is obliged to respect the laws and customs handed down by the ancestors.
He is supreme judge in all matters, though he may, if he desires, call
in the old men to help him decide difficult cases. The usual method of
punishment is by means of a fine. Should the culprit be unwilling or
unable to pay he is placed in servitude until such a time as the debt is
considered canceled, but should he refuse to serve he is killed without
further ado. The _datu_ appoints a man for this purpose, and he usually
gets his victim by stealth, either by waylaying him in the road or by
driving a spear through him as he lies asleep on the floor of his house.
When a fine is levied the _datu_ retains a portion as pay for his
services; if the more drastic punishment follows it serves to emphasize
his power and is more valuable to him than the payment. When his house
needs repairing, his hemp requires stripping, or his fields need
attention, his followers give him assistance. In return for these
services he helps support a number of fighting men who can always be
called upon for the defence of the people. His house is considered the
property of all to the extent that anyone goes there at any time and
stays as long as he pleases, partaking meanwhile of the _datu's_ food.
In times of danger, or during festivals, all the people assemble there
and assist, in the defense or the merry-making.

Datu Tongkaling is the most industrious man in the tribe. He does not
hesitate to work in the rice fields, to aid in the house-building or to
take his turn at the forge, neither will he tolerate any loafing on the
part of his followers. While in most instances he mingles freely with
his people he never eats with them. His wives, children, and guests eat
from a long row of dishes set on the floor, but the _datu_ takes his
food alone at a considerable distance from the others.

The balance of the people can be roughly divided between freeman and