[37] The very young girls also wear a similar ornament, but it is much lighter, being made of thick brass wire.
[38] It must here be remarked, that I had not yet conversed with any of the people of Romian, and was therefore unacquainted with their disposition. As they lay so far from the brig, and were at war with their neighbours, they were afraid to pay me a visit.
CHAPTER XV.
THE TENIMBER ISLANDS.
The Village Chiefs of Sebeano.—Ludicrous Mistake.—War between Romian and Ewena.—The insignificant Cause which gave rise to it.—Successful Attempts at Reconciliation.—Contribution towards giving a Knowledge of their Character.—State of the Country.—Productions and Commerce.—The Author visits Larrat.—Uncivil Reception at Kalioba.—Departure for Watidal.—Meeting on the North-west Point of Timor-Laut.—Departure for Serra.
We returned on board, accompanied by a numerous party of Sohbats, or friends, a considerable number having preceded. I found that the chiefs of Sebeano had been alongside, but without venturing on board: they returned, however, on the following morning. I received this numerous company on deck, the cabin being too small for so many guests. A glass of arrack and a little Java tobacco formed the most acceptable refreshment I could offer them. The chiefs of Sebeano and some others were extremely alarmed, speaking in a tremulous manner, and being scarcely able to bring out the words they wished to utter.
It accidentally happened that while we were sitting together on deck, it became necessary to spread the awning, on which the officer of the watch ordered the men aft to perform this duty. The word of command for this is usually given with much quickness, and a number of men instantly came aft to obey it, whose sudden appearance caused such a panic in the breasts of the chiefs, that many of them sprang on their feet in a moment, and some actually popped overboard through the ports, while two of them rushed down the companion and concealed themselves in the cabin. All this happened so suddenly, that at first I could not imagine the cause. The others, who were somewhat acquainted with the usages of a ship, remained seated, and laughed heartily at the ungrounded fears of their more ignorant countrymen. The chiefs of Sebeano now seeing their mistake, returned on board very much ashamed, and making ludicrous gestures.
I returned to the shore in the morning, according to my promise, having previously sent twenty seamen, according to my usual custom, to add more solemnity to the meeting. In the mean time the interpreters had returned, with the agreeable intelligence that the chiefs would willingly receive my intervention, and abide by the decision I might come to.
An enquiry into the causes of their wars will assist in giving an idea of the disposition of these people: I will, therefore, give a short account of the causes of the enmity which had arisen against the people of Romian, which were as follows:—
The people of Romian happened to have more success at the trepang fishery than the people of the other villages during two successive years, which gave rise to an envious feeling on the part of their neighbours, which was increased by a Chinese vessel having remained at Romian to trade, while only one of the Chinamen belonging to her proceeded to Ewena, to barter with the inhabitants. These circumstances gave rise to distrust and estrangement, and the people of both villages began to avoid each other, though without coming to an open rupture.