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Chalmers, James, 1841-1901

"Adventures in New Guinea"

Certainly; we shall do what we can
for them. Men are running all about, planting arms in convenient places
in the bush. We are told to keep a good look-out--and that we shall. It
is now daylight, so we do not care much. The fight has begun in the
village. Some Loloans, running after Delena natives, rush uphill; we
warn them back, and they retire. There is a loud shout for us to go to
the village and fight. I leave Bob with guns and cartridges to keep
watch over camp. I have more confidence in the skirmish unarmed, and
have no wish for the savages to think I have come to fight. I shout out
_Maino_, and soon there is a hush in the terrible storm. I am allowed to
walk through the village, disarm one or two, and, on my return to our
friend Kone's end of the village, he whispers to me, "There is Arua,"
understanding him to mean the chief, or _vata tauna_ (sorcerer). I
recognize in him the man introduced to me on a former visit, and who in
wrath cleared out from my presence. Now might be his time to pay me out.


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