Page:The further side of silence (IA furthersideofsil00clifiala).pdf/356

 have greatly desired to fight with a man of rank. At last we have met and now I shall have my wish."

'Semail at once made a bolt of it, but To' Kaya was too quick for him, and as he leaped down the stair- ladder, the spear took him through the body and he died.

Tungku Pa, still standing on the veranda, stabbed downward at To' Kaya with a spear and struck hini in the groin, the blade becoming bent in the muscles so that it could not be withdrawn. This was Tungku Pa's opportunity; but instead of seizing it and rushing in upon his enemy to finish him with lis kris, he let go the handle of his spear, and ran to a large water jar on the veranda, behind which he sought shelter. To' Kaya tugged at the spear and at length succeeded in wrenching it free. Seeing this, Tungku Pa broke cover from behind the water jar and look to his heels. To' Kaya was too lanie to attempt To overtake him, but he shouted after him in derision:

"He, Pa! Did the men of old bid you to fly from your enemies?"

Tungku Pa halted at a safe distance and turned round.

"I am only armed with a kris and have no spear as you have," he said.

"This house is yours," returned To' Kâya. "If you want weapons, enter it and fetch as many as you can carry while I await your return."

But Tungku Pa had had enough, and turning, continued his flight pursued by the laughter and the jeers of To' Kaya.