n that of the Americans, when the tom-toms stirred the
Moros to the dance and they whirled and crouched in native fashion.

Governor Findy was surrounded by his personal guard; burly Irishmen
shared this honor with stalwart Moros, thus proving the governor's
trust in the wild people.

Dato Mandi, Dato Kali Pandapatan, and Governor Findy were conversing
on the steps of the dancing platform.

"Kali says that Piang mysteriously disappeared about noon to-day,"
explained Mandi in excellent English.

"Who is this Piang, Mandi?" asked the governor.

"Piang is the idol of the Buldoon tribe. He is Kali Pandapatan's
famous charm boy, friend of General Beech and Lieutenant Lewis,"
replied Mandi.

"Strange that one so well known should disappear. Yes, I have heard
much of this boy's loyalty and sagacity." The two Moros turned quickly,
warned by a startled look on the governor's face. Far down the smooth
shell road a figure was staggering, wavering toward them.

"Trouble, trouble," muttered Findy.

The music ceased with a discordant jar, there was a slight stir among
the spectators as Sicto and his companions attempted to retire, but to
their surprise, Kali's faithful men closed about them significantly. On
came the figure, lithe, slim, and brown.

"Piang!" cried Kali Pandapatan, and instantly his eyes sought out
the cowering Sicto.

The heavy, labored breathing became audible as the exhausted boy
stumbled through the crowd. A sentry started forward to seize him,
but the governor waved him aside. Dripping and panting, Piang staggered
toward his chief.

"Juramentado--gobernador!" faintly whispered Piang.

A wild shriek crashed through the intense stillness; a green sarong
was torn off, and the white-clad figure of a juramentado rushed at the
governor. But Kali Pandapatan was quicker, and just as the assassin
raised his barong, a slender kriss glistened in the moonlight and
descended. The juramentado lay bathed in his own blood.

Jumping up to the platform, Kali Pandapatan raised his hands.

"My brother chiefs," he cried, "did any of you know of this foul plot?"

"No, no!" came the quick response from every Moro, and although the
Americans could not understand his words, they began to realize that
Kali was exhorting his people to disclaim knowledge of the outrage.

"Viviz Gobernador!" came from the full, savage throats, and the cry
was taken up by the multitude.

The dazed governor looked down at the prostrate fig