The moon was often
hidden by dark clouds, so we had some difficulty in keeping to the path.
We pressed on, as we were anxious to get to a deserted village which Mr.
Goldie knew to breakfast. We reached the village about six, and after we
had partaken of breakfast we set off for the mountains. When we had gone
about four miles the road became more uneven. Wallabies were not to be
seen, and soon we were in a valley close by the river, which we followed
for a long way, and then began to ascend. We climbed it under a burning
sun, Ruatoka calling out, _Tepiake_, _tepiake_, _tepiake_ (Friends,
friends, friends). Armed natives soon appeared on the ridge, shouting,
_Misi Lao_, _Misi Lao_. Ruatoka called back, _Misi Lao_ (Mr. Lawes), and
all was right--spears were put away and they came to meet us, escorting
us to a sort of reception-room, where we all squatted, glad to get in the
shade from the sun. We were now about 1100 feet above the sea level. We
were surprised to see their houses built on the highest tree-tops they
could find on the top of the ridge.
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