We
reached the village, and were seated with strangers and surrounded by old
friends, when Oriope, who had been on his plantation, came along to where
we were, nearly breathless, and streaming with perspiration; he threw his
arms around me, embraced me, rubbing his dirty moist cheeks on mine,
sitting down and not speaking for some time. When he began, he said he
was afraid we were terribly offended, and would not return; but, having
returned to him, we must stay. No, we cannot; we must return to Keninumu
that night. Ah, he could manage it; he would have us tied, and so detain
us. Four coast natives who knew the Koiari language were with us. We
told our old friend we wanted a large quantity of betel-nuts, and that he
had better set out at once for them. Soon the women and lads were off.
We then removed to our old house on the rock, and there told him, through
the interpreter, what we had expected of him, and that he had not done
it, but that having told him we should pay them, we had come now to do so
for the journey made.
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