til, with
only 80 men, the chief sought refuge in his _cotta_ at Pang-Pang,
the strongest fortress in the Island. Breaches were made in it, and
Hassan fled for his life on a swift pony, with only two retainers,
to the crater of an extinct volcano, which was quickly surrounded
by the Americans. Each time a head appeared above the crater edge a
volley was fired, but the wounded chief still bravely held out and
hit some soldiers before he died, riddled by bullets, on March 4.

Again, in May, 1905, Datto Pala, of Sulu Island, with a large
following, threatened Jolo town, and General Wood personally led
the expedition against this chief. Eight miles from Maybun the Moros
had dug pits and placed wires to impede the Americans' advance, but,
notwithstanding these obstacles, the enemy was vigorously attacked
and surrounded near the Maybun Lake, three miles from the town. After
several days' desperate fighting the _cotta_ of Lumbo was captured,
and the _Datto_ and his men were vanquished, the losses being about
seven Americans killed, about 20 wounded, and over 250 Moros killed.

In June, 1904, Datto Ambutong had a dispute with another about the
possession of some property, and on Major Scott being appealed to
in the matter, he ordered Ambutong to appear before him in Jolo
for a _bichara_ (judicial inquiry). The _Datto_, in a sulky mood,
at first refused to come, but on further pressure he changed his
mind. Early in the morning of the appointed day a friendly chief,
Datto Timbang, came into town with four retainers, all armed, to
see the Governor. Major Scott, whose guest I was, kindly invited me
to the interview, during which it transpired that Datto Timbang had
heard Ambutong declare he would come to the _bichara_, but he would
not leave it without taking heads. Datto Timbang added that he too
desired to attend the _bichara_ with his bodyguard, resolved to slay
Ambutong if he observed any threatening move on his part. The major
made no objection, and at the appointed hour four of us--my gallant
host, Major Barbour, Captain Charles and myself--went to the _bichara_
at the Governor's office in town. The Governor (i.e., the major) sat
at his desk, and we other three took seats just behind him. Before
us were the Datto Ambutong, his opponent in the question at issue,
and, a yard off him, the friendly Datto Timbang and his followers,
each with his hand on his _barong_, ready to cut down Ambutong at a
stroke if need be. Whilst the