150 THE MANOBOS OF MINDANAO— GARVAN [Meu To* a xxih; 



already. In the latter case other omens must be consulted, and, when it is felt that these new 

 omens have neutralized the effect of the previous ones, the march may be continued. Owing 

 to the observance and reobservance of omens it is obvious that great delays are occasioned and at 

 times the expedition is stopped. On the one that I accompanied in 1907, the turtledove gave a 

 cry, the direction of which was considered to portend neither good nor evil, and the leader 

 expressed his opinion at the time that the object of the expedition would not be attained. He was 

 overruled, however, by the consensus of opinion of his companions, and the march was resumed. 

 Notwithstanding the fact that ensuing signs all proved favorable, yet as I observed very clearly, 

 the first omen had depressed the spirits of the party. When my efforts to settle the dispute 

 without a fight failed, and an open attack was decided upon, there seemed to be no morale in the 

 party, and the attack was abandoned without any special reason. This instance will serve to 

 show the uncompromising faith of the Man6bo in omens, especially in that of the turtledove. 



There is one omen of a peculiar nature that is of singular importance while on the warpath. 

 On such a journey red pepper and ginger are consumed in considerable quantities for the purpose, 

 it is said, of increasing one's courage. Naturally, no matter how accustomed one may have 

 become to these spices, he always feels their piquancy to a certain extent, so that the warrior who 

 fails to become aware of a sharp biting taste, regards this as an ill omen and, though he accompa- 

 nies his fellows to the scene of combat, takes no part in the attack. 



It is usual, as was said before, to stop over at a friendly house nearest to that of the enemy 

 and to send forward a few of the band to make another reconnaissance but, if no house is avail- 

 able, a stop is made anywhere. A reason for this is that they may arrive near the settlement at 

 nightfall or during the night. 



When the party arrives within a few miles of the actual ascent to the mountain where the 

 enemy's house is situated, a halt is again made in a concealed position and a few of the more 

 experienced warriors advance at dusk on the trail to the house. If the enemy has been in a state 

 of constant vigilance, this undertaking is one of extreme difficulty. The house is on the top of a 

 lofty hill and frequently access can not be had to, it except by passing through a series of swamps. 

 In addition one must climb up precipitous ascents, and break through a network of felled trees 

 and such other obstacles as the reader can readily imagine for himself. There is, moreover, the 

 danger from spring traps set both for man and animal, and from sharp bamboo slivers placed 

 all around the house and on the trails. Thus a fair idea can be obtained of the difficulties that 

 are encountered by those who, in the silence and darkness of the night, inform themselves of all 

 that is necessary for a successful attack. After going around the house and unspringing traps 

 and removing sufficient of the bamboo slivers to afford a safe passage, the scouts return to the 

 camp and a whispered consultation takes place. Positions are assigned to each man and a 

 general plan of attack is made. Then, groping along in the gloom of the night, with never a 

 sound but that of their own stumbling steps, they put themselves in position around the settle- 

 ment and await with bated breath the break of day. 



THE ATTACK 



TIME AND METHODS OP ATTACK 



The break of day is selected as the hour for the attack because sleep is then thought to be 

 soundest and the drowsiness and sluggishness following the awakening to be greater. Moreover, 

 at that time there is sufficient light to enable the attacking party to see their opponents whether 

 they fight or flee. 



The number of combatants depends entirely on the strength and position of the enemy. 

 As a rule as many as possible are enlisted for an expedition where the enemy has numerical 

 strength and a strong position. In the expedition which I accompanied in 1907, the party 

 numbered some 60. I have heard of war parties that numbered 150. 



When the house or houses of the enemy are low, the aggressors steal up noiselessly and, 

 breaking out into the dismal war cry, 10 drive their lances through the floor or through the sides 



io Pa-nad-l&u-an. 



