ordered Dalagan and Guidala to hasten to the north in search of the
faithless messenger and to bring him back a prisoner.

Swiftly northward over the blue sea flew the messengers, and near the
island of Guimaras caught sight of Sinogo. He saw his pursuers and
flew all the swifter, but he was no match for them in speed. Nearer
and nearer they came and then, drawing their swords, rushed forward
to seize him.

But Sinogo was not to be easily caught. Quick as a flash, he placed
the shell in his mouth and dived down into the water, at the same
time changing himself into a huge crocodile-shaped Buaya with scales
like armor of steel.

In vain Dalagan and Guidala rained blows on the monster. The swords
could not pierce the heavy scales.

Up through Guimaras Strait the chase went on, and Sinogo tore up
the water in his flight. So great was the disturbance of the ocean
that, as they rounded the northern coast of Negros, the waves dashed
completely over the little island of Bacabac, sweeping away the hills
and bringing the land to the level of the sea.

Still the rapid flight went on. Straight for Bantayan headed Sinogo,
but suddenly changing his course he dashed into the narrow channel
between Negros and Cebu. Then Dalagan, leaving Guidala to continue the
chase alone, flew swiftly back to Caueli and told Captan that Sinogo
was in the little strait. Up sprang the god and, flying directly east,
he posted himself at the southern entrance of the channel. In his
hand he held an enormous thunderbolt, and thus armed he waited for