352 A NATUBALIST IN CELEBES ch. xiv 



In the depths of the forest there was a piece of clear 

 water, and the silence and solemnity of the surroundings 

 were sufficient proof that the gods were present to judge 

 the case. 



' Now to the water,' said the hunter. ' I will count 

 nine, and then you must immediately plunge into the water, 

 and whichever one of us comes to the surface first is in the 

 wrong. ' Nine ! ' shouted Makalew, and the slave plunged 

 into the water. The hunter, however, only put his spear 

 in, and it seemed certain that he must win, for the ordeal 

 was not a fair one. But the gods are ever ready to 

 shelter the mnocent here below. Lo ! a pig suddenly ap- 

 peared and darted into the wood. The hunter's love for 

 the chase could not endure the sight, so seizing his spear 

 from the water he started into the wood in pursuit. When 

 the slave came out of the water and saw that Makalew had 

 disappeared, he claimed that matilalem had decided justly, 

 and that he was proved to be innocent. Makalew would not, 

 however, consent to this, but demanded a second trial of 

 the ordeal. This time Makalew only put his feet into the 

 water, and again it seemed that he must win. But the 

 gods once more came to help the slave, for a crab caught 

 hold of Makalew's toe, and caused him such intense pain 

 that he rushed out of the brook in agony. ' Now,' said the 

 slave, 'it must be evident to you that I am no thief in 

 your house, for matilalem has twice decided in my favour.' 

 ' Yes,' said Makalew, ' I am satisfied. You are safe from 

 punishment. Now fetch me a leaf of the lolonga to bind 

 round this wound on my toe ' (23). 



On my return from Mr. Eijkschroeff's coffee plantation 

 in the mountains I was advised, on account of continued ill- 

 health, to prepare to leave for Europe. 



One more visit to Tahsse was necessary, however, before 



