When
reassured, we all went on, not a word spoken by any one, and so in
silence we entered the village. When we were observed, spears began
rattling in the houses; but our party shouted, _Maino_, _maino_ (Peace,
peace), _Misi Lao_, _Misi Lao_. The women escaped through the trap-doors
in the floors of their houses, and away down the side of the hill into
the bush. We reached the chief's house, and there remained.
The people soon regained confidence, and came round us, wondering greatly
at the first white men they had ever seen in their village. The women
returned from their flight, and began to cook food, which, when ready,
they brought to us, and of which we all heartily partook. We gave them
presents, and they would not suffer us to depart till they had brought us
a return present of uncooked food. They are a fine, healthy-looking
people, lighter than those on the coast. Many were in deep mourning, and
frightfully besmeared. There are a number of villages close by, on the
various ridges.
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