Page:The further side of silence (IA furthersideofsil00clifiala).pdf/361

 ing To Kaya was seated, and when he saw Tungku Dalam approaching he cried out joyously:

"Welcome! Welcome! Your servant has de- sired the long night through to fight with one who is of noble birth. Come, therefore, and let us see which of us twain is the more skillful with his wea- pons."

At this Mat, one of Tungku Dalam's men, leaped forward and said, "Suffer your servant to engage him in fight. It is not fitting, Tungku, that you should take part in such a business."

But Tungku Dâlam restrained him.

"Have patience," he said. "He is a dead man. Why should we, who are alive, risk death or hurt at his hands?"

Then he ordered a volley to be fired, but when the smoke cleared away, To' Kaya was seen to be still sitting unharmed upon the low wall surrounding the mosque.

A second volley was fired with a like result, and then To' Kâya cast away the spear he was holding in his hand, crying, "Perchance this spear is a charm against bullets. Try once more and I pray you end this business, for it has already taken over long in the settling."

A third volley was Lien fired, and one bullet struck To Kaya but did not break the skin. He clapped his hand upon the place and leaped to his feet crying, Tai, but that hurts me! I will repay you for that!" and as he rushed forward, the crowd surged back before him With difficulty Tungku Dâlam suc-