Adventures in New Guinea James Chalmers

105
"I am going to Motumotu, and not all the feathers in Kabadi, nor all the
sago they can prepare, will turn me now, until I have made a fair trial,
and then, if driven back, I will visit Kabadi."
I believe our crew had had a talk with that man before he came to me.
It was five o'clock on January 12th before we got to Namoa, near Cape
Suckling. Maiva canoes passed with wallaby from Namoa. When ashore,
cooking breakfast, Koloko and her husband, with uncles and aunts, and men
and women from the village, came down. The two former were going to
Maiva, and the crowd followed to see them embark in one of the large
Maiva canoes. After the bamboo pipe had been passed all round, the
embarkation took place, men and women weeping as if taking a final
farewell.
When they had gone, we told the people we wished to sleep, and they left
us undisturbed. In the afternoon we came to Delena, where we had right
hearty welcome. They are truly glad we are going to Motumotu, as they
fear an attack, and hope our visit will benefit them. They feel sure
Motumotu will receive us well, and seeing that I specially visit them,
they say it will be all right. The crews feel encouraged, and are at
present ashore feasting on dugong, sago, and betel-nuts. Some have been
off for tobacco, and are now laughing at the folly of their friends. The
sorcerer is not in Delena; but even he would do nothing to prevent our
going on. We are all ready to start with a land breeze. The crews have
sent us word, "When you wish to start, call out; you will see us gladly
spring into the water."
On leaving Delena with a light breeze and pulling, we reached the Kaveri
beach near Cape Possession, about eight a.m. When near Maiva, we met a
Motumotu canoe. At first they were afraid to come alongside of us, but