The following day I started back to Manila, where I
caught my steamer for the southern Philippines. Vic was much distressed
at my departure and shed many tears as I said good-bye to him, his
grief being such that even a handsome tip could not assuage it.
In the Jungles of Cannibal Papua.
CHAPTER 7
On the War-Trail in Cannibal Papua.
Expedition against the Doboduras - We hear reports about a Web-footed
Tribe - Landing at the Mouth of the Musa River - A Good Bag -
Barigi River Reached - A Flight of Torres Straits Pigeons -
A Tropical Night Scene - Brilliant Rues of Tropical Fish -
Arrival of Supplies - Prospects of a Stiff Fight - Landing of
the Force - Pigs Shot to Prevent them from being Cooked Alive -
Novelty of Firearms - A Red Sunrise - Beauty of the Forest -
Enemies' War Cry First Heard - Rushing a Village - Revolting
Relics of Cannibal Feast - Doboduras eat their Enemies Alive -
Method of Extracting the Brains - Extensive Looting - Firing at
the Enemies' Scouts - An Exciting Chase - When in Doubt Turn to
the Right - Another Village Rushed - Skirmishes with the Enemy -
Relics of Cannibalism general in the Villages - Camp Formed at the
Largest Village - Capture of Prisoners - An "Object, Lesson" -
Carriers ask Leave to Eat one of the Slain - Arigita's Opinion -
Cannibal Surroundings at our Supper - Expectation of a Night Attack.
We were three white men, Monckton was the resident magistrate, while
Acland and I myself were NON-OFFICIO members of the expedition,
being friends of Monckton.
We had been some time at Cape Nelson, where the residency was,
a lonely though beautiful spot on the north-east coast of British
New Guinea. Whilst here I had made good collections of birds and
butterflies, and had made expeditions into the surrounding and little
known country, including the mountains at the back, where no white
man had yet been. And now (September 17th, 1902) we were off on a
government exploring and punitive expedition into the unknown wilds
of this fascinating and interesting country.
We three sat on the stern of the large whale boat, while the twenty
police and our four boys took turns at the oars. They were fine
fellows these Papuan police, and their uniforms suited them well,
consisting as they did of a deep blue serge vest, edged with red
braid, and a "sulu" or kilt of the same material, which with their
bare legs made a sensible costume for the work they had to perform
in this rough country. As they pulled cheerfully at their oars they
seemed in splendid spirits, for they felt almost sure that they were
in for some fighting, and this they dearly love.
Our boys, however, did not look quite so happy, especially my boy
Arigita, who was a son of old Giwi, chief of the Kaili-kailis.
