After a
little time, two ventured to accompany Mr. Lawes on board, and received
presents. I remained ashore astonishing others by striking matches, and
showing off my arms and chest. The women were so frightened that they
all kept at a respectful distance. These are the natives from an inland
village that killed a Port Moresby native about the beginning of the
year. When those who accompanied Mr. Lawes on board the _Mayri_ returned
to the shore, they were instantly surrounded by their friends, who seized
the presents and made off. They had received fish, biscuit, and taro.
The taro and fish were smelt all over, and carefully examined before
eaten. The biscuit was wrapped up again in the paper.
On Sunday, the 4th, we were beating down through innumerable reefs, and
at eight p.m. we anchored about three miles from Hula. The following
morning we went up to the village, the _Mayri_ anchoring close by the
houses. The country about here looks fine and green, a very striking
contrast to that around Port Moresby.
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