The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1882-08-12
A S A vi A n "A;
THE GREAT HERO Of the MALAYS.
By WALTER MURRAY GIBSON.
. RO MANCE
CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.
Laksamana obtains much treasure from The
Giantess.
When the Rakshashah had been released from
the quagmire, she presented a hideous and filthy
appearance. Much of her clothing was torn
away from her body during her struggles in the adj
hesive mud. Her enormous limbs were smeared
with black. offensive slime and her huge brown
body was covered all over with filth. Her APP
pearance was now repulsive as well as fearful :;
and all the men of Laksamana ran when she
stood up before them. The Princess Umba had
remained weeping in the palanquin whilst her
lord was chased by the GIantess but now when
he stood beside the terrible creature, and placed
confidence in her, that she would strive no more
to hurt him or his people, then the Princess came
forward without fear. L~aksamana stood calm,
resolute and watchful, all the time. The Giant
es at first shook from off and raked off with her
hands a portion Of the mud adhering to her person.
After a little while she spoke to Laksamana, say
ing: Thou follow me. and let the girl and thy
men follow u.s." And the Giantess stalked on
ward, till by and by, she entered a broad path
way in the forest. She followed this pathway
some distance, till there appeared on top Of a
small hill, a curious round fort, built OF camphor
wood logs and the whole place was redolent of
the smell of camphor, and Of various spices.
There was utter silence about this curious
place. Not any sound Of human beings, or Of
animals was heard. The Grantees approached a
huge gateway and pulling a small string several
times, the heavy portal was suddenly lifted up
and as the Giantess entered, she motioned to LAX
samana to follow. Again his men cried out, to
their chief to beware, and not be led into some
trap to be tortured and slain. Then Laksamana
babe bis men remain outside with the Princess,
and he wonld enter alone but on the entreaty
Of Umba, that she should share whatever fate be-
fel him, he permitted her to accompany him.
The Giantess now led the way into a chamber
fragrant with musk, and hung all around with
1T Ill. luoa,1 - - - -
along with multitudes of rich ornaments Of gold.
Passing through this chamber, the Giantess led
them into another one that was glittering with
strings Of diamonds, pearls, and other precious
stones. And passing through this chamber she
led them into one that was full of rare and curl
GUS weapons swords with golden hilts dag
gers with handles inlaid with diamonds and
spears and bows and arrows in abundance of
beautiful manufacture.
Now the Rakshashah spoke, saying :-'' Great
Chief, take whatever thou dost wish for myself,
thy lover, and thy people, of all the things thou
hast seen in these chambers and prepare thy
self like a great Prince to visit the Court of Ne
nangkahau, whittier | know thou goest." And
Laksamana, replied 20, Mother! | will
gladly take of these things which thou dost offer,
as a loan and | will surely pay thee back some
day" "Nay-nay the Giantess said =
- take, as thou pleasest, my son, Of all this
treasure. 1t is ali thine. | killed all the owners
of it but thou couldst have killed me, and
did'st not do so therefore all this wealth is
thine, and | am thy slave. Arjuno wills it So
Laksamana smiling, replied o., great mother
of the forest Thy heart is great like thy
strength. I should serve thee but since | have
found favor with thee, | will take of these things
followers. Let me call my men to select weapons
and garments fitting to appear before the Court
Of Menangkahan. The Giantess said - Let
them come" Then she elapped her hands three
times, and Immediately there were sounds Of feet,
and there rushed into the chamber, seven very
mall men, not more than four feet high, and
very black and ugly in the face, with exceedingly
mall twinkling eyes. These dwarfs spoke not a
word, but observing some motions of their terri
BILE mistress, they very quickly opened several
large chests, and unfolded certain parcels, and
spread before the admiring gaze of Umba, some
exquisite fine gauzy robes of Indian muslin so
fine and delicate indeed, that a full flowing dress
for a lady, could be compressed within a mans
hand, or placed within the hollow Of an egg
shell. Then the dwarfs unfoIded some beautiful
silks of China and Japan. After gazing awhile
Umba retired to a recess, and robed herself in a
yellow silk kahayah, or coat of Japan, spangled
oyer with COLDER bees. The kabayah reached
nearly to her knees, and for undergarment. she
dressed herself in exquisite white muslin trowsers,