Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy

by Mrs. Molesworth

  EIGHTH ADVENTURE

  THE JURAMENTADO GUNBOAT

  The transport _Seward_ was approaching Jolo. Far in the distance thesunset tinged the coast with myriads of delicate tints, softening theharsh outline of the jungle. A flock of wild pigeons hovering overthe town, suggested domestic peace, which was far from the actualstate of affairs in that hotbed of intrigue. Glasses were trained onthe isolated garrison, a mere speck of civilization, hurled at thefoot of the jungle, and the excited tourists covered themselves withglory by their foolish questions.

  Queer, dark-skinned people in dirty, many-colored garments, lookinglike a rainbow fallen in disgrace, greeted the newcomers in sullensilence, their disapproval very evident. A quarantine officer boardedand asked for the young lieutenant who was to join the Siasi garrison.

  "Hello, Lewis! There is some uprising in Basilan. Jekiri again,I guess. They want you up at headquarters immediately."