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.