Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/264

246 compassionately on Nakoda, who, vexed at his disappointment, already bitterly repented the bargain he had made, and called the boy a cheat, rogue, and other abusive names.

"Amman, however, only laughing at these, the captain steered his vessel close to the land, and getting into a small boat, loudly challenged the boy to single combat. After some hesitation, Amman descended, hoping to appease the wrath of the captain without fighting, but Nakoda was too angry to be easily satisfied.

"'Come on! come on! I'll soon do for you, my boy!' he exclaimed, as he drew his kriss, never dreaming of any difficulty in a duel with such a youngster.

"But he was mistaken. Amman, though young, was firmly built, and possessed of extraordinary muscular strength, so that before long he slew the captain, and then flew off in the direction of his father's dwelling. lie passed over valleys and