"Up, up with you, sleepyhead!" called Ganassi. "The sun will catchyou napping if you do not hurry."
Piang sleepily rubbed his eyes and sat up. Horror and fright seizedhim as he beheld the body of the python curled up beside him and thepackda contemplating him with indifference. From the doorway Ganassismilingly watched him.
"Come, my subjects are assembling; they will all assist in the ceremonyof the sacred charm." The charm! Piang remembered and jumped to hisfeet. Creatures from all over the mountain were answering Ganassi'sweird call; the air was full of fluttering birds, and monkeys cameswinging 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 folkas royally as any king. He chastised, praised, petted, and scolded;and one and all the beasts loved their wizened little master. SolemnlyGanassi went about his task. From his bosom he took a small object,smoothed, and caressed it. Piang trembled with excitement. Ganassicalled each animal, and they responded to the beloved voice.
"Piang, my creatures approve my action. This is the sacred charm. Oneand all the animals have blessed it, and through your life, if youhave faith, nothing will harm you." Piang's eyes darted around thestrange circle, and, indeed, the animals accepted him as naturallyas they did Ganassi.
"The time has come, Piang. The heavens have watched over you frombabyhood, and you have proved your worth and bravery many times. Iam ready to reward you. Come!"
Trembling, the boy advanced. Kneeling before the hermit, Piang claspedhis hands and prayed that he might be worthy of the great honor aboutto be bestowed upon him. Gently the wise man laid his hands on Piang'shead; softly he muttered a few words; then something dropped aroundthe 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 beautyand 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 inthe world!"
"You may unclasp it, Piang."
Clumsily the boy fumbled with the fastenings; eagerly his eyes soughtthe charm. His face went blank; tears sprang to his eyes. He washolding a tiny gourd, no larger than a monkey-nut, suspended froma necklace of polished crocodile teeth. His disappointed eyes metGanassi's, still studying him.
"Are you not satisfied, Piang? Are you then unworthy of the greathonor bestowed upon you? Do you think that to be of value a thing mustsparkle 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 facebrightened.
"Its worth may be inside. Who knows? Only Ganassi, the wonder man,and he will tell no one." The keen old eyes twinkled as they watchedPiang's face.
The mystery! It was again established, and Piang was happy. Maybethe precious stones were inside and some day would be revealed tohim! As if reading his thoughts, Ganassi said:
"The charm must remain intact to wield its spell; if the gourd shouldever be broken or stolen, both you and the charm lose the mystic powerlately bestowed upon it. Piang, the source of power is faith! Believe,be honest, be true, and the world holds naught but joy for you andKala Pandapatan's people."
A silence fell upon them all. The solemn words had sobered Piang,and he gazed into the eyes of the wise man.
"Begone, boy. The sun rises, and you have many miles to go. To-nightI will light the signal fires and tell your tribe that you have comeand gone, that Piang is charm boy of Kali Pandapatan's people forever."