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Updated: May 3, 2025
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.
"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.
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.
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 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.
"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!" It was the only Spanish word he knew, and the soldiers guessed that he wanted Lieutenant Lewis.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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