds reached the rescuers,
+and they pushed forward with renewed energy.
+
+"Ooooh, Mihing!" called Asin, in his cracked, wavering voice.
+
+"Ooooh!" came the answer from the barrio.
+
+"Piang, we look to you to protect us from Bal-Bal, to you and your
+sacred anting-anting." Solemnly Kali Pandapatan made this announcement.
+
+The boy was the first to land. The lame and the halt crowded around
+him, imploring him to save them. Confused, Piang wondered what was
+expected of him but suddenly he remembered what the great Ganassi
+had said:
+
+"The source of power is faith!"
+
+His proud little head went up; his brave eyes smiled:
+
+"Have no fear, my people. Piang, the charm boy, will protect you."
+
+A startling phenomenon had terrified the barrio. Just at dusk,
+old Asin had been squatting in the doorway of his hut, dreamily
+watching Papita's little white fawn munching mangos under the fatal
+tree, when suddenly he saw it rise, struggle, suspended in the air,
+then disappear. Its pathetic cry was heard once, high above their
+heads. Then there was silence. The aged populace had been too
+frightened to investigate and had hovered around the fire, afraid
+to venture beyond its circle of light. Asin had been despatched to
+notify the head of the tribe that Bal-Bal was hovering near.
+
+All eyes turned toward the charm boy.
+
+"La ilaha illa llahoe," softly prayed Piang, scrutinizing the frowning
+jungle, as it closed in on all sides.
+
+"Kali Pandapatan," finally announced the boy, "it is given that we
+act as brave men. If it is Bal-Bal who has been swooping upon us,
+have no fear; he can come no more with Piang, the charm boy, prepared
+to meet him. If it is something else that is hovering near, we must
+go boldly forth and slay our enemy."
+
+A relieved sigh from the listeners greeted this speech.
+
+"Bravely spoken, little brother," said Kali Pandapatan.
+
+Another boat load arrived from the sea, and when the nature of
+the calamity had been explained, all volunteered to aid in the
+search. Each man bearing a torch, they went in pairs, scattering
+through the jungle. At given intervals, Piang who remained in the
+barrio at the entreaty of the aged, was to respond to the clan call.
+
+"Le le li li!" echoed through the somber night, giving courage to the
+faint of heart and keeping the searching party's spirits up. Stealthily
+the charm boy crept around the edge of the clearing, examining every
+possible opening; cautiously he peered into nooks and crannies.
+
+The mango-tree! What was there about that old jungle veteran that
+drew the boy toward it? The babe had disappeared from under its
+shelter; the fawn had been whisked from its protection. A cry from
+the circle around the fire arrested him as he approached the tree, but
+he reassured them, exposing the charm, and bravely went forward. Dew
+on the heavy, dark foliage glistened in the firelight, and the golden
+fruit peeped forth temptingly. Piang reached up on tiptoe to pluck a
+ripe mango, supporting his body against a large vine that hung from the
+tree. The vine stirred, trembled, and disappeared. With a low cry the
+boy recoiled. The tree was bewitched, was alive. Would its huge limbs
+enfold him in its embrace as it had done the other two victims? Piang
+was unable to move. Fascinated, he stared wide-eyed at the tree
+with its wealth of parasite life sapping its vitality. Trailing
+orchids and tree-ferns festooned its limbs; _liana_ and _bajuca_
+vines smothered it in death-like embrace. Coil upon coil of these
+serpent-like jungle creepers, ignoring or circumventing the smudge
+platform halfway up the trunk, ascended to the tree's very crest,
+only to return, dangling and swinging like the ragged draperies of
+a slattern, reaching out tenacious arms in search of new support.
+
+At any moment Piang expected to be seized by this supernatural
+monster, and yet he could not cry out or move. Where did it hide
+its victims? Did it inhale life or suck it into its trunk? Scarcely
+realizing what he was doing, the boy focused his gaze upon two dazzling
+points of light that gradually came nearer, nearer. A peacefulness
+came over him, and he wondered why he had been so terrified a moment
+before. Slowly a numbness crept up his limbs; a giddiness attacked
+him. On came the hypnotic, icy lights, until they were within a few
+feet of his face.
+
+"Le le li li!" crashed through the stillness. With the dim past Piang
+connected the disturbing sounds. The gleaming lights were beautiful,
+compelling.
+
+"Le le li li!" A memory of some duty faintly stirred Piang's
+subconsciousness, and his senses tried to respond to the call. Bright
+and intense grew the twin fires. One instant they seemed as minute
+as fireflies, the next as large as moons. Yes, the tree was alive;
+it was moving. A giant creeper was swaying toward him, would grasp
+him in its toils.
+
+"Le le li li!" persistently the call was repeated. "Le le li li!" A
+duty! What was it? Charm boy? Who was charm boy? Involuntarily Piang's
+hand sought the charm on his breast and grasped it. He was saved! With
+a shriek he darted back just in time. The vine lunged out, quivered,
+and recoiled.
+
+Asin, who had been curiously watching Piang for some time, rushed
+toward him and caught the fainting boy in his arms.
+
+
+
+Quietly Piang gave his orders; unquestioningly he was obeyed. After his
+mishap he had not regained consciousness for two days, and during his
+illness he had prated senselessly about trees that were alive and vines
+that had eyes, much to the disturbance of Kali Pandapatan and Asin. But
+when he whispered his suspicions to his chief, Kali gave a low whistle.
+
+Asin and Tooloowee were taken into the secret, and they set to work
+to develop Piang's plan. A wild boar, which had been captured for
+crocodile bait, was fastened to a pole in the middle of the _campong_
+(clearing). Around it was built a bamboo pen, opened at one end, from
+which extended a low, fenced-in lane about forty feet long. Arranged
+in this lane, at intervals, were slip nooses of ratan, which, rising
+above the structure, looked like skeleton arches.
+
+Impatiently the Moros waited for night; fearfully they watched the
+mango-tree. There was no tom-tom serenade such as usually heralds
+the coming of night; no fires were lighted; the evening meal was
+forgotten. An ominous silence pervaded the barrio.
+
+Night came--soft, fragrant night, with its thousand wonders. The
+inquisitive moon peeped over the palm fronds, peeped again, and
+decided to remain. Papita, her anklets and bangles clinking dully,
+moved listlessly about, sorrowing for her lost pet; Sicto followed
+her persistently, annoying her with his attentions. The sulky mestizo
+took pleasure in provoking the little girl, for was she not Piang's
+favorite, and was not Piang his enemy? He moodily contemplated the
+charm boy at work on the silly-looking structure that he was not
+allowed to approach.
+
+When it was finished, Kali Pandapatan ordered every one to go to
+their homes, to lock and bar the doors, and, under pain of his
+displeasure, to make no sound. The death-like stillness was fraught
+with tension. From the window in the nearest house, Piang kept
+watch with Kali, Asin, and Tooloowee; in his hand he held the ratan
+cable that controlled the nooses in the narrow lane. Minutes, hours
+trailed by, and still the barrio watched. A gentle wind awakened the
+forest whispers and gathered its freight of seed and pollen to scatter
+abroad. The prisoner in the deserted campong protested and struggled,
+its ugly grunts disturbing the jungle peace. Dull clouds obscured the
+moon, and for a long time the barrio was in darkness. When the light
+burst suddenly upon them, the Moros started from their drowsiness
+and gazed with awe on the swaying, shuddering mango-tree. Not a leaf
+was stirring on the surrounding trees, but the mango rustled and
+trembled ominously.
+
+"See, Kali! I was right!" whispered Piang. No superstitious horror
+pervaded the hut where the four men watched, but in every other house
+Moros fell upon their faces, beseeching Allah to protect them from
+Bal-Bal. The capricious moon plunged into a shadowy cloud again. The
+next flood of light disclosed a vision so horrible that even Kali and
+his brave followers stiffened with fear. Out of the mango-tree a black,
+writhing mass crept toward the terrified squealing boar. Unfolding
+length after length, the thing advanced, until nearly thirty feet
+of sinuous, undulating life stretched between the mango tree and
+the boar's cage. Papita, sickened with fear, buried her face in her
+mother's bosom, weeping hysterically; Sicto, pale and trembling,
+grasped the window for support.
+
+"_Ular-Sawa!_" ("Giant python!") he gasped, hastily closing the
+window. A little captive monkey whined pitifully.
+
+The massive creature, distracted by the sound, paused, head up,
+forked tongue darting in and out of the open jaws, for the Regal
+Python has no ears, but hears with its tongue. That delicate nerve
+center registers sounds by vibration, and when a python is eager to
+listen, it extends its black, forked tongue.
+
+"Oh, will it go into the trap?" breathed Piang. The boar, watching
+its fate, squealed, and the python advanced. Missing the easy lane,
+it approached the cage from the side, and tried to batter it down
+with its powerful head. Failing in this, it attempted to slip over
+the fence, but the pickets had been sharpened to prevent this, and
+finally it discovered the opening.
+
+Seeming to disapprove of the symmetrical structure, it hesitated to
+thrust its enormous length into the strange-looking thing. The Moros
+were fearful lest the creature escape and continue to overshadow their
+barrio. Once the python seemed about to retreat, but at that moment
+the boar struggled so desperately that the python's natural instinct
+prevailed, and without a moment's hesitation, it writhed into the lane,
+past the first loop, past the second, until it reached the cage.
+
+"Now, Piang, now!" softly whispered Kali. Calculating the distance,
+Piang jerked the ratan cable, and the noose tightened around the
+snake's throat.
+
+In a moment the fence was lashed to pieces, and the pickets were flying
+about like so many chips, as the serpent fought and struggled. Piang
+and his helpers secured the cable to a post and rushed into the
+campong. Catching hold of the other cables, they pulled them tighter
+and tighter until the snake was unable to move.
+
+The clouds were heavy and the moon shone fitfully.
+
+"Torches!" yelled Kali, and the women scurried about in search
+of them. Piang and Tooloowee cautiously approached the monster's
+head, holding on a stick some cotton soaked with poison. Savagely
+the python bit at the extended stick, and the cotton caught on the
+long recurved teeth. Try as it would, it could not get rid of its
+mouthful. The Moros congratulated themselves, thinking the danger
+past, little knowing what the fatal consequences would be. Under the
+stimulus of the poison the python began to expand, until the loops
+of ratan creaked and snapped. The snake did not plunge or struggle,
+but quietly, steadily pulled. That python broke green ratan thongs
+half an inch in diameter, and soon twisted out of all its fastenings
+except the one about its neck. Catching hold of the mango-tree with its
+tail, it pulled until its eyes bulged from the sockets, but the ratan
+held. Releasing its hold on the tree, it flopped about the campong,
+pulling and straining at the cable.
+
+Finally it lay perfectly still, its dull, lidless eyes rolling
+upward. Without any warning, its lithe tail shot outward, swept the
+crowd of bystanders, and those fatal, living rings closed around Sicto,
+compressing the unfortunate boy with such force that he gasped for
+breath. Without a thought for the helpless boy, the women dropped
+the torches and fled screaming through the night, leaving the campong
+in darkness.
+
+Only Piang came to the none too popular mestizo's assistance. He hurled
+himself at the reptile's head, campilan raised to strike, but instead
+of falling upon the mark, his knife severed the one remaining cable
+and set the monster free. Perceiving its new antagonist, and feeling
+its freedom, the snake rapidly unwound its tail from Sicto, who fell to
+the ground with a dull thud. Darting forward with lightening rapidity,
+it caught Piang in its circular embrace, and, coiling its tail around
+the tree, flattened the boy against it, as if in a mill. Tighter,
+closer hugged those massive, chilling rings, but Piang fought bravely.
+
+"A light! a light!" screamed Tooloowee, as he dragged the insensible
+Sicto away, and, out of a nearby hut dashed a slender, graceful figure
+in response to the call, a fresh torch streaming its smoke and sparks
+around her head.
+
+"Quick, Papita," urged Tooloowee, and the girl came fearlessly to
+the aid of Piang.
+
+"Piang!" she wailed. "Why didn't you let it have Sicto!" Her
+voice seemed to put new life into the suffocating boy. With one
+supreme effort Piang managed to loosen his arm and struck once,
+twice. The python, now bleeding profusely, hissed and writhed, still
+tightening around the boy. Once again Piang thrust, at last reaching
+the creature's heart. The rings loosened, relaxed, and Tooloowee's
+well-aimed blow severed the awful head, which bounced and rolled to
+Papita's feet.
+
+
+
+When they carried the limp, lacerated body of Piang to his hut,
+there was lamenting and weeping in the barrio. Piang, their beloved
+charm boy was dead. A mournful _tilick_ (death signal) was sounded
+on the tom-toms, and the wail soon gathered volume until the jungle
+and river seemed to take up the plaint.
+
+Dead? Could Piang, the invincible, be killed? Papita crouched in the
+doorway. Kali Pandapatan bent over the still little form. Anxiously
+he watched the eyelids quiver, the lips part. A sigh of relief broke
+from the chief, and he murmured softly:
+
+"Little brother, you have the strength of a packda; the cunning of
+the civet-cat, and the wisdom of the mina-bird. May your days be long."
+
+A knowing smile flitted across Kali's face as he caught the irrelevant
+reply:
+
+"Papita--is she safe?"
+
+
+
+
+SEVENTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE SECRET OF THE SOURCE
+
+
+There had been a great drought. Plague was sure to follow such
+weather, and the Moros were already dying of starvation. "Rice,
+rice!" was the cry, but everywhere the crop had failed, and the
+natives were desperate.
+
+Piang had been more successful in foraging than the other lads had,
+and his mother was safe for a time, but there seemed to be no hope,
+and he sorrowed as he pictured her dying for want of the food that
+it was his business to provide for her.
+
+In the stifling heat of midday, the village was startled by the
+appearance of several white men on the biggest animals they had ever
+seen. Tiny ponies, straying about the village, fled to cover at sight
+of the strange creatures, and most of the women hid themselves in
+fright. The Moro men sullenly watched the strangers advance, making
+no attempt to stop them, but there was no mistaking their hostile
+attitude.
+
+"Where is the dato?" asked the interpreter, who rode in ahead of the
+men. There was no answer.
+
+"Come, where is the chief? The white men bring good news; they
+bring food."
+
+Instantly there was a change. Kali Pandapatan stepped in front of
+the others and said in his musical patois:
+
+"I am Dato Kali Pandapatan. Speak. Do not deceive us."
+
+A lengthy conversation followed, and while the two men were arguing
+and gesticulating, the strangers gradually coaxed some of the children
+toward them. Finally the women sidled nearer, and soon the entire
+population had hedged the little company in, and were gazing with
+awe at the huge American horses with their odd trappings. One mare
+stamped her foot and neighed loudly, scattering the spectators in
+every direction, greatly to the amusement of the white men.
+
+It was all very hard for the dato to understand. He explained to his
+people that some great power had sent the white men to save them from
+starvation. The interpreter had told him that the Moros all belonged
+now to some nation called the United States. A fierce murmur rippled
+through the crowd at this piece of news. The dato raised his hand
+for quiet.
+
+"Let us hear them through. We are hungry; let them feed us. We will
+fight for our freedom later, if necessary."
+
+Haughtily Dato Kali Pandapatan faced the newcomers and bade them
+speak. The interpreter explained that the men were United States
+soldiers, and that their chief had commanded them to search the
+islands for starving Moros and to relieve their suffering. The crafty
+dato pondered long before he accepted their offer, all the while
+watching for an attack. It was impossible for him to believe their
+generosity could be genuine, so used was he to the treachery of Spanish
+strangers. When the pack-train loaded with supplies appeared at the
+head of the steep mountain pass, a cry went up from the hungry people,
+and a rush was made toward it. When the supplies had been portioned
+out to each family, and suspicion banished from the minds of the
+natives, the "Americanos" were hailed as their saviors. Lieutenant
+Lewis, in charge of the expedition, was offered every courtesy, and
+the soldiers were showered with gifts of brass and trinkets. Dato
+Kali Pandapatan vowed his allegiance to the soldiers and offered the
+services of his tribe.
+
+"Ask the dato if he has heard of the mysterious rice that has been
+found on Lake Lanao, Ricardo," said Lieutenant Lewis.
+
+The interpreter addressed the dato and learned that it was a well
+known fact that rice had appeared on the surface of the lake from
+no apparent source. As it had never been grown in that district,
+the authorities were puzzled over the persistent rumors. If it could
+be cultivated there, it might be possible to supply the tribes with
+enough to avoid these frequent famines.
+
+"He says he is not sure, sir, but travelers from that section all
+bring the same tales of gathering rice in an eddy at one corner of the
+lake. The tribes are very fierce around there, and as they will not
+tolerate interference from strangers, no one has dared to investigate."
+
+"I can easily believe it. General Bushing's expedition through that
+country met with fearful opposition. It's a wonder to me that so
+many of them came out alive." The lieutenant was silent for a time,
+then said:
+
+"Ask him if he has a swift runner, some one that he can trust."
+
+Ricardo questioned the chief.
+
+"Yes, sir, he says there is a boy named Piang, who is fleeter than
+the wind, surer than the sun."
+
+"Ask him if he will send this boy for me to the lake to search out
+the truth about this rice. Offer him fifty bushels of corn for the
+lad's family and tell him I will send him twenty-five bushels whether
+he is successful or not."
+
+"Piang! Piang!" the name was on every one's lips. From out the crowd
+stepped a slender faun of a youth, slim and supple as a reed. The
+gaily-colored breech-cloth wound about his loins supported his bolo
+and small knives, and in his tightly knotted long hair, glistened
+a creese. With silent dignity he awaited his orders. No curiosity
+manifested itself in his face; no question was on his lips; he simply
+waited. Lieutenant Lewis marveled at the boy's indifference, but
+when the mission was explained to Piang, the light that sparkled in
+his eyes and the expressions of excitement and joy that chased each
+other across his face removed all doubt from the lieutenant's mind.
+
+Piang was chosen! Piang was to ferret out the secret of the lake! Piang
+was to bring honor to his tribe! When it was explained to him that
+his mother would be provided for, he abruptly turned from the dato
+and dashed off to his hut to procure weapons and scanty provisions. A
+silence held the natives as they waited for Piang to reappear. They
+all seemed to sense the dangers that were confronting the boy so
+eager to undertake the task. Hardly ten minutes had elapsed before
+he was in their midst again. He salaamed before the dato and, without
+a glance at the others, bounded up the trail, away into the jungle.
+
+"But," protested the lieutenant, "no one has given him any orders,
+any directions." The interpreter conveyed the American's misgivings
+to the dato. A smile broke over his face.
+
+"Piang needs no directions, no advice. No jungle is too thick for him
+to penetrate, no water deep enough to hide its secrets from him. Piang
+will bring you news of the rice. I have spoken."
+
+"And to think of the fuss it takes to get a few dough-boys ready for
+a hike!" exclaimed the amazed lieutenant.
+
+
+
+The jungle was terrible. Everywhere Piang came across victims of
+the drought. Little monkeys, huddled together, cried like babies;
+big birds, perched on the sun-scorched trees, were motionless. He
+stumbled over something soft. Always on the alert, his bolo was ready
+in an instant, but there was no need for it. He looked down into the
+dying eyes of a little musk-deer. Pity and misgiving filled his heart,
+and he wondered if he would be able to reach the Big Pass before he
+starved. Surely, up there it would be different; they always had rain,
+and if he could only hold out.... A snuff-like dust constantly rose
+from the decayed vegetation; it pained his nostrils, and he muffled
+his face in his head-cloth as he penetrated deeper into the jungle. He
+must reach a clearing before night; it would mean almost certain death
+to sleep in the jungle's poisonous atmosphere. There was a good spot
+further up, and he worked his way toward it, determined to reach it
+for his first night. The liana-vine that he cut for water was dry. He
+listened for the trickle of a brook. The jungle is usually full of
+little streams, but no sound rewarded his vigilance. Stumbling along,
+he began to think his journey would end there, when he was startled by
+loud chattering. A monkey settlement was evidently near, and he knew
+by their liveliness that they were not famishing for water. Spurred
+on by hope, he redoubled his efforts and was rewarded by the sight
+of a cocoanut grove in a clearing.
+
+There was a general protest from the inhabitants as he made his
+appearance, but he paid no attention to the monkey insults hurled at
+him and gratefully picked up the cocoanuts with which they bombarded
+him. Shaking each one, he tossed it from him. They were all dry. The
+monkeys were too clever to waste any nuts that had milk in them. Piang
+tied his feet together loosely with his head-cloth, and, using it as
+a brace, hopped up one of the trees as easily as a monkey. Sitting
+in the branches, he drained one cocoanut after another, and when his
+thirst was slaked, he amused himself by returning the bombardment. He
+was surrounded by monkey snipers and he laughingly rubbed his head
+where one of their shots had struck home. With careful aim he showered
+the trees, and gradually the monkeys began to disperse. He had won;
+the fun was over. He watched them scold and fuss as they retreated
+into the jungle, regretting that he had not kept them with him a
+little longer for company.
+
+The big sun was dipping into the trees now, and he descended to gather
+material for his bed. High up in the cocoanut-tree Piang built his
+couch. He selected two trees that were close together, and, cutting
+strips of ratan, bound stalks of bamboo together making a platform
+which he lashed to the trees, far out of reach of night prowlers. He
+dipped into his scanty provisions, and then, scrambling to his nest,
+covered himself with palm branches, which afford warmth as well
+as protection from the unhealthy dew. Quickly Piang sank into an
+untroubled slumber. All night long creatures fought below him for the
+few remaining drops of moisture in the discarded shells, but he knew
+that he was safe, and their snarls and bickerings did not alarm him.
+
+
+
+Piang started guiltily. He must have overslept. The sun was high, but
+for some reason the heat had not awakened him. Sitting up, he rubbed
+his eyes, sniffed the air, and uttered a shout of joy. A gentle rain
+was trickling through the foliage; the spell was broken; the jungle
+would live again. After hastily gathering a few nuts he climbed down
+the tree and prepared for his journey, thankful that the drought
+was to be broken by the gentle "liquid sunshine," as it is called,
+instead of by a violent typhoon. Eating what he wanted of the soft,
+green cocoanut meat, he tied two nuts to the ends of a ratan strip,
+and, slinging them across his shoulder, was off again, darting here
+and there to avoid the stinging vines and treacherous pitfalls.
+
+How many days was he from Lake Lanao? He counted the suns that must
+rise and set before he should arrive. There were four, if he should be
+fortunate enough to find the Ganassi trail. Piang had not lost time by
+returning to the coast to pick up the trail, but had trusted to his
+instinct to lead him aright. Surely, if he followed the sun by day,
+and the big bright evening star by night, he would come upon the
+trail the second day. He must avoid the lake people at all costs;
+they were not to be trusted, and his life would pay the penalty if
+they caught him spying. Silently the jungle child sped along. Nothing
+escaped his watchful eye; no sound eluded his trained ear. Once he
+darted aside just in time to escape the toils of the dread python as
+it swooped from above to claim its victim. Another time his bolo saved
+him, and a wild civet-cat lay at his feet. Chuckling at his prowess,
+Piang drew his knife across the animal's belly, and slipped off the
+skin, almost whole. It would be useful to him, and maybe he could
+find the herb that is used to cure pelts.
+
+It was very difficult traveling. The sun was not visible during the
+afternoon, and Piang lost his direction. Blundering here and there,
+he often came back to the same place. It was no use; he could not find
+the trail without the assistance of sun or stars. Sometimes it was
+days before either could penetrate the dense mist that accompanies
+the tropical rains. Discouraged, he threw himself on the ground.
+
+An unusual sound made him jerk his head up to listen. It came again,
+and the boy rose quietly to his feet, focusing his senses on the
+sound. Cautiously he advanced toward it. In the jungle it is always
+wiser to be the one to attack. The sound was repeated, and Piang
+breathed easier. It was made by an animal, not by his dread lake
+enemies. Gradually he crept nearer and when he parted the bushes and
+peeped through, he almost shouted in his excitement. He had reached
+the Big Pass. A broad river swept rapidly by, and along the banks
+wild carabao rolled and splashed, making queer diminutive sounds, not
+in keeping with their ungainly size. Piang was careful to keep out
+of sight, as they are apt to be dangerous when their very uncertain
+nerves are startled.
+
+For more than two days Piang fought his way through the entanglement
+of cogon grass and vicious vines, cutting and hewing his way,
+afraid to cross the river and follow the Ganassi trail. Finally,
+one rosy dawn, he came upon the lake as it sparkled and shimmered in
+the early light. The boy held his breath, delighted with the beauty
+of the view. Far in the distance mountains rose in a blue and purple
+haze. The lake was nestled in the heart of them, fed by many clear
+brooks and springs. Its bed had once been the crater of an active
+volcano, but Piang did not know this.
+
+From his retreat, built high among the dense trees, Piang watched
+the lake people ply their way to and fro across the water. Somewhere
+on that lake was the secret of the floating rice, and the boy was
+determined to discover the truth. He hid before dawn at the water's
+edge near a spot that he had noticed was much frequented. As usual,
+a swarm of natives visited it about noon. Piang watched them dip
+up gourds and cocoanut-shell cups full of water. They strained it
+through cloths, repeating and repeating the action. He was sure it was
+the coveted rice that they were gathering and he impatiently waited
+for them to go; no sooner had they departed, however, than others
+arrived to take up the task. There was nothing to do, but wait again
+for dawn, and Piang wriggled himself back to his grove and mounted
+his platform home.
+
+He was very restless all night and hardly slept at all, so anxious
+was he for the first streaks of light. As he lay with eyes upturned,
+he watched the stars grow dim: before they had entirely disappeared,
+Piang was standing by the water ready for the dive. His bolo was slung
+at his side, and in his mouth he carried a smaller knife. One never
+knows what one may meet at the bottom of an unknown lake, and Piang
+was prepared for any emergency.
+
+At last it was light, at last he could see into the clear
+lake. Climbing out on the rocks as far as he could, he let himself
+down into the cool water. How he rejoiced at the feel of it and how
+easily he slipped along toward the spot where he had watched the
+natives the day before!
+
+He looked for signs of rice. Seaweed tricked him; bubbles vanished
+and he reached to grasp them. Round and round he swam, and finally
+his hands closed over something small and slippery. Breathlessly he
+fingered it, and opening his hand as he trod water, he beheld the
+mushy rice grains.
+
+Taking a long survey, he assured himself that there was no one in
+sight. Yesterday the Moros had not come before noon; and if he worked
+quickly, he might discover the secret to-day. Taking a long breath,
+Piang dived straight down and, swimming along the bottom, examined
+the rocks carefully; but he came back to the surface none the wiser
+for his plunge. A puzzled look puckered his face. Tilting his head
+to one side, he considered. That was surely rice; it did not grow
+here, so it must come from under the water. Again he dived, but this
+time he swam nearer the surface and he saw that there was more rice
+floating by than he had imagined. It was not coming from the bottom,
+it was drifting from the center of the lake!
+
+Excitedly he headed in that direction, swimming under water whenever
+he lost the trail of the rice. It was not strange that it only came
+to the top in that one spot. There was a strong current that bore it
+upward, whirling it in an eddy before it sank to the bottom. Farther,
+farther he went, always swimming toward the center of the lake;
+and as he went, the rice grew thicker. Eagerly he plunged forward,
+keeping his eyes open, watching the rice.
+
+He stopped. What was that dark object resting on the bottom? He
+did not know how exhausted he was until he paused for breath; then,
+knowing that his next dive would take him far down, he rolled over on
+his back and floated quietly. Burning with curiosity, he could hardly
+wait to see what was there. Slowly he swam downward. Something warned
+him to be more careful, and afterward he was grateful for his caution,
+for had he plunged recklessly to the bottom, in all probability in
+would have been his last dive.
+
+He was aware of a large body moving near him and he dodged just in time
+to avoid a collision, striking out for the surface. Lying flat on the
+water, he peered into the depth and discovered several dark things
+swimming about. Frightened at first, he remembered that sharks and
+crocodiles do not live in mountain lakes. Bravely he descended, but
+this time he swam with his bolo in his hand. Down, down, and again he
+saw the queer, square things flopping about. They were huge tortoises,
+clustered around a darker object at the very bottom of the lake. Once
+more Piang came to the top. He was not afraid now; tortoises do not
+fight unless attacked, and the boy could easily outswim any of the
+clumsy creatures. But what were they doing out there in the middle of
+the lake? Tortoises live near shoals and feed on fungi and roots. As
+he plunged down once more, he was met by a strong up-current and had to
+fight his way through. Tiny particles stung him as they rushed by, and
+it seemed to him that millions of fish were darting here and there,
+snapping at something. It was rice. Gradually it dawned on Piang
+that he had reached his goal; the tortoise had reached it first,
+and the secret lay hidden in that dark thing at the bottom.
+
+Frantically, but steadily, he worked his way down, avoiding weeds and
+driftwood. The water grew calmer as he neared the bottom, the rush of
+the current less. His breath was almost gone; he could hardly stand
+it a few seconds longer, but he must see what it was there. With one
+supreme effort, he struggled and reached the hard sand of the lake
+floor. A trifle dazed, he looked about, and there, towering above him,
+was a ship.
+
+Piang was almost unconscious when he reached the air. Had he
+been dreaming? How could a ship be resting on the bottom of Lake
+Lanao? Restraining his curiosity, he forced himself to rest. Lying on
+his back again, he took long regular breaths until he was entirely
+rested. Slowly he descended and, avoiding contact with the loggy
+tortoise, circled around the dark thing. Yes, it was a boat. Piang
+had seen only one other boat like it in his life. It was only about
+thirty-five feet long, but to the boy it seemed to rise above him
+like a mountain. Fascinated, he sank lower until he was standing on
+the deck. The tortoises and fish paid no attention to him, and he
+examined it carefully. The big tube, sticking up in its middle Piang
+recognized as the thing that belches smoke, and along the sides,
+covered with slime and weeds, were small black objects. He had heard
+that these boats hurl "hot-spit" into the jungle when they are angry,
+and he supposed it must come from these ugly things. All this occupied
+only a few seconds, but to Piang it seemed like years. Making a hasty
+ascent, he again filled his lungs and prepared to explore farther. As
+he worked his way back, he crossed the current that was bearing the
+rice to the surface and remembered his mission. Following the milky
+trail, he arrived at the stern of the boat and shuddered to see the
+mass of animal life clustered there. Worming his way alongside, he
+frightened the swarming creatures, and they scattered, leaving him a
+clear view of the boat. Only one old tortoise refused to be disturbed,
+and Piang watched it pull and bite at something. He was very close
+to it, when suddenly something blinded him. He put out his hands to
+ward it off, but the rush increased, and when he found his way to the
+top his hands were full of soggy rice. The old tortoise had torn the
+end of a rice-sack, and the contents were being whirled upward.
+
+As the boy lay on the water, reviewing his remarkable discovery,
+his strength almost exhausted, he was startled into the realization
+of a new danger. Quickly he dived, but not before a man in a vinta,
+headed that way, had seen him. Piang was caught. In his excitement
+he had failed to watch for the coming of his enemies, and now he
+must fight. Swiftly the vinta approached. Piang could see it through
+the water and he watched until it was over his head. With a lunge,
+he struck at it with all his might, upsetting it and throwing the
+occupant out. With a yell the man grabbed Piang, and the startled boy
+recognized his old enemy, Sicto, the outcast, who drifted from tribe
+to tribe, a parasite on all who would tolerate him. He was making
+his home with the lake people just now and had discovered Piang's
+hiding-place. Guessing that the boy was after the secret of the rice,
+he had watched his chance and had pounced on him when he was least
+able to protect himself.
+
+Over and over they rolled, splashing and fighting. Piang was struggling
+for breath, but luckily he still had his bolo in his hand. The big
+bully was sure to win the fight unless Piang could escape soon, as
+he was already winded and exhausted. A happy thought flashed through
+Piang's mind. He watched for one of the tortoises to swim near the
+surface, and then shrieking "Crocodile," he pointed toward it. When
+the frightened Sicto shrank from the tortoise, Piang struck with all
+his might, but he was so weak and his knife was so heavy that he only
+stunned his adversary.
+
+Then he was away like a flash. Before the bully could recover, Piang
+had righted the vinta and was paddling off in the direction of the
+river. Sicto tried to follow him, but Piang only laughed and paddled
+faster. He was free again; he had a boat, and knew the secret of the
+rice. Allah was indeed good to little Piang.
+
+Rapidly he plied his paddle. The current was against him as he headed
+for the mouth of the river, but he worked steadily and soon lost
+sight of the infuriated Sicto.
+
+He paused. Coming out of the river was a flotilla of boats. They were
+the usual rice-fishers, and he must pass them to gain the outlet. What
+if they called to him? He could not speak their dialect, and they
+would surely recognize Sicto's boat. He did not think they had seen
+him, so he changed his course to the east-ward and slowly paddled in
+that direction. They soon passed behind him, paying no attention to
+the solitary boatman, and he thankfully headed toward the river. As
+soon as the men reached Sicto, he would tell them of the fight, and
+they would give chase. Piang's chances of escape were indeed slim,
+but he had a little start.
+
+Stubbornly he fought the current; patiently he worked against the
+swift water. At last he was in the river, but he knew that by this
+time the Moros were in pursuit. That they did not appear in the river
+behind him was no reason to feel safe. He was sure they would try to
+head him off by land, as the river wound round and round through the
+valleys. The odds were certainly against Piang. He was in a strange
+country, unfamiliar with the trails and hunted by the swiftest tribe
+of Moros. The Ganassi trail was out of the question. It would be
+lined with the lake people watching for him. The jungle, which he
+had worked his way through, would be searched, and his recent camping
+site discovered. Every passable trail to his home would be watched.
+
+Suddenly Piang remembered the "Americano" soldiers. They
+lived somewhere off in the other direction, beyond the terrible
+marshlands. Without a moment's hesitation, he headed toward the shore,
+pulled up the vinta, and secured it. He then plunged into the stream
+and swam to the opposite shore. When the lake people found the vinta,
+they would search that side of the jungle. Piang was pleased at
+his ruse.
+
+Bravely the boy faced his only avenue of escape. The journey through
+the marshlands and over the mountains was considered impossible,
+but Piang was not discouraged. Searching the surrounding jungle, he
+made sure that he had not been discovered, and, turning his back on
+his home as well as on his enemies, headed toward the distant peaks,
+the Dos Hermanas.
+
+
+
+"Halt!" The sentry on Post No. 4 wheeled and took aim. There was
+another rustle in the bushes. "Halt!" came the second warning. Luckily
+the man was an old soldier, whose nerves were well seasoned. There
+would be only one more warning; the bullet would come then. Tensely
+the sentry listened. In the jungle one does not wait long out of
+curiosity. Just as he was about to utter his ultimatum and emphasize
+it with lead, a slender form tottered through the bushes and fell to
+the ground.
+
+"Sure, an' he 's a-playin' dead. None of that game for yer Uncle
+Dudley." The Irishman, coming to port arms, sang out:
+
+"Corporal of the guard. Number Four!" Never taking his eyes off the
+still form, he waited.
+
+"What's up?" called the corporal, as he came running up the trail
+with his squad.
+
+"Suspicious greaser!" The sentry pointed at the prostrate
+form. Cautiously they approached it. Too many times their humane
+sympathy had been rewarded by treachery. The native did not stir. One
+of the guard poked him with his foot. There was no resistance.
+
+"Guess he's all in, all right," announced the corporal. "Heave him
+up. Never mind the leeches; they won't hurt you." The boy was lifted
+to the top of a woodpile. He bore the marks of the jungle. His hands
+and feet were scratched and torn by thorns, some of which still showed
+in the flesh. His ribs showed plainly through the tightly pulled skin,
+and leeches clung to him, sucking the blood from his tired body. The
+long hair had been jerked from its customary chignon, and was hanging
+loose around his head. His thin arms hung listlessly at his side.
+
+"Gosh, he needs a wash bad enough. Must have been starving, too." With
+his bayonet the corporal removed the black hair from the face. Uttering
+an exclamation, he bent over the boy.
+
+"Well, I'll be dinged! This is the kid Lieutenant Lewis sent up to the
+lake! How in tarnation did he get to us from this direction?" The men
+silently exchanged glances, all remembering their fruitless attempts
+to make a trail over the Dos Hermanas. Forcing water between the
+parched lips, the corporal gently shook Piang. The boy opened his
+eyes and shuddered.
+
+"You're all right now, little 'un," the corporal said, and although
+Piang did not understand the language, he responded to the kind tone
+with a weak smile. Slowly getting to his elbow, he motioned toward
+the garrison:
+
+"_Hombre!_" ("Man!") he muttered. It was the only Spanish word he knew,
+and the soldiers guessed that he wanted Lieutenant Lewis.
+
+"Give him a lift, boys," said the corporal and set the example by
+helping Piang to stand.
+
+
+
+"Why, the boy's story is incredible, Lewis. It is simply impossible
+that a gunboat could be at the bottom of Lake Lanao," General
+Beech protested as he walked to and fro in front of his desk in the
+administration building.
+
+"If you will search the records at headquarters, sir, I think you
+will find mention of three gunboats that were shipped to this island
+by the Spanish government and disappeared mysteriously on the eve of
+our occupancy."
+
+And so it turned out. Inquiries among the older natives of the barrio
+brought confirmation of the report, and weird tales of transporting
+the diminutive gunboats in sections over the mountain passes began
+to float about. Finally General Beech was convinced and gave the
+necessary orders to equip and send an investigating party to the
+lake. Piang was to be the guide.
+
+The transport _Seward_ carried the troops around to Iligan, and the
+struggle up the mountain trail to Lake Lanao began.
+
+Sicto was the first to give warning of the approach. He came upon the
+party one morning as they were breaking camp near the Marie Christina
+falls and immediately dashed off to Marahui.
+
+"The white devils are coming," he shrieked. "Piang, the traitor,
+is leading them to us!"
+
+Dato Grande assembled his council, and they awaited the coming
+of the soldiers with misgivings. They had good reason to fear the
+Americans. General Bushing had swept that district in his marvelous
+campaign, and there was many a cripple among the lake people to
+testify to the accuracy of his marksmen. But they were relieved by
+the appearance of Ricardo, the interpreter, who explained to the dato
+that the troops were not hostile, but had come to make friends with
+the Moros.
+
+Proudly Piang swung along at the head of the column, guiding them
+to his recent platform home. Camp was pitched on the shore, and the
+engineers commenced work at once. The boy impatiently waited for
+the divers to fix their cumbersome suits, and when all was ready,
+he plunged into the water and disappeared from view. The grotesque
+figures floating down with him made Piang want to laugh. They looked
+like huge devil-fish, and he wondered how they could stand the clumsy
+dress. After he had led the men to the boat he came to the top and
+swam with eyes down. If there were more boats, he wanted to find them
+first. The men on the bank were watching his agile movements with
+interest. With a shout he disappeared again. Yes, yes, there was a
+second boat. And as he circled the sunken craft he spied another near
+it. Striking out for the shore, he swam to where the general and the
+lieutenant were waiting.
+
+"What is he chattering about, Ricardo?" asked the general.
+
+"He says he has seen the other two boats, sir."
+
+"This is certainly a fortunate discovery, Lewis. I shall make a
+report to Washington on the matter, and you shall be commended for
+your sagacity."
+
+The young officer flushed with pleasure, but replied:
+
+"Thank you, sir, but I think the boy Piang deserves all the credit."
+
+It was many days before the task was completed. The rice had remained
+a mystery to the last, and the officers puzzled over the fact that it
+had not rotted entirely. The first report from the divers confirmed
+the rumor that the boats had been scuttled, presumably to prevent
+the Americans from capturing them. They had all been loaded with
+rice packed in sacks, and secured in tin-lined boxes. Until recently
+it had been protected from the water, but something heavy from above
+had fallen on them, crushing the outside coverings. The tortoise had
+done the rest.
+
+Another surprise awaited the troops. A diver brought up a handful of
+Krag cartridges.
+
+"This _is_ a mystery," said Lieutenant Lewis. "The Spanish never used
+Krags; we were the first to bring them to this part of the world,
+weren't we?"
+
+A shadow crossed General Beech's face. Quietly he ordered the divers to
+search for more ammunition. Silently they waited, and Lewis wondered
+what had brought the sad expression to his chief's face. When the
+divers brought up a wooden box half filled with cartridges, the two
+officers bent over it; on one side, branded in the wood, was plainly
+visible:
+
+"Depot Quartermaster, San Francisco, Cal."
+
+"I thought so," murmured the general.
+
+"Well, what do you know about that!" exclaimed Lewis. "The public
+has been wondering for years what became of the thousands of rounds
+of ammunition General Bushing took with him on his spectacular march
+through Mindanao. Murder will out. It is here!" He rubbed his hands
+together in glee, laughing softly.
+
+"How do you suppose this ammunition got here, Lewis?" General Beech
+asked gravely.
+
+"Why, dumped here, of course. Don't you remember the Sunday editions
+at home proclaiming Bushing a hero because he had used more ammunition
+and apparently done more fighting, than any one on record? Why didn't
+he come out with the truth?"
+
+General Beech colored at this injustice to his colleague.
+
+"The usual hasty conclusion characteristic of Young America!" said the
+General, sharply. "Do you know, young man, that General Bushing is not
+only one of our ablest soldiers, but one of the most finished diplomats
+in the service?" Lewis had never seen General Beech so agitated.
+
+"This discovery will be no news to the war department; they are
+in possession of the detailed account of the accident." He paused,
+his eyes sweeping the lake. "Lewis, this lake is the site of a most
+unfortunate accident. Out there," General Beech pointed toward the
+center of the lake, "dozens of our soldiers were lost, and the public
+will never know the tragic story of their fall. General Bushing
+was trying to transport six rafts of ammunition across the lake
+to the troops stranded at Camp Vicars. During a wild night storm,
+the handful of men set out on improvised rafts, but half-way across
+they were attacked from all sides and nearly annihilated. Only the
+wisdom and bravery of General Bushing saved the entire detachment
+from death; he ordered the ammunition thrown overboard and rescued
+his remaining men after a hard fight. That the survivors, one and
+all, have kept faith, and never divulged the story of the lost Krags,
+proves the remarkable influence General Bushing had over his command,
+for had the Moros got wind of this handy arsenal--!"
+
+
+
+The day finally came when the tiny flotilla was at last raised, and,
+gay in its paint and polished metal, gallantly rode at anchor. All the
+lake tribes were assembled to witness the celebration, and they gazed
+with wonder at the strange craft. Many Americans had been attracted to
+the lake by news of the discovery, and the camp had grown to almost
+twice its original size. Some of the officers' wives had endured the
+hardships of the journey to witness the novel sight.
+
+The boats were pronounced seaworthy and were to be tested. The
+largest boat, the flagship, was decorated from one end to the other
+with its faded pennants, but in the stern, proudly proclaiming its
+present nationality, flew the Stars and Stripes. Under the flag
+at the bow stood a sturdy, nonchalant figure, arms folded, head
+erect. Condescendingly Piang swept the crowd of wondering natives
+with his haughty eye. He paid no more attention to Sicto than to the
+others. In his supreme self-confidence Piang scorned to report Sicto
+to the authorities. He was clothed in a new dignity that put him far
+above considering such an unworthy opponent as Sicto and he silently
+cherished the hope that other opportunities to outwit the mestizo
+would be granted him.
+
+An order was given. A shrill whistle startled the jungle folk. The
+engines throbbed, and one after another the boats responded. A cheer
+went up from the banks.
+
+Piang had been given the honor of renaming the boats. The smallest
+one bore the name of his mother, Minka. The next was dedicated to the
+memory of his tribe's greatest hero, Dato Ali, and characteristically,
+on the bow of the flagship, beneath the boy's feet, glittered the
+bright gold letters, "P-I-A-N-G."
+
+
+
+
+EIGHTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE JURAMENTADO GUNBOAT
+
+
+The transport _Seward_ was approaching Jolo. Far in the distance the
+sunset tinged the coast with myriads of delicate tints, softening the
+harsh outline of the jungle. A flock of wild pigeons hovering over
+the town, suggested domestic peace, which was far from the actual
+state of affairs in that hotbed of intrigue. Glasses were trained on
+the isolated garrison, a mere speck of civilization, hurled at the
+foot of the jungle, and the excited tourists covered themselves with
+glory by their foolish questions.
+
+Queer, dark-skinned people in dirty, many-colored garments, looking
+like a rainbow fallen in disgrace, greeted the newcomers in sullen
+silence, their disapproval very evident. A quarantine officer boarded
+and asked for the young lieutenant who was to join the Siasi garrison.
+
+"Hello, Lewis! There is some uprising in Basilan. Jekiri again,
+I guess. They want you up at headquarters immediately."
+
+
+
+The chug-chug of the engine was the only sound as the trim little
+gunboat _Sabah_ slipped along. Lewis had been given command of a
+squad of cavalry and ordered to proceed to Basilan to put down any
+outbreak that might threaten. "Juramentado," was whispered, and his
+orders were not to allow the troops to become involved but to quell
+any trouble that was brewing.
+
+"A pretty big order for a shave-tail (greenhorn) Lewis," General
+Beech had said at parting, "but I bet you and that dark shadow of
+yours will make good." The hearty handclasp and kind smile warmed the
+young officer's heart. General Beech was unusually young for his post
+as division commander, and he had endeared himself to his followers
+by his kindly manner and dignified directness, and Lewis would have
+faced death for him.
+
+"Thank you, sir," was all that he said, and "the dark shadow" salaamed
+according to his custom.
+
+That night as the Americans swung along under the dome of brilliant
+stars, a question arose as to the meaning of juramentado.
+
+"Piang," Lieutenant Lewis said, "tell us about this custom of your
+people, won't you?"
+
+Bashfully the boy hung his head and wriggled his toes. He was ashamed
+of his fierce people since the good American had taken him into his
+home, but they prevailed upon him to explain, and among them they
+gathered the following story from his funny, broken English:
+
+When a Moro wearies of life and wishes to take a short cut to paradise,
+he bathes in a holy spring, shaves his eyebrows, clothes himself
+in white and is blessed by the pandita. The oath he takes is called
+_juramentar_ (die killing Christians), and he arms himself with his
+wicked knife and starts forth. Selecting a gathering, well sprinkled
+with Christians, he begins his deadly work, and as long as he breathes,
+he hews right and left. Piang told them that he had seen one strong
+Moro juramentado pierced by a bayonet, drive the steel further into
+himself, in order to reach the soldier at the other end of the gun,
+whom he cut in two before he died.
+
+The horror on the faces of his listeners made Piang pause, but they
+urged him on.
+
+"Since we are headed toward Jekiri's sanctum, I guess it behooves us
+to get all the dope goin' about these fellows," interjected a recruit.
+
+Piang's big, black eyes filled with mystery when he described how
+the juramentado rides to the abode of the blessed on a shadowy,
+white horse, taller than a carabao, just as dusk is falling. Indeed,
+he assured them that he had seen this very phenomenon himself and
+shivered at the recollection of the unnatural chill and damp that
+crept through the jungle while the spirit was passing.
+
+"Bosh, Piang, you mustn't believe those fairy tales now. You are a
+good American."
+
+"Sure, me good American, now," grinned the boy.
+
+
+
+There is nothing to differentiate the island of Basilan from the many
+others in the Sulu group. The natives seemed far from hostile, however,
+and Lieutenant Lewis remarked upon their docility to Sergeant Greer.
+
+"Don't let 'em fool you, sir; they're not to be trusted," he replied.
+
+"Oh, Sergeant, I think we are all too scared of the dirty beggars. If
+we ever stop dodging them, they will stop lying in wait for us."
+
+The old man's face did not reveal his misgivings, but he wondered
+where this young upstart would lead the men and inwardly cursed the
+war department for sending troops into the jungle under the command
+of a baby. He was soon to change his opinion of this particular "baby."
+
+Camp was pitched near the water's edge in a tall cocoanut grove that
+supplied them with food and water as well as shade. The chores over,
+liberty was granted to explore the island. The sergeant shook his head;
+he seemed to feel the inexperience of the new officer and overstepped
+the bounds of discipline when he warned him again of the treachery
+of the natives, advising him to keep the men in camp.
+
+"That will do, Sergeant," replied the lieutenant. The old man stiffened
+into a salute, wheeled, and disappeared down the company street.
+
+At sunset retreat was sounded, and after all the men had been
+accounted for, they gathered around the fires. Picturesque natives
+mingled with the jolly soldiers, bartering and arguing over trifling
+purchases. Through the warm fragrance, unfamiliar sounds kept
+reminding Lewis that he was far from home. The twilight deepened
+into night, and pipe in hand, he reviewed the strange scene. Folks at
+home were celebrating Christmas Eve. Somewhere the snow was falling,
+bells jingling, and a mother's prayers were being whispered for the
+far-away boy in the Sulu jungle. Little Piang was squatting at his
+feet, silently watching the scene, happy because he was near his
+master. Suddenly the boy jumped up, dashed into the crowd, and yelled:
+
+"Juramentado!"
+
+A tall Moro, without any warning, had begun to shriek and whirl,
+cutting to and fro with his terrible campilan, and before any one could
+prevent, he had felled two troopers. With a howl, Lewis plunged into
+their midst, pistol leveled, but before he could pull the trigger,
+the Moro buried the sword in his own vitals and pitched forward, dead.
+
+"See, another!" cried Piang.
+
+Just in time a bullet from the lieutenant's revolver silenced another
+deadly fanatic. They had slipped into the gathering, well concealed
+beneath enshrouding green sarongs, but Piang's quick eye had detected
+them before they had a good start.
+
+"Piang has saved us from a terrible row, boys," said Sergeant Greer,
+and when the wounded were cared for, the rough soldiers tossed the
+graceful boy on their shoulders and paraded through the camp, much
+to the delight of the hero.
+
+"I go to find the sultan to-morrow, sir?" asked Piang. "Him at
+Isabella, and I must give him Kali Pandapatan's message."
+
+"Well, Piang, I am with you. I'm going to face that old codger and
+tell him what I think of his fiendish tricks of killing us off by
+this beastly juramentado, when he claims to be at peace with America."
+
+Lewis learned many things during the trip, and Piang delighted in
+guiding his friends through the jungle he loved so well, through the
+grass eight feet high, under trees laden with strange fruits. Monkeys
+were swinging in the trees chattering and scolding the intruders.
+
+"You want monkey, sir?" asked Piang.
+
+"Can you catch one without hurting it?"
+
+"You watch Piang," chuckled the boy. The others hid, and Piang
+struck a match. The tree, full of curious little people, shook as
+they scampered about trying to see what Piang was doing. He paid no
+attention to them, and as he struck match after match, they gradually
+crept nearer. Shielding the flame from the inquisitive creatures,
+he excited their curiosity until they were unable to resist, and
+soon one hopped to the ground. Another came, and another. Piang paid
+no attention to the visitors, continuing to hide the flame in his
+hands. Lewis almost spoiled it all by laughing outright, for it was
+indeed a ridiculous sight to see the little wild things consumed with
+curiosity. Walking upright, their funny hands dangling from the stiff
+elbows, they advanced. One venturesome little gray form clinging to
+the branch overhead by its tail, timidly touched Piang's shoulder. It
+paused, touched it again, and finally confidently hopped upon it,
+all the while craning its neck, making absurd faces at the sulphur
+fumes. Two little arms went around Piang's neck; a soft little body
+cuddled up against him, and all the while the monkey twisted and
+turned in its efforts to discover the mystery of the flame.
+
+The click of a camera sounded like a gunshot in the intense stillness,
+and up the trees went the little band in a flash, all but the prisoner
+in Piang's arms.
+
+"Great, Piang," called Lewis. "I hope the picture will be good,
+for it was the strangest sight I ever saw in my life."
+
+"Oh, me love monkeys," replied the boy, stroking and soothing the
+frightened creature. "You want this one?"
+
+"No, let the little beast off, I couldn't bear to cage it up." A banana
+and some sugar repaid the monkey for the experiment and after he was
+free, he followed the travelers, chattering and begging for sweets.
+
+When they came to Isabella, capital of Basilan Island, Piang scurried
+off in search of the sultan. The men amused themselves watching
+the excitement they created. An American soldier is a wonderful and
+dreadful thing to these wild folk.
+
+"The sultan, he out in other barrio. Me catchim." This being
+interpreted meant that Piang would guide them to his house.
+
+When they finally came to a clearing, Lewis wondered why Piang stopped
+in front of a filthy hut, half-way up two cocoanut-trees; he was
+impatient to be off, as he wanted to reach the sultan's palace before
+dark. Piang was arguing with a dirty woman cleaning fish in the river.
+
+"Piang, what's the idea? Let's get on," impatiently said Lewis.
+
+"This His Excellency Paduca Majasari Amiril Sultan Harun Narrasid's
+house," replied Piang with awe.
+
+"Gee, what a name!" exclaimed Lewis. "And to go with that dugout,
+too. Say, Piang, I suppose we could call the old chap Pad for short?"
+
+Piang grinned, but instantly went on his knees, head touching the
+ground as a sullen, dark face, a white scar slashed across the cheek,
+appeared at the opening.
+
+"What does the beggar mean by that grunt, Sergeant?" asked Lewis.
+
+"That's the old boy himself, sir, wanting to know why you have
+disturbed his royal sleep."
+
+Lewis was dumfounded! This dirty, insignificant creature the sultan! He
+wanted to laugh, but the solemn little figure, prostrate before the
+man, made him say quietly:
+
+"Piang, get up, I want you to talk to him."
+
+Timidly the boy raised his eyes to his august lord; another grunt
+seemed to give Piang permission, for he rose and faced Lewis.
+
+"What you want Piang to say? Be careful. He not like joke and might
+chop off Americanos."
+
+Lewis realized it was no trifling matter to meet this scoundrel alone
+in the jungle, far from reinforcements. His message was simple, short,
+and impressive:
+
+"Ask him why the devil he allowed those juramentados to invade
+my camp?"
+
+With much ceremony Piang addressed the sultan, bowing and scraping
+before him. The low, ugly growls in response made Lewis furious,
+but he refrained from showing his anger. The sultan's reply amazed him.
+
+He expressed his regrets indifferently, that the camp had been
+disturbed. But (he threw up his hands to indicate his helplessness)
+who could stop the sacred juramentado? Not he, powerful sultan that
+he was. To-day was a feast of the Mohammedans. To-day was a most
+holy day, and, of course, the sultan could not be held responsible
+if some of his men had become excited. True, many good Americans had
+met their death in this way; it was most unfortunate, but how could
+it be stopped? Did the Christians not have their Christmas, and did
+they not kill turkeys and cut trees? The Moros are a fierce people
+and celebrate their feast days in a more violent manner.
+
+Poor Lewis! Thoroughly exasperated, he tried to argue through Piang,
+but finding it hopeless, he told the boy to finish Kali Pandapatan's
+business with the sultan as quickly as possible.
+
+Discouraged, he started back through the jungle, wondering how many
+more fanatics had broken loose during his absence. The sultan was
+deliberately picking the troops off, a few at a time, always insisting
+that he was at peace with the Americans. The war department, many miles
+away, was unable to understand the situation. Orders required that
+the Moro receive humane treatment, and forbade any drastic measures
+being taken against the juramentados, saying time would cure it. It
+was outrageous, and intelligent men were being made fools of by the
+sultan, who understood the state of affairs perfectly.
+
+The jungle began to irritate Lewis; it was a constant fight. The
+terrible heat, the tenacity of the vines and undergrowth seemed
+directed toward him personally, as he stumbled and fought his way
+along. How impossible to deal with the crafty sultan according to
+Christian standards! He should be given treatment that would bring
+him to terms quickly, and Lewis longed to get a chance at him.
+
+Suddenly an idea flashed into his head. He hurried Piang, bidding
+him find a shorter cut home, as night was gathering.
+
+"Sergeant Greer, come to my tent immediately," ordered the lieutenant
+when he had looked over the camp and found everything safe.
+
+"Allow no one to enter, orderly," he said and closed the flaps.
+
+"Sergeant, I have a plan and I need your experience and advice to
+carry it out. That old sultan is a fiend, and I am going to get him!"
+
+"That's been tried many times, sir, and he is still ahead of the game."
+
+But after Lewis had talked rapidly for a few minutes, disclosing
+the plan that was slated to best his majesty, a smile broke over the
+weather-beaten features of the sergeant, and he slapped his thighs
+in appreciation.
+
+"Well, sir, we can try it, and if it does work, headquarters will
+flood you with thanks; if it fails, and I warn you it might, you will
+be cut into hash either by the sultan or the war department." This
+was good advice from the old soldier.
+
+"I know it, Sergeant, but I am going to take the risk if you are with
+me." The enthusiastic young man dashed out of the tent to make the
+necessary preparations for the great event.
+
+
+
+Christmas morning dawned sultry and heavy. The mist lifted after
+reveille and the troops were astonished that the _Sabah_ had
+disappeared. Their surprise was greater to find a corporal in charge
+of the camp. There was a positive order that no trooper should enter
+the barrio, and an air of mystery hung over the whole camp. Where
+was the gunboat, the lieutenant, the sergeant, and the interpreter,
+Piang? The corporal shook his head to all these questions.
+
+Suddenly rapid firing was heard in the direction of the barrio,
+and every soldier seized his gun and ran into the company streets,
+but the corporal, calm and undisturbed, dismissed them.
+
+Nervously the men wandered about; the two wounded men became the center
+of attraction and related for the hundredth time their sensations
+when the juramentado had struck them down. They were not seriously
+wounded, but the cruel cuts were displayed, and they did not prove
+an antidote to the tenseness of the situation.
+
+The firing had ceased after about ten minutes, and new sounds took
+its place: wails and shrieks, the crackling of bamboo, told the story
+of the burning village. But who had attacked the town? The corporal
+smiled to himself, quietly.
+
+Cheerily a whistle rang out, sending the men running to the beach;
+there was the _Sabah_, tripping jauntily through the water toward
+her recent mooring-place, and on her deck, smiling and waving, were
+the missing men.
+
+"Merry Christmas," Lewis greeted the men, as he walked down the
+company street. Stopping at the cook's tent, he inquired what there
+was for dinner.
+
+"Beans, bacon, and hardbread," was the reply.
+
+"Tough menu for Christmas, eh, cook?"
+
+Since their arrival, every turkey and duck had disappeared, and the
+barrio offered nothing to enhance their limited ration. It was an
+old trick; the natives objected to sharing their food with soldiers,
+and as soon as any troops landed on the island, ever possible article
+was spirited away into the jungle.
+
+It was a bad day for every one. Most of the men were homesick, and
+they all felt the shadow of impending disaster; only Lewis and his
+confidants realized the seriousness of the situation, however.
+
+"Corporal, take four men with bolos and cut six banana trees," called
+Lewis. "Plant them in a row down the company street."
+
+Curiosity and amusement were mingled with indifference as the men
+started toward the thicket to execute the order. What had come
+over the lieutenant? Obediently the trees were brought, and Lewis
+superintended the planting. The squad was kept busy cutting ferns
+and palms, and it began to dawn on the astonished men that they were
+preparing for a holiday. The spirit was taken up generally, and the
+gloom was gradually dispelled.
+
+"Here, Jake, hang this mistletoe up over the folding doors," commanded
+the corporal, handing him a bamboo shoot, and pointing to the tent
+door. "Now when she comes asailin' in to dinner, all unaware of your
+presence, smack her a good one, right on the bull's eye."
+
+Laughter and shouts greeted this order, and when Kid Conner offered to
+impersonate a lovely damsel and, with mincing step and bashful mien,
+appeared at the opening, Jake was game, and a skuffle ensued. Shrieks
+of merriment coming from the cook tent aroused Lewis's curiosity, and
+even his weighty matters were forgotten when he beheld Irish cooky
+on his knees before the incinerator arranging a row of well-worn
+socks. Solemnly folding his hands he raised his eyes in supplication:
+
+"Dear Santa, don't forget your children in this far-away jungle. We
+are minus a chimney on this insinuator, but we are bettin' on you and
+the reindeers just the same, to slip one over on us and come shinnin'
+down a cocoanut-tree with your pack. Never mind the trimmin's and
+holly, just bring plenty of cut plug and dry matches."
+
+And so the day worn on. Toward noon the storm broke; runners announced
+the approach of the sultan, and Lewis was far from calm when he gave
+the order to admit him to camp.
+
+"Piang," he said, "there is the deuce to pay, I know, but you stick
+by your uncle, and we will pull through."
+
+No insignificant nigger greeted Lewis this time. The sultan had come
+in state. Where he had gathered his train, the men could not imagine,
+but there he was, garbed in royal raiment, attended by slaves and
+retainers. Solemnly the procession advanced. Advisers, wives, slaves,
+and boys with buyo-boxes followed his majesty, who was arrayed in a red
+silk sarong, grotesquely embroidered with glass beads, colored stones,
+and real pearls. His hair was festooned with trinkets strung on wire,
+and on his fingers were fastened tiny bells that jingled and tinkled
+incessantly. They got on Lewis's nerves, and he quaked inwardly when
+he realized why he was honored by this visit.
+
+Finally when the members of the court had arranged themselves around
+their master, he loftily signaled for his buyo; Lewis, nothing
+daunted, motioned to his striker. Amid smothered laughter he produced
+the lieutenant's pipe and tobacco, using a tin wash-basin for a
+tray. Mimicking the actions of the royal slave the man salaamed before
+Lewis and proffered the pipe. Lest the sultan should despise his barren
+state, minus slaves, advisers, and wives, Lewis summoned Sergeant Greer
+and directed him to remain beside him to share the honor of the visit.
+
+When Lewis caught Irish cooky, arrayed in apron and undershirt, with
+a basting spoon and a meat ax held at attention, making faces at his
+old sergeant, the humor of the situation came over him, and he smiled
+to himself as he looked at the scene before him: the banana-trees,
+loosely flapping their wilted leaves, the socks idly waiting to
+be the center of merriment again, the troop drawn up at attention,
+regardless of the variety of uniform, and beyond, the _Sabah_, sole
+reminder of civilization, bobbing at anchor.
+
+Never removing his eyes from Lewis's face, the sultan completed
+the ceremony of the buyo, and after deliberately rolling a quid of
+betel-nut, lime-dust, and tobacco leaves, the august person stuffed
+it into his mouth.
+
+The trees rang with silence. Lewis thought his ears would burst as
+he strained them to catch the first sound that was to decide his
+fate. Faithfully Piang remained by his friend's side, despite the
+angry glances directed toward him from the sultan's party; the lad
+was fearful of the outcome of this tangle.
+
+Finally the spell was broken. Women giggled, slaves flitted about,
+administering to the wants of the party, and the interpreter rose to
+deliver the complaint.
+
+Had there not been a treaty of peace signed between Moroland and
+America?
+
+"Yes," replied Lewis. "And I am happy to serve a government that greets
+the Moro as brother." The sultan stirred, perplexed by the reply.
+
+"Then what right had that boat," asked the interpreter, pointing to
+the _Sabah_, "to shell the barrio, destroying property and killing?"
+
+This question was received by Lewis and the sergeant with grave
+surprise. Solemnly they exchanged inquiring glances, then in
+mock indignation glowered at the _Sabah_. The _Sabah_ disturb the
+peace? When had that happened?
+
+Insolently the interpreter related the story of the attack, and a
+rustle of surprise and delight ran through the troop. Sorrowfully
+Lewis and the sergeant shook their heads, and the sultan, puzzled
+at first, began to realize that he was dealing with a new kind of
+"Americano." The two men's heads bent lower and lower as they sorrowed
+over the misdemeanor of their little boat. Weighed down with grief,
+Lewis signaled Piang to prepare for his reply to the noble visitor.
+
+How could he (Lewis) appease the powerful sultan for this mishap? What
+amends could he make for the treachery of his little gunboat? Not
+even he [his hands went up in imitation of the sultan's own gesture
+of the day before] could help it, powerful officer though he was. It
+was Christmas, a most holy day, and doubtless before dawn the truant
+craft had slipped out of the harbor without permission and had gone
+juramentadoing.
+
+"Attention!" commanded Sergeant Greer, startling the troop into
+rigidness. Their delight had almost expressed itself in a whoop.
+
+With exaggerated gestures, Lewis continued.
+
+Did the Moro not have similar customs? And did the sultan
+not sympathize with him in his inability to stop this dreadful
+practice in the Celebes Sea? American boats are dangerous on their
+feast days, and no one can tell when they may go juramentadoing to
+celebrate the occasion. That is the only custom they could celebrate
+to-day. Look! [He pointed at the pitiful banana-trees.] There are no
+gifts to adorn them with, no turkeys to kill; and the soldiers' hearts
+are sad. But the _Sabah_ evidently appreciated her capabilities,
+and doubtless before night she would again honor her country by
+recklessly shelling the jungle.
+
+At this moment from the _Sabah_ a shrill whistle echoed through the
+forest, scattering the assembled guests in all directions. Some took
+to trees, others threw themselves face down, on the ground.
+
+The sultan was furious. He gruffly ordered his subjects back, and his
+beady eyes glared at the impostor, but he was too much of a diplomat to
+display his feelings further. The soldiers had been amused at first,
+but they realized the danger of trifling with the sultan. Every tree
+and corner of the jungle would respond with an armed savage, eager
+to destroy them, should the order be given, and uneasy glances were
+directed at the irate potentate. All the recent good humor and mirth
+had vanished; only the sergeant and the lieutenant retained an air of
+utter indifference. They quietly continued to smoke, gazing off into
+the far horizon, oblivious of their surroundings. Were they pushing
+that huge American bluff too far?
+
+After long deliberation, the sultan apparently reached his
+conclusion. He whispered an order, and several runners disappeared into
+the jungle. Lewis heard the sergeant catch his breath, but the old
+man preserved his dignity admirably. More silent waiting and smoking
+followed. The sultan growled his displeasure as an adviser attempted to
+give some piece of advice, displaying a far from lovely temper. Piang
+valiantly stood his ground, ready to fight and die by his friend.
+
+Finally sounds of the returning slaves reached the gathering. What was
+coming? Armed savages? Or had he ordered his poison reptiles to be let
+loose among the soldiers? The stillness was oppressive. No one moved,
+and the sultan continued to study the averted face of the officer.
+
+A sound floated to them, nearer, nearer. The men braced themselves
+for a fight. But the sound? It was one they had all heard, a familiar,
+homelike sound.
+
+"Gobble-gobble!" It was answered from all directions. Gradually the
+truth dawned on Lewis. He had won, and the warm blood rushed through
+his tired limbs.
+
+"Turkeys, by gosh!" shouted a recruit, and the cry was taken up by
+the whole command, for slaves were pouring in with fowls of every
+description. The sergeant vainly tried to establish order in the ranks,
+but the reaction was too great. All the good humor and excitement of
+the morning was restored, and the innate childishness of the soldier
+began to assert itself.
+
+"Here, Jake, hang this fellow up on that tree so he can salute his
+majesty in true turkey fashion," shouted one man, and Jake, game as
+usual, tossed a big gobbler up in one of the mock Christmas-trees. From
+this point of vantage the bird made the jungle resound with its
+protests, while the troop screamed with laughter as Jake undertook
+to interpret the creature's address.
+
+"Piang, what will we say to the old codger now?" asked Lewis.
+
+"I ask for gift for _Sabah_; it keep her good," grinned the boy,
+and when he delivered that message to his majesty, a smile nearly
+destroyed the immobility of his features. A slave handed Lewis a
+package done up in green leaves, and when he curiously loosened the
+wrappings, a handful of seed-pearls, beautiful in luster and coloring
+fell in his palm.
+
+"Thank him for the _Sabah_, Piang. I guess this will ease her restless
+spirit, all right. Tell him it will also serve as a balm for the
+wounds of the men who were attacked by the juramentados."
+
+Regally the old potentate rose to take leave. Lewis wanted to slap
+him on the back in that "bully-for-you-old-top" manner, but the farce
+must be completed. When the sultan paused opposite Lewis, measuring
+him with those cruel, steely eyes, Lewis's only indiscretion was a
+wavering of the eyelid, just one little waver, but it was very much
+like a wink. There was undoubtedly a response in the other's eyes,
+but that is between the sultan and Lewis.
+
+As solemnly as they had come, the procession disappeared into the
+jungle. The giant trees, smothered by vines and noxious growths,
+swallowed the brilliant throng and seemed to symbolize the union
+of the savage and the jungle. The sergeant's great, brawny hand was
+extended and grasped by Lewis in appreciation of what they had been
+through together.
+
+Excitement reigned everywhere. The bedlam of fowls about to be
+decapitated and the shrieks of the troopers vied with each other for
+supremacy. Piang was being lionized by the men, toasted and praised
+in high fashion.
+
+When Lewis inspected the Christmas dinner, the old Irishman winked
+a solemn wink, as he reminded the lieutenant of the discarded menu.
+
+"You knew it all the time, sor; why didn't you put me on?" With a
+noncommittal smile, Lewis proceeded on his usual inspection tour. After
+he had returned to his tent and was settling himself to enjoy the
+hard-earned meal, he was startled by an unusually loud outburst among
+the men. It gradually dawned upon him what it was. "Three cheers
+for the lieutenant! Three cheers for Piang!" was the cry that was
+disturbing the jungle twilight.
+
+
+
+
+NINTH ADVENTURE
+
+THE BICHARA [1]
+
+
+Piang was about to land for the first time at Zamboanga. His tribe
+had looked with distrust upon the overtures made by Governor Findy,
+and although they obeyed his command to appear at the _bichara_, they
+were prepared to fight if necessary. Pagans, Mohammedans, Catholics,
+and Protestants were ordered to assemble at Zamboanga to establish
+peaceful trading relations, a thing that had never been dreamed
+of in the belligerent Sulu Isles, and Americans as well as natives
+were fearful of the outcome. The governor was severely criticized
+for his experiment, but he had made a deep study of the Moros,
+and was willing to run the risks of the present in his desire to
+bring the light of freedom and peace to the misguided savages. After
+centuries of oppression and outrages against them, the Moros had of
+necessity become suspicious and cautious. Preyed upon by Jesuits,
+Filipinos, and Spaniards, they had long ago found a ready bolo the
+safest argument. Governor Findy had sent them word that they were
+to be protected from their enemies, and that Americans were their
+friends, but disturbing whispers of traps and bondage made the wild
+folk hesitate to obey the summons.
+
+Thus, a strange scene was being enacted at the Zamboanga wharf. From
+all directions weird crafts made their way hesitatingly toward it. The
+sentries were distrustfully scrutinized, but not a soldier was armed.
+
+"See, Kali Pandapatan, I told you the new governor was good. He trusts
+us and permits us to enter his barrio as friends." Proudly the tribe's
+charm boy sprang from the war-prau, and, to the astonishment of the
+soldiers, as well as the Moros, strutted up to the sergeant in charge
+and offered his hand, American fashion.
+
+"I'll be dinged, if it ain't Piang!" exclaimed Sergeant Greer. "Is
+this your old man, Piang?" he asked genially, pointing to Kali
+Pandapatan. The old chief stiffened at the apparent familiarity.
+
+"Him big chief! Him Kali Pandapatan," hastily corrected Piang.
+
+"Excuse me, sor; no hard feelings, I hope. Had a rough trip over,
+I hear; how did you leave the missus?"
+
+When the remark had been interpreted, a murmur rippled through
+Kali's ranks, and hands flew to hips. No Moro permits his women to
+be spoken of.
+
+"What's all the fuss, kid?" asked the sergeant, innocently.
+
+With an impish grin, Piang replied:
+
+"Him no like talk about missus; him got twenty."
+
+"The deuce he has!" laughed the sergeant. "Some old scout!"
+
+The good-natured Irishman finally gained the confidence of the ruffled
+potentate, and when Piang explained that he and the soldier were old
+friends, Kali solemnly acknowledged the union with a stiff handshake.
+
+"Ver' good," said the savage with a grin. Piang glowed with pride at
+Kali's display of English.
+
+"Now what do you know 'bout that?" commented Greer.
+
+The savages were for all the world like packs of wild animals brought
+to bay. Gaudy Bogobos from Davao brushed shoulders for the first time
+with Sabanas and Kalibugans, and their snarls and bickerings boded
+ill for the success of the bichara; but finally the natives huddled
+together, linked by the common suspicion of their Christian enemy.
+
+Before entering the town, every visitor was required to place
+his weapons in the _lanceria_. Now a weaponless Moro is the most
+embarrassed of men, with the possible exception of the dreamer who
+finds himself at a party in pajamas. A Moro's idea of his costume,
+arranged in order of its importance is: first, weapons; second, hat;
+third, shirt, and, incidentally, trousers.
+
+The timid creatures slunk along, looking suspiciously behind them, but
+as the soldiers paid no attention to them, they gradually forgot their
+enmity toward civilization and became engrossed in the new delights:
+pink lemonade, pop-corn, toy balloons. They were beside themselves
+with joy. When ice-cream was introduced, and they had been assured
+that it would not burn them, their admiration was unbounded. Piang
+surreptitiously slipped some of the heavenly sweet into his wallet
+for future consumption and was dismayed a little later to find a thin
+stream trickling down his leg and an empty wallet.
+
+Governor Findy watched with interest the mingling of the many alien
+people. Wily Chinamen behind their bamboo street-stalls ministered
+to the wants of the throng, taking in trade bits of gold-dust and
+trinkets of brass; Filipinos offered their wares, cooling drinks and
+sweets. The Filipino's costume is very different from that of the
+Moro. He wears stiff, white trousers, carefully creased and immaculate
+shirts which hang outside the trousers. He wears no shoes, and his
+short black hair is oiled and brushed very carefully.
+
+"Now, it's many times I've been wonderin' what the advantage is in
+wearin' your shirt outside your trousers," said Sergeant Greer to a
+sentry. "That's what I call practical," and he pointed to an ice-cream
+vender, industriously wiping a spoon on the tail of his shirt, before
+offering it to a new customer.
+
+There was great excitement over the coming _baile_ (ball). That night
+savages and Christians were to enjoy the festivities side by side, and
+marvelous tales of preparation were being circulated. Piang and Kali
+Pandapatan wandered about the village, pausing here and there, filled
+with awe at the novel sights. The value of garters as necklaces had
+been discovered, and a brilliant crimson pair decorated the chief's
+neck (he had gladly parted with five dollars' worth of gold-dust
+for the treasure). Gilt collar buttons were forced into the holes
+in his ears. Safety-pins and their surprises had to be investigated,
+and an admiring throng crowded around, marveling at Kali's daring.
+
+"Kali!" Piang exclaimed suddenly. "Look!"
+
+Seated at a table in front of a Chino cafe, were three men in
+earnest conversation: Alverez, a Filipino mestizo, who had acquired
+by deception the Moro title, Dato Tamangung; his cousin Vincente; and
+the Moro malcontent, Sicto. The two Filipinos were disloyal employees
+of the government, already suspected of being the instigators of
+unrest among the Moros. Sicto was a deserter from Kali's ranks and
+was wanted by that august chief for many serious offenses. Dato Kali
+Pandapatan scorned to report Sicto to the authorities. A Moro dato
+is supreme and has the right to punish his subjects according to his
+own lights. A woman, mingling with the gala bichara throng had a mere
+stump for an arm; she was a thief and her hand had been severed to
+prevent it from offending again. A man with face half covered showed
+the savage justice dealt a liar; his mouth had been split from ear
+to ear to permit easier passage of the truth. Sicto would be handled
+according to Moro law, but not here.
+
+Kali and Piang exchanged a knowing look, and Piang wandered off,
+apparently seeking new pleasures, but furtively watching the three
+men. He wormed his way through the crowd intent on a game of chess,
+played by two venerable old Chinamen. A sudden "Sssshhh" from Sicto
+interrupted Alverez's excited whisper, but not before Piang had caught
+a few significant words:
+
+"The baile--juramentado--Findy."
+
+The little charm boy's heart beat violently, but his face never
+changed expression. Juramentado! So some poor misguided fanatic
+had been persuaded to assassinate the governor. He and Kali must
+prevent the outrage, for had they not sworn allegiance to this new
+chief? Piang feared that Sicto suspected the words had been overheard,
+so he carefully avoided Kali and strolled on among the people. A
+glance at his chief had warned Kali that trouble was in the air.
+
+Sicto, Alverez, and Vincente moved off toward the dock.
+
+"Sicto, did Piang hear what I said?" asked Alverez.
+
+"Does the jungle hear the trumpeting of the elephant?" angrily
+retorted Sicto.
+
+"He hasn't spoken to any one yet," said Vincente, significantly. "We
+had better get rid of him before--"
+
+A whispered conversation followed, and Alverez finally exclaimed:
+
+"I'll do it! Wait here. Watch Piang." Then he hurried off.
+
+Without approaching Kali, or divulging the secret to any one, Piang
+followed the men to the dock, and Sicto laughed softly as he watched
+the unsuspecting boy walk into the trap. The little gunboat _Sabah_
+was bobbing at her moorings, and Piang joined the crowd that was
+gazing in wonder at the strange craft. A shrill whistle, signifying
+the _Sabah's_ intention of immediate departure, so terrified the Moros
+that some took to their heels while others sought the safety of tall
+lamp-posts. Piang was laughing merrily when he was startled by a noise,
+and turning, he saw Alverez and a soldier running toward him.
+
+Instantly everything was confusion, and Piang realized that he was
+the center of the excitement.
+
+"Are you Piang?" asked the soldier, cautiously approaching him.
+
+"Sure, me Piang."
+
+"Hike! Beat it!" said the man, pointing to the _Sabah_.
+
+What did he mean? Was Piang to be allowed to go aboard the boat?
+
+The soldier made it very plain, finally, that such was the case, but
+Piang insisted that he could not depart on a pleasure ride without
+getting his chief's permission.
+
+"_Sigi_, beat it, I tell you, _pronto_!" said the soldier impatiently,
+emphasizing the command with a push. Almost before Piang realized it,
+he found himself on the gunboat, which was slowly moving out toward
+the channel. In his hand was a crumpled piece of paper which the
+soldier had gingerly thrust into it.
+
+"Here's your passport, kid," he had said with a grin. Piang carefully
+unrolled the paper and stared at the queer American characters. A
+sailor offered to translate it for him, but when he glanced over the
+paper, he uttered a low whistle.
+
+"Say, you go away back and sit down! Don't you come near me or any
+one else, sabe?"
+
+Piang recoiled before the look of disgust on the sailor's face. What
+was the matter with every one? Why were they all afraid to come near
+him, and where were they taking him? He summoned up enough courage to
+ask who had written the letter, and when he was told that it was signed
+by Governor Findy, he felt reassured. Surely if the good governor was
+sending him somewhere, it would be all right. Disconsolately, Piang
+crouched in a corner, watching sharks and dolphins sporting in the
+foaming wake. He wondered how long the boat was going to be out, if
+it would return in time for him to save the governor. When he started
+toward a group of men to ask for information he was met with a shout.
+
+"Get out of here, you!" they yelled, and poor Piang hurriedly retreated
+to the stern. Much talk of the coming baile seemed to indicate that
+the sailors expected to return before evening, so Piang patiently
+squatted on a coil of rope, wondering when the mysteries of his errand
+would be revealed to him.
+
+The ocean is dotted with many lovely islands off Zamboanga. Somber,
+lowering Basilan guards its secrets to this day; Sacol, home of Dato
+Mandi, invites and then repels the intruder; tiny clumps of vivid
+green rise out of the channel in the most unexpected places, as if
+timidly wishing to investigate before adding their emerald mite to
+crown the Celebes. The island toward which the _Sabah_ was making her
+way seemed blacker and denser than its more frivolous neighbors. Two
+staccato whistles warned the islanders of the _Sabah's_ approach,
+and the beach was soon the scene of lively commotion. The engines
+stopped, and the gunboat slid along easily. A boat was lowered. The
+sailors were speaking in low voices; one looked toward Piang and
+shook his head sadly.
+
+"My task is not to be an easy one," thought the charm boy, but his
+head went up proudly. These sailor men should see how a brave Moro
+executed the commands of his superiors.
+
+"Come on, kid," called a jacky, and just as Piang stepped over the
+side a kindly sailor slipped a quarter in his hand. It was evidently
+a gift, and the boy grinned appreciatively.
+
+"Wastin' your coin, man," remarked another sailor with a harsh
+laugh. "He's not likely to need _dinero_ (a silver coin) soon." Piang
+wondered again at the pitying looks that were cast at him, but he only
+held his head higher and climbed into the boat. The men seemed in a
+great hurry; they landed far up the beach, and bags and provisions
+were hastily dumped on the sand.
+
+"Here you are, young 'un," said a sailor, and Piang looked up eagerly.
+
+"Me, here?"
+
+"Yep, this is your place," replied the man, looking away quickly from
+the soft brown eyes.
+
+Obediently the jungle boy jumped out, awaiting instructions. The
+sailor in charge pointed to the paper in Piang's hand and waved toward
+the barrio.
+
+"For dato?" Piang asked, with a puzzled look.
+
+"Sure, the dato," replied the man evasively, and Piang turned and
+started off through the jungle, following a well defined path.
+
+"Plucky kid, that," said the sailor who pushed off. "Wonder if he
+knows what's up? Half the time they don't tell the poor devils. Row
+over toward the patrol-boat, and I'll warn them to watch carefully
+to-night in case he tries to escape. When they first land here they
+kick up a terrible row and usually try to make a get-away or commit
+their particular brand of hari-kari [suicide]."
+
+Piang was in a great hurry. There was no time to be lost and whatever
+the business in hand might be, it must be finished quickly. He wondered
+why some of the sailors had not come with him. Americans are always
+so curious and never lose an opportunity to visit a strange barrio. He
+ran on swiftly.
+
+Two sounds broke simultaneously on his ears. What was there in them
+to strike a chill to his heart, to fill him with forebodings? That
+shrill whistle! It was surely the _Sabah's_, and as Piang came to
+a small clearing, he caught a glimpse of the harbor. A cry broke
+from him. The _Sabah_ was sailing away. Before he could fully
+realize the calamity, that other sound, ominous and terrible, came
+again from the barrio. A low rumbling, punctuated with shrieks and
+screams, came nearer, nearer. Suddenly from out the dense undergrowth
+protruded a face, shoulders, and finally a woman, old and bent, crept
+through. Spell-bound, Piang watched her. Wisps of unkempt gray hair
+straggled around her head; filthy rags hung from her lean, stooping
+shoulders; sunken eyes, sly and vicious, glared at Piang. Tremblingly
+the boy watched her creep toward him. There was something about the old
+hag that turned his blood cold. The distant rumble became individual
+howls, and Piang suddenly realized that he was being hunted. But why,
+and by whom? The innocent paper in his hand crackled. The old hag
+was very near, was about to touch him. With a shriek, Piang jumped
+back. Her hands were festered; her face and neck were covered with
+white splotches.
+
+"A leper!" cried the boy and suddenly he realized that he had been
+trapped by that villain, Sicto. Not Sicto, but Alverez had filched
+the order for the confinement of a leper, had erased the name, and
+substituted Piang's. He flung the damning paper from him.
+
+As the boy darted off through the jungle, the old woman yelled. The
+cry brought the others, and when Piang caught sight of them, he
+almost lost hope. Would he be able to escape the contamination
+of this island? With mad shrieks, the lepers gave chase, eager to
+lay hands on one so lately relegated to their colony. Was he not a
+leper too? What right had he to scorn them, his brothers? Hotter,
+fiercer grew the chase. The island was so small that it afforded
+little refuge for the hunted boy. Sounds from all sides indicated
+that the chase was almost over; it was only a matter of minutes now,
+and never again could he leave the dread colony.
+
+A rustle at his feet startled him, and some animal scurried off
+into the bush. A dark hole from which it had evidently crawled
+attracted Piang's attention, and without an instant's hesitation,
+he flung himself on the ground and wormed his body into the welcoming
+shelter. Pulling a fallen branch in front of the opening, he shrank
+farther back into the cave. Cave? No, he had taken refuge in a fallen
+tree trunk, hollowed out by the persistent ferreting of termites
+(ants).
+
+"He was here, here," screamed the old woman. The pursuers flocked to
+the spot, and Piang listened as they beat the bush, clamoring for their
+victim. They were so infuriated at the new arrival's unsociability
+that they would probably kill him if they found him.
+
+Piang crouched back in his cramped quarters. The tiny white ants
+announced their disapproval of the intrusion by vicious stings, but
+Piang did not move. A sudden jolt made his heart beat wildly. Some
+one had jumped on the other end of the log, and the rotting wood had
+caved in. He expected each moment to be his last. Over his head the
+pattering of bare feet, running along the trunk, sounded like thunder.
+
+When the lepers moved off into the jungle, Piang was not deceived. They
+would lie in wait, and their revenge would be the more terrible for
+the delay. Sweat poured down Piang's face; his body ached where the
+ants had stung him. He tried to plan some means of escape, but none
+came to his tired brain.
+
+"There is no God but Allah," whispered the charm boy, and a peace
+seemed to fall upon him.
+
+Many weary hours went by before a squawk penetrated the death-like
+stillness. Fruit-bats! It must be night. Very slowly he made his
+way toward the opening. Unfortunately for Piang the full moon was
+rising, making the soft, tropical night a wonder of beauty and
+loveliness. Cautiously he thrust his head through the branches that
+shielded his retreat. He was very near the ocean; the other end of the
+fallen tree, in which he had found refuge, was lying in the water, and
+the rising tide was gradually creeping up over it. The gentle swish
+of the sea comforted Piang. It was his friend, the only friend that
+could help him escape from this island of decay. His practised eyes
+discerned the shadowy forms of watchers squatting along the beach;
+beyond, the patrol-boat moved about restlessly, and in the distance
+twinkled the lights of Zamboanga.
+
+"If I could only get past the lepers and the boat, I could swim back,"
+thought Piang, and he looked with longing at the oily smoothness of
+the water. Nothing could slip past the boat on that sea of glass in
+the bright moonlight. He remembered the schools of sharks he had seen
+in the _Sabah's_ wake and shuddered; but even that was better than
+being doomed to die here. He pillowed his head on his arms and leaned
+against the trunk; his hand closed over a piece of dry bamboo. Lifting
+it to his eye, he idly squinted through it; it was smooth and clean.
+
+Piang fell to soliloquizing. How many times, surrounded by his
+friends, he had swum in the moonlight. He remembered one night in
+particular. How they had sported with bamboo sticks, blowing the
+spray high in the air, laughing as it fell upon each other! Piang
+could swim miles with arms folded, pushing through the water like a
+fish, rolling over on his back or sides, when tired. He had fooled
+the tribe by staying under water for three minutes, breathing easily
+through his hollow, bamboo tube. Kali had given him a prize.
+
+Piang's eyes widened, brightened. With the bamboo stick--could he? He
+blew through it softly and laughed. But how to get into the water
+without being detected? The approaching tide, lapping the other end
+of the fallen log, seemed to be caressing it in pity. Piang examined
+it closely. Dared he crawl along the trunk? His eyes fell upon the
+hole just above the water where one of his pursuers had broken through.
+
+"Allah, I thank Thee," breathed the excited boy. He had found his
+chance, had discovered a possible means of escape.
+
+Crawling back into the log, he tested the heart of the tree and to
+his joy, it crumbled under his touch. With a smothered cry, he began
+to cut his way through the pithy, dust-like wood, and as he gradually
+worked quantities of the soft fiber loose, he tossed it behind him. If
+he could work his way through the rotted trunk before the tide turned,
+it would be an easy matter to slip through the hole into the water.
+
+It was suffocating in the damp inclosure, as the discarded pith
+began to fill the opening. Tiny apertures let in just enough air,
+but Piang was panting and dripping with sweat. As he struggled on
+toward the hole, he could feel the water under him, as it swayed the
+log gently. Only a little further!
+
+The moonlight bathed Piang in its soft light; a cool breeze blew
+across his face. One of the watching lepers stood up suddenly.
+
+"There are many crocodiles to-night," he finally said, pointing toward
+the log where a slight ripple, widening into vanishing rings, closed
+over a dark form.
+
+
+
+"That's a queer kind of fish!"
+
+The sailors on the patrol-boat crowded around the speaker, glad of
+any excitement to break the monotony of their vigil. A thin stream of
+water had spurted up, disturbing the perfect calm of the surface, and
+a small black object could plainly be seen, hurrying through the water.
+
+"Now what the deuce?" said the captain. Two bells were loudly sounded,
+and the boat bounded forward.
+
+"Look out, don't run it down. Steer to one side."
+
+The search-light, turned full upon the strange object, revealed to
+the puzzled sailors a slim bamboo tube, sticking upright, propelled
+by a strong force from below.
+
+"Now, why don't that stick float, instead of sailing along like a
+periscope?" pondered the captain.
+
+As suddenly as the phenomenon had appeared, it sank from sight and
+the chase ended abruptly.
+
+"Look at our visitors," said a sailor, pointing over the side. Long
+streaks of phosphorescence darted back and forth in the shadow of
+the boat.
+
+"That's a pretty bunch of shovel-nosed man-eaters, for you," remarked
+the mate. "Gosh, wouldn't you hate to give the hungry devils a chance
+at you, though?"
+
+
+
+The baile was in full swing. The bichara was proving a great
+success. Governor Findy graciously accepted the savages' allegiance
+to the new government and their promises to make the trading system
+a success. The small park in the center of the garrison was teeming
+with life. On one side the American band gave the first notes of
+civilized music that the Moros had ever heard; opposite, rows of brass
+tom-toms responded mournfully. Gaudy lanterns festooned the tall trees
+and swung between, describing graceful curves. Flickering moonlight
+and fireflies added their bit. At one end of the park a platform had
+been erected for the officers and their families. The savages crowded
+around as the Americans swayed to the waltz, and their surprise was
+no less than that of the Americans, when the tom-toms stirred the
+Moros to the dance and they whirled and crouched in native fashion.
+
+Governor Findy was surrounded by his personal guard; burly Irishmen
+shared this honor with stalwart Moros, thus proving the governor's
+trust in the wild people.
+
+Dato Mandi, Dato Kali Pandapatan, and Governor Findy were conversing
+on the steps of the dancing platform.
+
+"Kali says that Piang mysteriously disappeared about noon to-day,"
+explained Mandi in excellent English.
+
+"Who is this Piang, Mandi?" asked the governor.
+
+"Piang is the idol of the Buldoon tribe. He is Kali Pandapatan's
+famous charm boy, friend of General Beech and Lieutenant Lewis,"
+replied Mandi.
+
+"Strange that one so well known should disappear. Yes, I have heard
+much of this boy's loyalty and sagacity." The two Moros turned quickly,
+warned by a startled look on the governor's face. Far down the smooth
+shell road a figure was staggering, wavering toward them.
+
+"Trouble, trouble," muttered Findy.
+
+The music ceased with a discordant jar, there was a slight stir among
+the spectators as Sicto and his companions attempted to retire, but to
+their surprise, Kali's faithful men closed about them significantly. On
+came the figure, lithe, slim, and brown.
+
+"Piang!" cried Kali Pandapatan, and instantly his eyes sought out
+the cowering Sicto.
+
+The heavy, labored breathing became audible as the exhausted boy
+stumbled through the crowd. A sentry started forward to seize him,
+but the governor waved him aside. Dripping and panting, Piang staggered
+toward his chief.
+
+"Juramentado--gobernador!" faintly whispered Piang.
+
+A wild shriek crashed through the intense stillness; a green sarong
+was torn off, and the white-clad figure of a juramentado rushed at the
+governor. But Kali Pandapatan was quicker, and just as the assassin
+raised his barong, a slender kriss glistened in the moonlight and
+descended. The juramentado lay bathed in his own blood.
+
+Jumping up to the platform, Kali Pandapatan raised his hands.
+
+"My brother chiefs," he cried, "did any of you know of this foul plot?"
+
+"No, no!" came the quick response from every Moro, and although the
+Americans could not understand his words, they began to realize that
+Kali was exhorting his people to disclaim knowledge of the outrage.
+
+"Viviz Gobernador!" came from the full, savage throats, and the cry
+was taken up by the multitude.
+
+The dazed governor looked down at the prostrate figure at his feet,
+looked long, and sorrowed.
+
+"But for the brave Piang I should have been lying there," he murmured.
+
+Piang supported by Kali watched this new chief.
+
+"Come here, Piang," said the governor. Fumbling with the collar of
+his white uniform, he loosened something.
+
+"My lad, I thank you for your bravery," he said, his voice shaking
+slightly. "For your timely arrival, and your courage. Your name shall
+be sent to the great chief at Washington."
+
+The words were repeated to the jungle boy, and his manly little chest
+swelled with pride.
+
+"Piang, I am about to decorate you with the emblem of our government;
+these infantry cross-guns I shall pin on your breast." The dignified
+governor reached forward to make good his words, but he paused
+in embarrassment, the noble speech dying on his lips. He gazed in
+dismay at the naked little savage, standing straight and expectantly
+before him.
+
+"I shall _place_ this emblem." The officer began again. There was a
+titter among the spectators.
+
+Piang, eagerly eyeing the treasure, wondered why the governor
+delayed. Suddenly a gleam of understanding broke over him, and he
+grinned, broadly. With the tip of his finger he touched the shining
+cross-guns, then his necklace of crocodile teeth. The situation
+was saved.
+
+Amid thunderous applause the smiling governor fastened the guns to
+the indicated article of dress, and loud and clear rose the shout:
+
+"Piang! Piang!"
+
+
+
+
+TENTH ADVENTURE
+
+PIANG'S TRIUMPH
+
+
+Two years had passed since the bichara. Prosperity and honor had come
+to Dato Kali Pandapatan and his people under the rule of General Beech
+and Governor Findy, and Piang had been raised to the post of official
+interpreter. Sicto, the disturber, had been seized in Zamboanga
+on the charge of complicity in the plot on Governor Findy's life;
+he had attempted to escape, and there were varying reports as to the
+results. Some said that he had been killed by a crocodile, others that
+he had escaped and swum to Basilan; but the tribe had not heard of him
+since the bichara, and they were relieved to be rid of his bullying
+presence. Especially the little slave girl, Papita, whom Sicto had
+annoyed since infancy, was glad that he was gone. Sicto's father had
+captured the little maid in a raid on the Bogobo country, and the
+boy seemed to think it his special privilege to abuse and torment her.
+
+Along the steep mountain trail, dividing the jungle as a river might,
+crept a slow procession. A lumbering carabao swayed lazily forward,
+and on each side walked four stalwart Moros, ever heedful of the
+dignified figure astride the beast. Dato Kali Pandapatan rode in
+silence. Occasionally he gazed down into the deep valleys or off in
+the direction of Ganassi Peak, but the sorrowful, patient expression
+never left his face.
+
+Where was Piang? For three days the boy had been missing, and Kali
+guessed only too easily what had taken him away in such haste. A
+few days before little Papita had mysteriously disappeared. It was
+whispered that the notorious Dato Ynoch (Ee-nock) had kidnapped her,
+and Kali was already preparing an expedition against the marauder. He
+felt the strain of civilization for the first time, for he had given
+his word never to assemble his warriors without the permission of
+the white chiefs at Zamboanga. But Piang, the impatient, the valiant,
+could not brook the delay, and had in all probability started after
+his little friend alone. Kali's messengers should return to-day,
+and he had ridden far out to watch for their coming.
+
+The procession reached the clearing that gave a full view of the
+sea. In the distance the eye could discern the curving coast of tiny
+Bongao; Kali was impervious to the summer beauty and youth of the
+sparkling ocean, to the charm of the dainty island so gaily chatting
+with the garrulous waves. He did not see the graceful, white rice-birds
+or the regal aigrets flitting about among the trees; he saw only the
+vast, restless ocean. There were no boats in sight.
+
+Slowly the willing carabao was turned homeward, and the aged monarch
+sorrowfully gave up hope of sending succor to Piang that night. The
+recent storm had probably delayed his envoys, and he must wait the
+_Sabah's_ monthly visit, which would come the next day.
+
+At the door of his hut Kali Pandapatan was helped from the royal
+beast's back and up the steep ladder entrance into the cool dusk of
+the interior where industrious women squatted at their several tasks.
+
+"I miss the child's lively chatter," Aioi was saying sadly.
+
+"She was a trying pupil, I can tell you," remarked the woman at the
+loom, "but a winning child." She leaned closer to Aioi and whispered:
+
+"Did you know that Papita had been asked in marriage?" The surprised
+look on Aioi's face made an answer unnecessary.
+
+"Our chief is said to have spurned the offer. You know he has always
+hoped to prove Papita's noble birth; he wanted Piang to have her,
+so when the terrible Dato Ynoch's offer came--"
+
+"Who speaks the name of our enemy in my house?" thundered Kali,
+glowering at the chattering women. "Bend to your tasks and have done
+with idle gossip."
+
+
+
+What difference did it make to Piang if he was alone, if he had only
+the barest clue to Papita's whereabouts? He was going to follow up
+that clue, and something seemed to tell him that he was on the right
+track. The jungle was dripping and steaming after a three days'
+downpour; monkeys and birds were huddled in the trees, melancholy,
+but patient, knowing that their friend, the burning tropic sun, would
+come to them again, some day. Piang trudged on through the sticky,
+slippery jungle. An occasional fresh track or recent camping site
+made him push forward eagerly. What he should do when he did overtake
+the kidnappers, he had no idea, but something always happened to help
+Piang. He reverently touched his sacred charm.
+
+The deluge through this lower jungle must have been terrific. Piang was
+glad that he had been in his mountain barrio during the tempest. Strewn
+everywhere were branches and enormous tree-ferns; a dead hablar-bird
+lay in his path. Leeches, hiding on the backs of leaves and twigs,
+caught at Piang as he brushed by, clinging and sucking their fill,
+before he could discover them. He raised one foot quickly and yelled:
+
+"_Tinick!_" ("Thorn!") While he was searching for the thorn his
+other foot began to ache and pain. Piang was too wise to hesitate
+a moment, so he swung up to a low branch and sat there nursing his
+feet. He was puzzled; there was no thorns in them, and he could find
+no cuts. Gradually the soles of the feet began to swell and take on a
+purplish hue. Piang gave a low whistle and bent to examine the ground.
+
+"_Badjanji!_" ("Bees!") he exclaimed. The ground was yellow with
+the little bedraggled, stupified creatures. They had been beaten
+down by the storm and would remain there until the sun came to coax
+them into industry again. Swinging lightly from one tree to another,
+Piang reached one of the numberless brooks that ramble aimlessly
+about through the jungle, and, dropping to its banks, buried his
+feet in the healing clay. After a short time the pain grew better,
+and he continued his journey.
+
+He was nearing Dato Ynoch's domain on the banks of Lake
+Liguasan. The outlaw had chosen his lair well, for it was one of
+the most inaccessible spots in Mindanao. On all sides treacherous
+marsh lands reached out from the lake, and it was almost impossible
+to tell when one might step from the solid jungle into a dangerous
+morass. A few hidden trails led to the barrio, and by great good luck
+Piang discovered one. Quietly he crept along into the ever-increasing
+twilight, for the trail led deep into the jungle's very heart where
+daylight and sunshine never penetrate. Sounds came faintly from the
+barrio; tom-toms and many drums beat a monotonous serenade. A fiesta
+must be in progress. A fiesta? Piang's face grew hot, and his black
+eyes flamed. Could it be that the fiesta was poor Papita's wedding? He
+broke into a run and, panting and sweating, pushed farther into the
+darkening jungle; but the trail was evidently an abandoned one, for
+it brought up suddenly against a wall of thorns and closely woven
+vines. Throwing himself on the ground, Piang wriggled through the
+offensive marsh weeds, and finally found himself almost on the edge
+of Lake Liguasan. From his retreat he could plainly see the village
+streets. The barrio was certainly preparing for a fiesta and no
+ordinary one, either, for elaborate and barbaric decorations shrouded
+huts and street. Raised on two posts at the entrance of the village,
+was a carcass of a mammoth crocodile, in its opened jaws a human
+skull. Piang shuddered. He had heard that Dato Ynoch's followers were
+gathered from among the renegade Dyak pirate head-hunters, who fled
+to Mindanao from Borneo justice. The human skull confirmed the rumor,
+for there are no cannibal tribes among the Moros.
+
+It was certainly a marriage feast that the women were preparing. A
+raised platform in the middle of the campong (common), tastefully
+decorated with skulls small, skulls large, and skulls medium,
+formed the altar, and a large black bullock was already tied to the
+_sapoendoes_ (sacrifice post). Piang flushed with excitement at an
+unusually loud beating of tom-toms; the chief was coming. Piang had
+long wished to see this terrible Ynoch. Weird stories of his terrible
+personality, his disfigured countenance were widespread. That so
+powerful a dato could have sprung up so suddenly puzzled the Moros,
+and Ynoch's identity still remained a mystery.
+
+Down the center of the street advanced a gaudy procession headed
+by a barbaric priestess. From her head protruded massive horns
+decorated with flaming red flowers. Around her loins was strapped a
+crimson sarong; her body swayed and twisted to the savage rhythm of
+the tom-toms. A tall, amazingly fat man stepped to the platform. His
+back seemed oddly familiar to Piang, as well as the slinking gait, the
+shambling step. Straining his eyes, Piang waited. Dato Ynoch raised
+his hand for silence and turned toward the waiting populace. Piang
+nearly cried out as he caught sight of the face.
+
+Oily of hair, oily of eye was this Dato out-law. His shifting glance
+wandered restlessly over the heads of the people, meeting no man's
+eye. Beneath the pomp of his trappings, the fat, overfed body protruded
+grotesquely, and his movements were slow and clumsy. One almond-shaped
+eye had been partly torn from its socket, leaving a hideous, red
+scar. An ear, which appeared to have slipped from the side of the
+oily head and lodged on a fold of the fat neck, had in reality been
+neatly carved from its proper place by an enraged slave and poorly
+replaced by a crude surgeon. A bamboo tube had been inserted in the
+original ear-drum.
+
+"Sicto!" gasped Piang. The mysterious Dato Ynoch, was Sicto, the
+mestizo.
+
+That Papita had been dragged to the barrio, Piang now had no doubt,
+and his nimble wits began to look about for a way of escape. He was
+near the banks of a creek that led to the Cotabato River and thinking
+that the most likely escape, he wormed his way toward it. Along the
+bank were canoes of every description. The swift ones seemed to be all
+four-oared, and he knew that he must have a fleet, light vinta to elude
+the Dyaks. He spied a tiny white boat tied to a gilded post, and his
+heart nearly stopped beating when he read the name "Papita" on the bow.
+
+"Papita!" Piang scornfully whispered. "Papita, indeed!" His lip curled,
+and he glared through the rushes at the hideous Sicto.
+
+"Well, it shall be Papita's after all!" Piang said and he smiled. He
+crept toward the little craft to see if there were paddles in it. There
+were two, and Piang suddenly remembered that part of the Dyak betrothal
+ceremony takes place upon the water.
+
+Long Piang pondered as he watched the preparations for Papita's
+betrothal. He examined the _cotta_, counted the praus, and his keen
+eyes followed the creek to its sharp turn. He crawled past the bend
+to make sure that the stream was navigable. Satisfied that he could
+escape through its waters, Piang began to cut rushes, and, squatting
+in the protecting undergrowth, busily worked while he indignantly
+listened to the loquacious Sicto telling his followers that Papita
+was no slave, but a maiden of royal Bogobo birth. He and his father
+had kept it secret because they intended her for his wife, and at
+last he had captured the girl from Kali Pandapatan. Faster and faster
+flew Piang's fingers, and finally a basket began to shape itself out
+of the rushes. Soon Piang had two perfect baskets, and he slung them
+over his shoulder. While Sicto and his villains were celebrating the
+coming wedding, Piang quietly slipped back through the jungle, back
+to the brook where the medicinal clay had cured the bee stings. When
+he returned later, he handled the baskets with great care and chuckled
+softly to himself.
+
+A second beating of tom-toms thundered through the barrio. The bride
+was coming. Down an avenue made for her by hostile looking women,
+crept a tiny, terrified figure. It was draped in the softest Eastern
+stuffs; jeweled anklets and bangles tinkled merrily. A gauzy veil of
+wondrous workmanship swathed the figure, but through it all Piang
+recognized his beloved Papita. Slowly she approached the altar;
+fearfully she raised her eyes to the man who awaited her there. Her
+little feet faltered, and the priestess supported her. Papita leaned
+heavily against the woman. Three soft notes of a mina-bird floated
+over the barrio, and Papita became suddenly alive. Again the notes
+stole through the jungle. The bride threw back her veil.
+
+"The unwilling maid seems to have forgot her woe," said one scornful
+woman to another. "Now that she is about to become our chief's first
+wife, she does not weep and cry to be taken home."
+
+The priestess commenced the ceremony that was to last all
+night. Chants, prayers, admonitions, all, Papita responded to with
+renewed vigor, and her eyes furtively glanced toward a spot near the
+curve of the creek where a slender reed swayed unceasingly. After
+many hours the priestess led the way to the water and Ynoch placed
+Papita in her gala vinta and pushed her out into the stream. He got
+into another, and the two boats nosed each other while the crowd
+showered them with oils and perfumes. When the command came to part,
+each boat shot off in an opposite direction. A maiden and a bridegroom
+are each supposed to meditate for the last time on the advisability of
+the union before the final ceremony; so reads the Dyak marriage laws.
+
+As indifferently as a queen, Papita plied her paddle, paying no heed
+to the unfriendly eyes and mutterings of the Dyaks; she seemed in no
+haste and managed her vinta with amazing skill for one so small. Only
+once she seemed to lose control; her vinta cut deep into the tall
+rushes near the bend of the creek. Had the Dyaks been less intent on
+exhibiting their scorn, they might have noticed that when the boat
+drew back from the rushes it rode deeper in the water, and the little
+figure labored harder at the paddle as the vinta turned the bend and
+passed from sight.
+
+"Piang! is it you?"
+
+As Papita spoke, the form lying in the bottom of the vinta slowly
+unfolded like a huge jack-knife. The merry eyes twinkled, the youthful,
+firm mouth curved at the corners, and Piang, the adventurer, smiled
+up at the astonished girl.
+
+"But yes, Chiquita, did you think that Piang would suffer the outcast
+Sicto to kidnap his little playmate?" Piang took up the paddle and
+the vinta shot forward. Silently the two bent to the task, every
+moment increasing the distance between them and their enemies.
+
+"Will they catch us, Piang?"
+
+"Of course not, my Papita. Piang, the charm boy comes to rescue
+you." The proud head went up with arrogant superiority.
+
+"But there are many hidden cut-offs and creeks between us and the
+river, Piang; Sicto will surely trap us." The terrified expression
+in the girl's soft eyes touched Piang's heart.
+
+"Have no fear, Papita. Let Sicto overtake us and he will be sorry. Put
+your ear to the baskets."
+
+As the girl bent over the two baskets, lying in the bottom of the
+vinta, a frown puckered her brow. A dull hum, like a caged wind
+protesting in faint whispers, rose from them. Gradually a smile broke
+over her face, and she laughed softly.
+
+"Yes; Sicto will be sorry if he overtakes us," she whispered.
+
+Through the deepening night, a roar came to the fugitives. A deep,
+cruel howl; tom-toms beat a ragged and violent alarm; savage war-cries
+rent the air, bounding back from one echo to another. Papita's hand
+wavered at her paddle. Piang's stroke grew swifter, surer. The outraged
+bridegroom had returned from his meditations to find himself brideless.
+
+"How will they come, Piang?" Papita's voice trembled.
+
+"Some by water, some by land. Work, Papita."
+
+And so the deadly tropic night closed about them. The little
+nut-shell sped down the river, past snags, skulking crocodiles,
+and many unseen dangers. The jungle came far out over the water,
+dangling her treacherous plant-life above them, ready to drag them
+from the vinta: it crept beneath them, shooting up in massive trees
+that obstructed their passage--trees loaded down with parasites,
+intertwined, interlaced in hopeless confusion, each trying to crush
+and climb over the other in the fight for supremacy.
+
+Where the creek empties into the Cotabato River, Piang paused; there
+were suspicious-looking shadows close to the bank, and he reached
+for his precious baskets.
+
+"Work slowly, Papita," he whispered, and the trembling girl kept
+the vinta just moving. From its ominous silence, the jungle crashed
+into chaos.
+
+"Le le le le iiiiiio!" shrieked the echoes.
+
+Piang was ready.
+
+"Le le le le iiiiiio!" he tauntingly replied.
+
+Kneeling in the bow of the vinta, he hastily lighted a green resinous
+torch and stuck it upright. It gave forth the pungent, heavy perfume
+of the jungle pitch. Waiting until his enemies were almost upon him,
+Piang raised one basket above his head and opened the trap. A sudden
+buzz and whirl filled the air; Piang reached for the second basket and
+held it in the smoke of the torch, ready to open. For a few moments,
+nothing happened, but the enemy slackened their pace, and the war
+cries were silenced. Finally yells of rage and pain broke from them:
+
+"Badjanji!" they screamed. The little insects, infuriated at the
+treatment they had received, fairly pounced upon the defenseless
+Dyaks. No jungle pest is so dreaded as the enraged honey-bee. Its
+envenomed stings are poisonous, deadly, and often cause more painful
+wounds than bolos. The men fought desperately. Tauntingly Piang
+laughed, swiftly he and Papita paddled, and the smoke from the torch
+enveloped them in its protecting waves. Coming abreast of the war-prau,
+Piang loosed the other basket of bees.
+
+On sped the vinta, and ever nearer came the great estuary that gave
+upon the Celebes Sea. The sounds of the sufferers grew fainter,
+and finally Papita and Piang were again alone in the great night.
+
+"They will return and assemble the war fleet, Papita; they will
+pursue us into the ocean. If the water is rough, we cannot cross the
+bay to Parang-Parang in this vinta. We must hide near the coast and
+make our way homeward on foot."
+
+Morning fairly burst upon them. Twilight in the tropics is a name only,
+for the sun rises and disappears abruptly, and it is day or night
+in a few moments. The early light showed the ocean in the distance,
+and at the same moment sounds behind made Piang listen anxiously.
+
+"They are coming, Papita; we must hide."
+
+As Piang headed for the bank, he noticed a thin stream of smoke
+trembling above Bongao. He paused and trained his eye on the
+blur. Suddenly he dug his paddle into the water.
+
+"Papita, quick! The _Sabah_ is coming!"
+
+Again the vinta shot forward, down through the shifting, treacherous
+delta, out into the ocean. Louder grew the beating of paddles against
+the Dyak war-praus, and Piang could hear the war chant. He knew that
+Sicto cared little for ships; he had evaded too many of them. Only
+the _Sabah_, Sicto feared, but he would probably take a chance on
+this being the Chino mail boat or a Spanish tramp. That the Dyaks
+would take the chance and follow, Piang was sure.
+
+The sea was choppy and fretful. The little bride boat danced and
+careened about recklessly. Between the _Sabah_ and Piang lay Bongao,
+and straight for Bongao he headed, skilfully keeping the vinta
+steady. A white mist rose, as if to hide the vinta from the pursuers,
+but when the fleet reached the river's mouth a yell announced that
+they had been discovered. The race was for life, for more than life,
+and the boy seemed possessed of a supernatural strength. Nearer came
+the smoke, and finally around the point of Bongao, burst the little
+gunboat. At first the Dyaks did not heed the stranger, so used were
+they to hurling contempt at island visitors, but when in answer to
+Papita's signal, as she stood up waving her disheveled wedding veil,
+there came a shrill whistle, they paused in dismay.
+
+In a very short time Papita and Piang were raised over the side of the
+_Sabah_, and General Beech and Governor Findy were questioning them.
+
+"You say that Dato Ynoch is pursuing you?"
+
+"Yes, yes, that is him in the first prau," excitedly replied Piang.
+
+"Well, Piang, it is Ynoch that brings the _Sabah_ here to-day. We
+thank you, my boy, for tempting him into the open."
+
+When the Moro boy disclosed Ynoch's identity, a grim smile settled
+over Governor Findy's face.
+
+"Man the guns, Captain!" commanded General Beech in his dignified,
+quiet way.
+
+The Dyaks were scattering in the wildest confusion, making their
+way back to the river with all speed, but the _Sabah_ relentlessly
+pursued. A sudden darkening shadow startled the captain of the _Sabah_,
+and he pointed toward the mountains.
+
+"Something queer hatchin' over there, General."
+
+A dense mist hid the hills; only old Ganassi Peak stood out, dignified
+and stern. Like a dirty piece of canvas, one cloud balanced itself on
+Ganassi's shoulder and rapidly spread itself around the peak. It seemed
+to sap the very life from Ganassi, as it enveloped it in a chilling
+embrace. Slowly the cloud loosed its hold and bounced along on the
+lower hills. In its center it seemed to bear a restless, struggling
+mass, and the passengers on the _Sabah_ watched it nervously. Strange
+things happen very suddenly in the sunny Celebes. Fascinated, they
+watched the odd cloud lumbering toward them, dipping and lifting its
+burden. It sailed over the mountains, flitted past the jungle and
+reached the ocean, where it hovered and waved as if undecided which
+way to go. At times, like canvas, it would belly down in the middle,
+almost burst, right itself, and come sailing on. Again and again the
+heavy contents pulled the cloud to earth, but valiantly struggling
+with its burden, it resisted. The cloud brought with it a death-like
+mist, damp and choking, and the sunshine was abruptly put out. The
+thing hesitated over the _Sabah_, dipping and sucking itself back,
+as if made of elastic; it wandered about aimlessly and paused over
+the fleeing Dyaks. Finally as if discouraged and strained beyond its
+endurance, it gave up.
+
+With shrieks and cries the Dyaks watched it. Tons and tons of water
+burst from the cloud, striking the sea with a hiss that sent the
+spray high in the air.
+
+"Waterspout!" yelled the captain and ordered the _Sabah's_ engines
+stopped. In horror they beheld the crazy column careen about, obeying
+its master, the capricious wind, and following any stray current;
+around and around the spiral, grinding mass of water veered and circled
+aimlessly. It danced and capered about the ocean like some malignant
+monster loosed from torment, and finally, as if by direct intent,
+started for the river's mouth. The Dyaks saw it coming, and in their
+puny efforts to escape, looked like ants before an elephant. The five
+streams, flowing through the delta of the Cotabato River, seemed to
+draw the vicious waterspout toward them, and on it went, directly
+in the wake of the doomed Dyaks. Tensely the _Sabah's_ passengers
+followed the course of the spout. The whirling Nemesis descended upon
+the pirates; their cries of anguish came faintly through the roar and
+hiss of water; crude Dyak prayers, shrieked by terrified worshipers,
+smote upon their ears, and finally, like a whirlwind, the waterspout
+pounced upon its victims. It caught at them with a thousand arms;
+it tossed them up, bore them down, tore them from the light eggshell
+praus, crushing them to bits.
+
+Through the entire fleet stalked the monster, dealing out death and
+destruction to all, and, when there remained naught to vent its wrath
+upon, like an insatiate giant, it turned toward the jungle. Straight
+up the river it marched, rooting up trees, tearing down banks, and
+gradually vanished in the distance, leaving wreckage and disaster in
+its path.
+
+Silenced by the terrible spectacle, the Americans seemed to huddle
+closer together for protection, or comfort. But two figures stood
+out alone on the _Sabah's_ deck.
+
+Papita's eyes were fastened on Piang, on the charm that dangled from
+his necklace of crocodile teeth; Piang was lost in Ganassi Peak. His
+eyes were filled with a divine awe as he silently faced his beloved
+peak, where dwelt his wonder man, the Hermit Ganassi. Every element
+of his being, his very attitude, proclaimed that his spirit was
+pouring out a thanksgiving to his patron, whose prayers to Allah,
+the Merciful, had sent the waterspout to destroy his enemies. The
+Christians, boasting a greater God, were put to shame by this artless
+exhibition of a faith that they could never feel, and their eyes were
+filled with admiration as they looked upon this Moro boy, transfigured
+in his faith, as he muttered softly:
+
+"There is no God but Allah!"
+
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+NOTES
+
+[1] _Bichara_ means meeting and corresponds to the East Indian word,
+_durbar_.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Piang the Moro
+Jungle Boy, by Florence Partello Stuart
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES OF PIANG ***
+
+***** This file should be named 22407.txt or 22407.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/2/4/0/22407/
+
+Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ from scans made
+available by Google Books.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/22407.zip b/22407.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8ed47b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22407.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f5789e6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #22407 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22407)