The National tribune., 1898-06-23
CHAPTER ".

Jala-Jala is long peninsula. extending
from north to SOUTH in the middle of the
Lake of Bay. This peninsula is divided
longitudinally for the space of three
leagues by chain of mountains, which
diminish gradually in hight till they be-
come mere hillocks. These mountains
are easy of access, and generally covered
on one side with forests, and on the other
with fine pasturage, abounding with wav-
ing flexible grass three or four feet high
which agitated by the breeze reSembled
the waves of the sea when in motion. 1t
is impossible 10 find more splendid vege-
tation, which is watered by pure and
limpid springs that guSh from the mount
ain nights. and roll in a moandering
course to Join the waters of the lake.
These pasture grounds constitute .Jala-
Jala, the greatest game preserve in the
island. Wild boars, deer, buffalo, fowls
quail, Snipe, pigeons of Is or 20 different
varieties, parrotS-in short all sorts of
birds abound in them. The lake is
equally well supplied with aquatic birds,
and particularly wild ducks. Notwith-,
standing its extent, the island produces
neither noxlouS nor carnivorous animals;
the only things 10 be apprehendcd are the
cIyet cat, which only prcyS upon birds
and the monkeys which issue in troops
from the forests to r2vaCe the fields of
maize and sugar cane, The lake which
abourds with excellent fish, is less
favored IN THIS respect than the land, for
CATERS OF such immense size that in a few
moments one OF them can tear horse to
pieces and swallow it in its nonstrous
stomach. The accidents they occasion
arc frequent and terrible, and | have
seen mary natives become their victims
as shall subsequently, relate.
| ought doubtless. TO have begun by
speaking Of the human beings who in
habItcd the forests of Jala-JaIa. but | am
sportsman, and E.ust therefore be ex-
cused for beginning with the game.
At the time 1 purchased it. Jala-Jala
was lnha bIted by some Malay Indians
who lived in the woods, and cultivated a
few spots OF ground. During the night
they carried on the trade of piracy, and
gave shelter TO all the banditti of the
country had been described to me in the
most gloomy colors. According to the
citizens OF that place il would not be long
before fell victim TO these robbers.
My adventurous disposition, however
only made all these predictions instead
OF irlghtenIng me, increase my desire to
visit these men who lived in an almost
savage state. AS soon as / had pur-
chased Jala-Jala ! had laid down a line
OF conduct for myself the object of which
was to attach to me such of the inhabit-
ants as were the most to be dreaded |
resolved TO become the friends of these
bandItu, and for this purpose ! knew
that ! must go amongst them not like
sordid and exacting landlord, but like a
father.
For the execution of my enterprise.
everything depended on the first impress
sion that should make on these Indians.
who had become my vassals When /
had landed, | directed my steps along the
borders of the lake towards q little ham
let composed of n few cabins / was ac-
companied by my faithful coachman We
were both armed with a good dou ble-bar-
relied gun, brace of pistols, and saber.
i had taken the precaution of ascertaining
from some fishermen the name of the
Indian to whom | should especially ad-
dress myself. This man, who was the
most respected amongst his countrymen.
was called in the Tagal language, Ma
butlu -Taio," which may be translated the
bravest of the brave. He was
Thoroughbred robber a real piratical
chief, a fellow that would not hesitate to
commit five or six murders in one expedi-
ton; but he was brave, and with primi-
tive people bravery is a quality before
which they bow with respect.
My conference with Mabutiu-Taio was
not long. A few words were enough to
WIN me his favor, and to make him my
faithful servant during the whole time
remained at Jala-Jala. This is the man
ner IN which spoke to him: You are a
great villain" l said. IL am the lord of
Jaia-Jala. / insist on your changing