There was a great flood, and this morning you found him in the river." "By his feet I dragged him out," muttered Mahmat under his breath.

"Tuan Babalatchi, there will be a recompense!" he exclaimed aloud.
Babalatchi held up the gold bangle before Mahmat's eyes.

"What I have told you, Mahmat, is for all ears.

What I give you now is for your eyes only.

Take." Mahmat took the bangle eagerly and hid it in the folds of his waist-cloth.