At seven, we
got to Lese, and were met by an excited crowd, the majority armed. We
anchored a little out, and would allow no canoes alongside. I called out
for Eeka, and a very old man walked into the sea, when I went ashore and
took him by the hand. Piri and his wife followed, with part of the crew
and the Boera and Port Moresby chiefs. We were led to the village, the
crowd increasing as we went along. Piri noticing an enclosed place, went
in to see what it was, and called me to have a look. I went in, but no
women or youths followed. Inside were two large houses, with rows of
masks and hats, the latter like small canoes, about ten feet long, made
with very light wood and native cloth. On coming out I was seized by the
hand by an elderly man, who, in a towering passion, drew me on. All I
could make out was that somebody was a thief and a liar. The Boera chief
ran up, and I asked him what was wrong. "Oh, this is your friend,
Semese, the chief you gave the present to when you were last here, and he
is angry with Eeka for taking you away.
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