Bryan Adrian was in his house when the message came to him that he should produce the bride-price for his marriage to Mary. Mary and her mother were willing to accept his proposal.
Adrian produced the bride-price, but the father of
the girl was bent on her not marrying him. I shall not live to see any other man than Miquel marry Mary,' he declared.
The people returned with the gifts they had taken to the girl's father and the advisers of Bryan Adrian told him not to be discouraged: 'Since the girl and
her mother are quite willing, there's nothing to fear.
Bryan Adrian distributed money among the relatives of the girl, and sent a good portion to the king of the land. The king at once sent to Bryan Javier, the
father of Mary, telling him not to be angry, that the girl could not be happy if she married a man she did not like.
'If you are using your power as king of this land to force me to accept your views in this mater, said Bryan Javier, that is a different thing: but as long as
hve, Miquel is the man to marry Mary.
The king made all arrangements for the marnage
to take place, and sent the bride-price to Miquel in paymernt of whatever money he mignt have deposited with the parents of the girl. Miquel refused. 'I do
not want one penny of her money.' That night, he spoke to his mother. "This older brother of mine is quite able to take care of you. I am going away for a time, and if anything happens in my absence he'll do his best for you. Do not be afraid for me. I am going to have my vengeance, whatever happens; but it will
have to be in my own particular way.'
"I dont like these words you're saying. my Son.
She began to weep, and Miquel tried to comfort her.
At dawn he called his brother and told him to take care of their mother. 'I am going away now. Don't ask me where I am going. because I do not know. I may
be away for a week, I may be away for more; everything rests with God.'
He took his bows and arrows and nothing else, apart from a few pence which he had in his pocket.
On bare feet he tramped away and was soon lost to sight.
Miquel travelled for days and nights, working on the way, sleeping when he got to a village. Whenever he got to a new village his first enquiry was always whether there was anyone who knew how to wreak
vengeance on men. And when they told him not to dare such things, that God alone could wreak vengeance, he left them, in anger, and went on.
In due time the wedding of Mary and Bryan tooK place. lt was a lavish occasion: even the king had not spent so much money when he had married, nor had more distinguished guests ever attended a wedding. Mary remained in Adrian's house after the ceremony.
A year passed and then to Bryan Adrian's surprise and delight Mary gave birth to a male child. There was great rejoicing, and Adrian at the naming ceremony called him Kyauta, that is, 'God be Thanked.'
The boy grew fast. He was as handsome as his mother was beautiful. Bryan Adrian's outlook on life changed entirely. He who used to frown and brood now went about his Work smiling, and radiating cheer and goodwill among men. He gave presents of money to all whom he met. In keeping with the custom, he sent away one of his Wives, but he saw to it that she had enough to live on for the rest of her life, even if she did not marry again.
The circumcision came, and after that the child went to school. His manners were so good that people were attracted to him, and, despite the fact that his father was a rich man, they expressed their appreciation of his good breeding by giving him presents of money. He was not aloof to the poorer boys. He
knelt down in greeting to all who were older than he, even to the brother of Miquel, in front of whose house the road to the school lay.
His father built him a separate house within his own compound and there all his friends came to visit and to play games with him.
Miquel was very tired. He lay in the shade of a tree, not knowing in which direction to bend his steps next.
Above him, hidden in the tree, a group of scowling men gazed down greedily, discussing what to do with him.
"Let us shoot him, said one of these dark-visaged men.
'There's no need,' whispered the other. 'Let's take his property, but not his life. He looks quite harmless.
The first man insisted, and, fixing an arrow to his bow, shot at the sleeping Miquel, but missed. Miquel started and sprang to his feet. He looked round and found no one. Then he looked up and saw the rogues leering at him.
'Are you a thief?' they asked.
'I am not, answered Miquel. I am a man who has been wronged. I am searching for someone to take revenge for me.' In a few words he told them his story of love and disappointment
The thieves came down from the tree. The man who appeared to be their leader laughed heartily and, raisng his hairy arm, struck Miquel on the cheek. 'Coward! he growled. "Lazy fool! Is she the only woman in the
World? Why can't you marry another?"
'Join us, and forget your sorrow; one of them invited.
'l can not steal, Miquel confessed.
He went on. Further down the road he heard drummng gwogie music, and women singing He asked a man what all the noise was about.
'You're nearing the town, the man answered.
'Do you think I'll meet a gods there who'll avenge my wrongs? It appears that the town is fairly
big;
Ah! exclaimed the man. You must be a stranger in these parts; that's why you ask such a question.
Do you know the name of this town?"
I don't.
The name is "Birnin_Zauna. da.Shirin Ka". That is, the. land where everyone holds himself in a state of readiness" Day or night, atternoon or evening, the
people of this town always know in advance when a strange thing 1s going to happen in the town. It is indeed a bad place.
'So, if a man wants to do a bad thing to someone else, he' ll find a man there to help him?
'Of course! Thousands of them!
'Very good. When I get there, whom should I ask for?
'Ask for the king."
When Miquel got into the town, he asked the first man
To Be Continued..