Adventures in New Guinea James Chalmers

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natives, I walked up the long beach to the village, to the chief's house.
The old man was seated on the platform in front of the house, and did not
even deign to rise to receive us. I told him who I was, and the object
of my coming. He heard me through, and treated the whole as stale news.
I placed my present on the platform in front of him, and waited for some
word of satisfaction; but none escaped the stern old chieftain. Presents
of beads were handed to little children in arms, but indignantly
returned. Loud laughing in the outskirts of crowd and little jostling.
"Gould," said I to the mate, "I think we had better get away from here;
keep eyes all round, and let us make quietly to the beach."
To the chief I said, "Friend, I am going; you stay." Lifting his
eyebrows, he said, "Go."
We were followed by the crowd, one man with a large round club walking
behind me, and uncomfortably near. Had I that club in my hand, I should
feel a little more comfortable. When on the beach we saw the canoes had
left the vessel, and were hurrying ashore; our boat was soon afloat,
still, we had some distance to go. I must have that club, or I fear that
club will have me. I had a large piece of hoop-iron, such as is highly
prized by the natives, in my satchel; taking it, I wheeled quickly round,
presented it to the savage, whose eyes were dazzled as with a bar of
gold. With my left hand I caught the club, and before he became
conscious of what was done I was heading the procession, armed as a
savage, and a good deal more comfortable. We got safely away.
From Fyfe Bay we went round to Meikle Bay, where I visited all the
villages, and was well received. Before landing I decided to walk
inland, and see for myself if there was no arm of the sea running up at
the back. The charts showed no such thing, but I felt sure, from the