Lawes's present. I unloosed the parcel,
and turned maid-of-honour in real waiting. Her Majesty was chewing betel-
nut, but that did not prevent my putting the dress on; first attempt all
wrong, the front became the back, and the back the front. At length I
succeeded, and, after fastening the dress, tied a pretty kerchief round
the royal neck. There was great excitement, in every mouth a thumb, a
few moments of silence, and then every soul spoke and shouted. It was
amusing to see her husband, uncles, maids, old men and women, young men
and maidens, gather round the royal presence, wonder and admire, and then
shout, _Oh misi haine O_! (Mrs. Lawes). Ah, Koloka, I wonder how you are
going to get out of that dress to-night; will you understand buttons,
hooks, and eyes?
During my stay at Delena, one of those warlike incursions by hostile
tribes so common in New Guinea took place. My presence and influence
happily brought about an early and satisfactory settlement of the
dispute. I extract the following from my journal:--
_June_ 2_nd_.
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