Malay Magic _ Being an introduction to the - Walter William Skeat

is called bertangkap mangmang or ‘taking up the challenge.’ Each paper is then
carefully rolled up by the krani, and is placed by him in a separate bamboo tube;
the ends of both are then sealed up. When thus prepared the bamboo tubes are
exactly alike, and no one, not even the krani, can tell which contains the
assertion and which the denial. Two boys are then selected; one of the bamboos
is given to each, and they are led down to the river, where the Raja and Chiefs
take up their station, and the people flock down in crowds. Two stakes have been
driven into the bed of the river in a pool previously selected, and the boys are
placed beside them, up to their necks in water. A pole is placed horizontally on
their heads, and on a given signal this is pressed downwards, and the boys are
made to sink at the same moment. Each holds on to his post under water and
remains below as long as he can. As soon as one gives in and appears above
water his bamboo tube is snatched from him and hurled far out into the stream.
The victor is led up in triumph to the balei, and the crowd surges up to hear the
result. His bamboo is then opened and the winner declared.