The baile was in full swing. The bichara was proving a greatsuccess. Governor Findy graciously accepted the savages' allegianceto the new government and their promises to make the trading systema success. The small park in the center of the garrison was teemingwith life. On one side the American band gave the first notes ofcivilized music that the Moros had ever heard; opposite, rows of brasstom-toms responded mournfully. Gaudy lanterns festooned the tall treesand swung between, describing graceful curves. Flickering moonlightand fireflies added their bit. At one end of the park a platform hadbeen erected for the officers and their families. The savages crowdedaround as the Americans swayed to the waltz, and their surprise wasno less than that of the Americans, when the tom-toms stirred theMoros to the dance and they whirled and crouched in native fashion.
Governor Findy was surrounded by his personal guard; burly Irishmenshared this honor with stalwart Moros, thus proving the governor'strust in the wild people.
Dato Mandi, Dato Kali Pandapatan, and Governor Findy were conversingon 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. He is Kali Pandapatan'sfamous charm boy, friend of General Beech and Lieutenant Lewis,"replied Mandi.
"Strange that one so well known should disappear. Yes, I have heardmuch of this boy's loyalty and sagacity." The two Moros turned quickly,warned by a startled look on the governor's face. Far down the smoothshell road a figure was staggering, wavering toward them.
"Trouble, trouble," muttered Findy.
The music ceased with a discordant jar, there was a slight stir amongthe spectators as Sicto and his companions attempted to retire, but totheir surprise, Kali's faithful men closed about them significantly. Oncame the figure, lithe, slim, and brown.
"Piang!" cried Kali Pandapatan, and instantly his eyes sought outthe cowering Sicto.
The heavy, labored breathing became audible as the exhausted boystumbled through the crowd. A sentry started forward to seize him,but the governor waved him aside. Dripping and panting, Piang staggeredtoward his chief.
"Juramentado--gobernador!" faintly whispered Piang.
A wild shriek crashed through the intense stillness; a green sarongwas torn off, and the white-clad figure of a juramentado rushed at thegovernor. But Kali Pandapatan was quicker, and just as the assassinraised his barong, a slender kriss glistened in the moonlight anddescended. The juramentado lay bathed in his own blood.
Jumping up to the platform, Kali Pandapatan raised his hands.
"My brother chiefs," he cried, "did any of you know of this foul plot?"
"No, no!" came the quick response from every Moro, and although theAmericans could not understand his words, they began to realize thatKali was exhorting his people to disclaim knowledge of the outrage.
"Viviz Gobernador!" came from the full, savage throats, and the crywas taken up by the multitude.
The dazed governor looked down at the prostrate figure at his feet,looked long, and sorrowed.
"But for the brave Piang I should have been lying there," he murmured.
Piang supported by Kali watched this new chief.
"Come here, Piang," said the governor. Fumbling with the collar ofhis white uniform, he loosened something.
"My lad, I thank you for your bravery," he said, his voice shakingslightly. "For your timely arrival, and your courage. Your name shallbe sent to the great chief at Washington."
The words were repeated to the jungle boy, and his manly little chestswelled with pride.
"Piang, I am about to decorate you with the emblem of our government;these infantry cross-guns I shall pin on your breast." The dignifiedgovernor reached forward to make good his words, but he pausedin embarrassment, the noble speech dying on his lips. He gazed indismay at the naked little savage, standing straight and expectantlybefore him.
"I shall _place_ this emblem." The officer began again. There was atitter among the spectators.
Piang, eagerly eyeing the treasure, wondered why the governordelayed. Suddenly a gleam of understanding broke over him, and hegrinned, broadly. With the tip of his finger he touched the shiningcross-guns, then his necklace of crocodile teeth. The situationwas saved.
Amid thunderous applause the smiling governor fastened the guns tothe indicated article of dress, and loud and clear rose the shout:
"Piang! Piang!"