n amused at first,
but they realized the danger of trifling with the sultan. Every tree
and corner of the jungle would respond with an armed savage, eager
to destroy them, should the order be given, and uneasy glances were
directed at the irate potentate. All the recent good humor and mirth
had vanished; only the sergeant and the lieutenant retained an air of
utter indifference. They quietly continued to smoke, gazing off into
the far horizon, oblivious of their surroundings. Were they pushing
that huge American bluff too far?

After long deliberation, the sultan apparently reached his
conclusion. He whispered an order, and several runners disappeared into
the jungle. Lewis heard the sergeant catch his breath, but the old
man preserved his dignity admirably. More silent waiting and smoking
followed. The sultan growled his displeasure as an adviser attempted to
give some piece of advice, displaying a far from lovely temper. Piang
valiantly stood his ground, ready to fight and die by his friend.

Finally sounds of the returning slaves reached the gathering. What was
coming? Armed savages? Or had he ordered his poison reptiles to be let
loose among the soldiers? The stillness was oppressive. No one moved,
and the sultan continued to study the averted face of the officer.

A sound floated to them, nearer, nearer. The men braced themselves
for a fight. But the sound? It was one they had all heard, a familiar,
homelike sound.

"Gobble-gobble!" It was answered from all directions. Gradually the
truth dawned on Lewis. He had won, and the warm blood rushed through
his tired limbs.

"Turkeys, by gosh!" shouted a recruit, and the cry was taken up by
the whole command, for slaves were pouring in with fowls of every
description. The sergeant vainly tried to establish order in the ranks,
but the reaction was too great. All the good humor and excitement of
the morning was restored, and the innate childishness of the soldier
began to assert itself.

"Here, Jake, hang this fellow up on that tree so he can salute his
majesty in true turkey fashion," shouted one man, and Jake, game as
usual, tossed a big gobbler up in one of the mock Christmas-trees. From
this point of vantage the bird made the jungle resound with its
protests, while the troop screamed with laughter as Jake undertook
to interpret the creature's address.

"Piang, what will we say to the old codger now?" asked Lewis.

"I ask for gift for _Sabah_; it keep her good,