ed
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 e