CHAPTER XIV. 



RETimH TO PADANG. 



Back of Siboga rises a high 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 fonnd he had even less idea of 

 liow 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 jouniey, and I there- 

 fore made my pretended guide travel with me the 

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

 Following up a stream back of the settlement, we 

 took a minor valley to the south, and discovered a 

 narrow patli by which the Battas sometimes come 

 down from the interior. This led up throngh a thick 

 forest to a large place where that people had par- 

 tially cleared the land by burning down the trees. In 

 the irregular spaces between the stumps they had 

 planted pineapples and yams, which were both thriv- 

 ing remaikably well. When we had gained that 

 place I fonnd 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 than from his fear of the evil spirit who is 



