New-York tribune., 1921-06-19


ly explored.
The Sultan who ruled over it was unwilling
to have white men in the country because he
feared that his state might become protec-
torate of one of the larger powers.
At Singapore one heard tales Of the wealth
of animals in Trengganu, but it was generally
conceded that it was impossible for white
man to enter the country. For my part
though I had no idea how to win the Sultan
to my way of thinking, I decided that it would
be at least as easy as getting a permit to go
into Lower Siam. That would have required
interviewing H. H. Prince Damerong brother
of the King of Siam and Minister Of the In
terror, which was no easy matter for SO OBJ
scure person as I.
Meanwhile the rumor reached US that an inn
mense heard of elephants was crossing from
the state of Pahang into Trengganu, and |
made up my mind to act Instantly. A roam
ing herd of elephants is so serious menace to-
rice crops that | thought the Sultan might not
object to having the assistance of foreigner
in capturing them In any event, the chance
was worth taking.
1 waited on the beach at Trengganu for a
1ew minutes, until the German steamer was
boy into the village to engage living quarters.
He returned presently with the information
that Chinese trader had offered to put me
up. Ali and I followed him up the street of
the village, with group of inquistive ma
tives at our heels.
Soon after l had finished my first meal at
the traders house, tunku (petty prince) ap-
peared with his followers. The meeting was
colo ooI 4 L,
ritual Of inquiring after my health, though I
could see that inquisitiveness was gnawing a.
him. At last he asked bluntly what nv object
was in coming to Trengganu.
II have come to see the Sultan on i1npor
tant business"
He told me that it would be impossible for
me to see the Sultan and offered to deliver nv
message. waved him aside and told him that
must see the Sultan personally.
Twice day for entire week called at
the palace. I appeared to be making no
headway, but had been associated with the
Malays long enough to know that the Sultan
could not bear the strain much longer. Also,
knew that if gave tunku the least inkling
OF my purpose all my hopes of hunting in
Trengganu would be wrecked.
The Sultan gave in at last he sent word to
the gate that he would receive me, and was
ushered into the reception room" of the
palace. The Sultan, middle-aged, scholarly
looking man, was waiting for me, with his
retinue squatted around him. I gave him NV
card
What is it," he asked.
"AIy name,' I replied, bowling.
What country are you from?'
America
He looked surprised and asked if ] was
English, French or Dutch; he thought that all
white men must be of one of those races. ana
that America was probably q colony
Fortunately had some maps with me- I
spread them on the floor and held a class in
geography, with the Sultan and his retinua
bending over me, listening ntently. The
Sultan was as enthusiastic on the subject of
America as if he had discovered the country.
told him about our President and how he is
elected, about the states and Governors and
the legislatures and Congress-
At last he lost interest in America and
asked why had come to Trengganu. / told
him had come to trap animals and wanted
ms permission. He shook his head and replied
that there were no animals in Trengganu.
"if you will send your messengers out" an
sUered, "you will find that an immense herd of
elephants is crossing from Pahang into your
country
How do you know?"
X heard" 1t was Malay answer and /
could see that he was interested A roaming
herd of elephants is dangerous; it spoils rice
crops, terrorizes the natives and, most inn
portant of all, reduces the Sultan's income.
lie ordered coffee and Malay cakes and
plunged into thought. The coffee was muddy
ara bitter, but | drank it joyfully, because I
knew the Sultan, being worried, would prob
any see the wisdom of allowing me to enter
ms coaAtry and capture the elephants Also
suggested that he would receive a bonus on
eaca ANIMAL captured He nodded and asked
me 10 come TO the palace the next day.
Exactly three weeks after our first meetinp
he greeted me with the words: "Tuan chakap
betai lSlr, you spoke the TRUTH"
= always speak the TRUTH" answered. as
il were annoyed. The messengers had re-
turned with the news that the herd had beer
seen near the Pahang River
Ha aucl> l>aI rLatr