e end to the other
with its faded pennants, but in the stern, proudly proclaiming its
present nationality, flew the Stars and Stripes. Under the flag
at the bow stood a sturdy, nonchalant figure, arms folded, head
erect. Condescendingly Piang swept the crowd of wondering natives
with his haughty eye. He paid no more attention to Sicto than to the
others. In his supreme self-confidence Piang scorned to report Sicto
to the authorities. He was clothed in a new dignity that put him far
above considering such an unworthy opponent as Sicto and he silently
cherished the hope that other opportunities to outwit the mestizo
would be granted him.

An order was given. A shrill whistle startled the jungle folk. The
engines throbbed, and one after another the boats responded. A cheer
went up from the banks.

Piang had been given the honor of renaming the boats. The smallest
one bore the name of his mother, Minka. The next was dedicated to the
memory of his tribe's greatest hero, Dato Ali, and characteristically,
on the bow of the flagship, beneath the boy's feet, glittered the
bright gold letters, "P-I-A-N-G."

EIGHTH ADVENTURE

THE JURAMENTADO GUNBOAT

The transport _Seward_ was approaching Jolo. Far in the distance the
sunset tinged the coast with myriads of delicate tints, softening the
harsh outline of the jungle. A flock of wild pigeons hovering over
the town, suggested domestic peace, which was far from the actual
state of affairs in that hotbed of intrigue. Glasses were trained on
the isolated garrison, a mere speck of civilization, hurled at the
foot of the jungle, and the excited tourists covered themselves with
glory by their foolish questions.

Queer, dark-skinned people in dirty, many-colored garments, looking
like a rainbow fallen in disgrace, greeted the newcomers in sullen
silence, their disapproval very evident. A quarantine officer boarded
and asked for the young lieutenant who was to join the Siasi garrison.

"Hello, Lewis! There is some uprising in Basilan. Jekiri again,
I guess. They want you up at headquarters immediately."

The chug-chug of the engine was the only sound as the trim little
gunboat _Sabah_ slipped along. Lewis had been given command of a
squad of cavalry and ordered to proceed to Basilan to put down any
outbreak that might threaten. "Juramentado," was whispered, and his
orders were not to allow the troops to become involved but to quell
any trouble that was brewing.

"A pr