252 A NATUBALI8T IN CELEBES ch. x 



the betel-nut. Turn away sickness and protect us as with a 

 shield of stone. May our lives be as long, and our years as 

 lucky, as the three Lokons (28). 



The last part of this prayer refers to the three crests of 

 the Lokon mountain, whose crowns are as bald as an old 

 man's head. 



The evil spirits or demons are called se sakits. They 

 are the cause of all disasters, sickness and mischief. They 

 are powerful, wicked and vindictive ; but, as the following 

 legend shows, they are not devoid of some of the elementary 

 principles of fair play. 



The place where Kakaskassan now stands with the 

 Lokon mountain on the west, and the lofty peak of the 

 Eumengan on the east, was in olden times the abode of 

 the gods. It is a wide and extensive plateau, admirably 

 suited both for agriculture and for residence. The ground 

 is fertile, water continually flowing, and the climate is 

 invigorating and healthy. 



No wonder then that a band of our forefathers chose this 

 spot for rest and peace, and in time raised a magnificent city 

 inhabited entirely by Tombulus. 



This was Kenilo, of wide and proud reputation amongst 

 the ancients and feared by all the neighbouring tribes on 

 account of the mighty deeds of the thousands of her 

 braves. 



Notwithstanding her glory and her deeds of war, there 

 was one enemy who was a terror to both old and young. 

 He struck his blows both by day and night, and no one 

 could withstand him. 



This enemy was — se sakit — of the race of demons. He 

 brought sickness and death to the camp, and, although the 

 elders were consulted about leaves, and barks, and roots, 

 nothing could be found to resist him. Kiolor the chief was 

 at last roused to anger, and called all his warriors together 



