CHAPTER XIV. 



KETTJRN TO PADANG. 



Back of Siboga rises a higli peak, and from its 

 summit I was confident that I could enjoy a magnifi- 

 cent view over the whole bay. A native engaged to 

 show me the way to its top, but after we had trav- 

 elled a long distance I found he had even less idea of 

 how we were to reach the desired spot than I had 

 myself. Other natives gave me directions, but that 

 day was too far spent for such a journey, and I there- 

 fore made my pretended guide travel with me the 

 next day for nothing, as a punishment for his Ipng. 

 Following up a stream back of the settlement, we 

 took a minor valley to the south, and discovered a 

 narrow path by which the Battas sometimes come 

 doT\Ti from the interior. This led up through a thick 

 forest to a large place where that people had par- 

 tially cleared the land by burning do^vn the trees. In 

 the irregular spaces between the stumps they had 

 planted pineapples and yams, which were both thriv- 

 ing remarkably well. A^Hien we had gained that 

 place I found the desired peak still above us. My 

 attendant now begged me not to attempt to reach it, 

 less, as I afterward learned, from his fear of the 

 Battas tlian from his fear of the evil spirit who is 



