SEA DYAK RELIGION. PY 
Another story relates the following. Some Dyaks in the Batane 
Lupar made a great feast, and invited many guests. When every- 
thing was ready and arrivals expected, a tramp and hum, as of a 
great company of people, was heard close to the village. The hosts, 
thinking it to be the invited friends, went forth to meet them with 
meat and drink, but found with some surprise they were all utter 
strangers. Jlowever, without any questioning, they received them 
with due honour, and gave then all the hospitalities of the occasion. 
When the time of departing came, they asked the strange visitors 
who they were, and from whence, and received something like the 
following reply from their chief: “Iam Singalang Burong, and 
“these are my sons-in-law, and other friends. When you hear the 
“ voices of the birds (giving their names), know that you hear us, 
“for they are our deputies in this lower world.” Thereupon the 
Dyaks discovered they had been entertaining spirits, and received, 
as reward of their hospitality, the knowledge of the omen system. 
But the full Dyak explanation of the subject is contained in the 
legend of Siu, which is perhaps worth epitomising. Scu lived in the 
very early ages of the world, when men were still but few, and con- 
fined to a comparatively small area, and with only such knowledge 
as raised them a little above the brute creation. One day he goes 
out shooting with his blow-pipe; but loses his way, wanders about, 
and at last emerges on the sea coast. Here he sees a Dyak wo- 
man wondrously beautiful, who straightway recognises him, and 
offers to marry him. He objects on the score that he has lost his 
way, and knows not how to reach his home again; but she overrules 
the objection by informing him that she is well acquainted with the 
way both to his and her own country, and, if he will only follow 
her, she will conduct him to his friends. He consents, and ina 
short time they reach the village, and find Siw’s parents wailing for 
him as dead. In the sudden surprise of his arrival, they hardly 
recognise his wife, but after the joy is somewhat sobered down, 
they bethink themselves of the strange lady, and are lost in admi- 
ration of her beautiful form and features. No questions are asked 
about her parentage. In course of time, a child is born, who is 
named Seragunting, who grows big in a miraculously short space 
of time. One day he cries and won't be pacified. All caress him 
