Rowing hard we managed to get back into the main river by dusk, and looked out for a place to cook our suppers.

It happened to be high water, and a very high tide, so that every piece of sand or beach was covered, and it was with the greatest difficulty, and after much groping in the dark, that we discovered a little sloping piece of rock about two feet square on which to make a fire and cook some rice.

The next day we continued our way back, and on the following day entered a stream on the south side of the Watelai river, and ascending to where navigation ceased found the little village of Wanumbai, consisting of two large houses surrounded by plantations, amid the virgin forests of Aru.
As I liked the look of the place, and was desirous of staying some time, I sent my pilot to try and make a bargain for house accommodation.

The owner and chief man of the place made many excuses.

First, he was afraid I would not like his house, and then was doubtful whether his son, who was away, would like his admitting me.