8 TWO SEA-DYAK LEGENDS. 



the coarse matting used for treading paddy. If his three at- 

 tempts to kill you are unsuccessful, then he will be in your pow- 

 er and will do what you command. But even then there is still 

 danger, and you must not do anything rash, but ask my advice 

 again later on. But go outside now into the verandah, for I 

 think I hear my brother returning from his bath. I must make 

 haste and put out the food for you all to eat." 



Soon the Were-Tiger came in and sitting on the mat by 

 Danjai asked him the news and how matters were in his country. 

 Danjai answered little for he was very sad, besides his host 

 always laughed at him whenever he spoke. The fact was that 

 he was amused at the idea of the man, whose wife he had killed, 

 sitting in his verandah and talking to him in a friendly way. 



The sister came out of the room and asked them in to have 

 their meal. All happened as she said it would. Danjai re- 

 membered her advice and did not take the plate of rice his host 

 offered him. But he was too sad to eat. 



In the evening Danjai and the Were-Tiger sat by a fire in 

 the verandah. Over this fire hung several human heads. The 

 tears came into Danjai s eyes as he sat there and saw the head 

 of his dear wife being scorched by the fire. He felt inclined 

 there and then to grasp his sword and attack the murderer of 

 his wife ; but he restrained himself remembering the advice of 

 the Tiger's sister. 



The Were-Tiger said to him with a nasty laugh, "What is 

 troubling you that you should weep ? " 



"I am not troubled about anything," said Danjai, "but the 

 smoke of the fire is too much for my eyes, and it makes them 

 water and feel sore." 



"If so, " said his host, "let us put out the fire and retire to 

 rest, as it is very late." 



Two mats were spread out for them, one on each side of 

 the fire-place, and they lay down to sleep. But Danjai kept 

 awake, and when his companion was asleep, he rose and placed 

 the wooden mortar for pounding paddy on his mat, and covered 

 it over with a sheet ; and he himself retired to a safe place as he 

 was advised to do by the Tiger's sister. He watched to see 

 what would happen and he was not disappointed. Not long after, 

 he saw the Were-Tiger wake up and fetch a sword, and walk 



Jour. Straits Branch 



