" for his mother, the "mir-ro," too! An exclamation from
one of the men arrested his attention, and he sprang to his feet in
an instant. The boat had stopped; and--could he believe his eyes?--the
man with the treasures was getting into a small skiff and was beckoning
to Piang!

Quickly the boy responded. Making sure that the precious quills were
safe, he dived into the sea and struck out toward the approaching
boat. When they pulled him over the side, a cheer went up from
the Moros on the bank and was answered by another from the strange
boat. Eagerly Piang searched the boat for the two objects so dear to
his heart, but the trader silently tapped the ring and waited. Slyly
the boy considered. Finally he drew forth one quill and offered
it to the man. He handed Piang the red calico handkerchief, saying
"ban-da-na." Eagerly the boy grabbed it. Guardedly the two contemplated
each other. The trader reached into his pocket and produced the
toy mirror, surrounded by colored pins; Piang offered to trade for
another quill, but the man shook his head. Piang resolutely shook
his, and the owner intimated that the trade was over by slipping
the mirror back into his pocket. Piang could not stand the suspense,
despite his passion for making a good trade, so he thrust the other
quill into the stranger's hand, grasped the treasure, and, saluting
them in his dignified fashion, slipped over the side and was off.

When Sicto slunk into the hill barrio that night he was anxious to
avoid Piang, but our hero was not concerned about him at all. Around
the great fire in the center of the village were seated all the
important members of the tribe, and Sicto's envy was complete when he
saw that Piang's mother was the object of adoration. There she sat,
the coveted "ban-da-na" crowning her stately head, and around her neck
was suspended the funny thing that laughed back at you. Silently she
offered each member of the circle one of the colored pins, and when
all were supplied, they fell to the task of picking their teeth,
at intervals reverently examining the instrument. When the allotted
period had elapsed, Piang's mother again extended the mirror, and
when each one had gazed into the depth, the pin was replaced, later
to be handed on to a new comer.

Sicto had joined the less fortunate persons who were watching the
ceremony from a distance. Only the elect were permitted to approach
the circle. From his place of honor Piang glanced loftily