[The Adventures of Louis de Rougemont by Louis de Rougemont]@TWC D-Link book
The Adventures of Louis de Rougemont

CHAPTER IX
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To the north-west appeared elevated ranges.

I came across many fine specimens of the bottle tree.
The blacks encamped at Derby were aware of my coming visit, having had the news forwarded to them by means of the universal smoke-signals.
The camp described by my informant I found to be a mere collection of gunyahs, or break-winds, made of boughs, and I at once presented my "card"-- the ubiquite passport stick; which never left me for a moment in all my wanderings.

This stick was sent to the chief, who immediately manifested tokens of friendship towards me.
Unfortunately, however, he spoke an entirely different dialect from Yamba's; but by means of the sign language I explained to him that I wished to stay with him for a few "sleeps" (hand held to the side of the head, with fingers for numbers), and partake of his hospitality.

To this he readily consented.
Now, I knew enough of the customs of the blacks to realise that, being a stranger among them, they would on request provide me with additional wives during my stay,--entirely as a matter of ceremonial etiquette; and it suddenly occurred to me that I might make very good use of this custom by putting in an immediate demand for the two white women--if they existed.

You see, I wanted an interview with them, in the first place, to arrange the best means of getting them away.


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