MIRACLE OF THE SONG

Set in Borneo, this story of the meeting of Christianity and paganism has the directness of the author's own faith in the work being done by native missionaries. It is told from the viewpoint of two youngsters, Damin and Pala, who live with their widowed mother in the village of Lansat, and it is their rivalry with Kasar, the witch doctor's son, that leads into the plot. Kasar, who wants their cock, gets a promise from his father to try to obtain it by hook or by crook. Meanwhile on a visit to another village, Damin and Pals join in a group led by Slamat, a young missionary-educated teacher and are impressed with the spiritual strength they receive from singing hymns. But when sickness comes leaving Damin half-crazed with fever, it is the witch doctor who has the upper hand -- temporarily -- until Damin is cured despite the witch doctor's curses.