This had the desired effect; matters were soon arranged, and we started the next morning.

The wind, however, was dead against us, and after rowing hard till midday we put in to a small river where there were few huts, to cook our dinners.

The place did not look very promising, but as we could not reach our destination, the Watelai river, owing to the contrary wind, I thought we might as well wait here a day or two.

I therefore paid a chopper for the use of a small shed, and got my bed and some boxes on shore.

In the evening, after dark, we were suddenly alarmed by the cry of "Bajak! bajak!" (Pirates!) The men all seized their bows and spears, and rushed down to the beach; we got hold of our guns and prepared for action, but in a few minutes all came back laughing and chattering, for it had proved to be only a small boat and some of their own comrades returned from fishing.