irds, 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 insi