Clumsily the boy fumbled with the fastenings; eagerly his eyes sought the charm. His face went blank; tears sprang to his eyes. He was holding a tiny gourd, no larger than a monkey-nut, suspended from a necklace of polished crocodile teeth. His disappointed eyes met Ganassi’s, still studying him.
“Are you not satisfied, Piang? Are you then unworthy of the great honor bestowed upon you? Do you think that to be of value a thing must sparkle and shine?” Piang gathered himself, hid his disappointment, and bravely answered:
“I am satisfied.”
“Shake the gourd, Piang.”
A hollow rattle came from the immature growth, and Piang’s face brightened.
“Its worth may be inside. Who knows? Only Ganassi, the wonder man, and he will tell no one.” The keen old eyes twinkled as they watched Piang’s face.
The mystery! It was again established, and Piang was happy. Maybe the precious stones were inside and some day would be revealed to him! As if reading his thoughts, Ganassi said:
“The charm must remain intact to wield its spell; if the gourd should ever be broken or stolen, both you and the charm lose the mystic power lately bestowed upon it. Piang, the source of power is faith! Believe, be honest, be true, and the world holds naught but joy for you and Kala Pandapatan’s people.”
A silence fell upon them all. The solemn words had sobered Piang, and he gazed into the eyes of the wise man.
“Begone, boy. The sun rises, and you have many miles to go. To-night I will light the signal fires and tell your tribe that you have come and gone, that Piang is charm boy of Kali Pandapatan’s people forever.”