When Sicto slunk into the hill barrio that night he was anxious toavoid Piang, but our hero was not concerned about him at all. Aroundthe great fire in the center of the village were seated all theimportant members of the tribe, and Sicto's envy was complete when hesaw that Piang's mother was the object of adoration. There she sat,the coveted "ban-da-na" crowning her stately head, and around her neckwas suspended the funny thing that laughed back at you. Silently sheoffered each member of the circle one of the colored pins, and whenall were supplied, they fell to the task of picking their teeth,at intervals reverently examining the instrument. When the allottedperiod had elapsed, Piang's mother again extended the mirror, andwhen each one had gazed into the depth, the pin was replaced, laterto be handed on to a new comer.
Sicto had joined the less fortunate persons who were watching theceremony from a distance. Only the elect were permitted to approachthe circle. From his place of honor Piang glanced loftily in theirdirection, and as his eyes met Sicto's, his triumph was complete. UnderPiang's steady gaze, the bully quailed and, dropping his eyes,shambled off into the darkness.