“This is most extraordinary,” I said.
“Not for New Guinea,” Chapman answered. “Let me see the wound? Fortunately only a flesh wound, it will be troublesome for a couple of weeks, the only danger is inflammation in this hot climate. I have a medicine chest and a lotion which will remove the soreness.”
When the bandage and the lotion had been applied I felt more comfortable.
“Why did you build your house on stilts?” I asked.
“To guard against attacks by the natives.”
“Then they are not to be trusted?”
“No, I have been attacked three times since I took up my quarters here. On the shore one would certainly be murdered. The jungle is so thick that they creep up to the door and make a rush, then all is over. Out here they must come in canoes, I keep a watch day and night, if they are seen approaching we are prepared. By this windlass we draw up the cutter, we have an ample supply of ammunition, pointing to a heap of stones on the floor. They can only climb up by means of a ladder and before they can accomplish that we simply drop a stone through the bottom of their canoes, then there is trouble down below. A few shots from a Winchester and the battle is won. The natives in the immediate vicinity have learned that I am not to be trifled with and with them I am now at peace. The danger lies with the fellows down the coast, who come up on expeditions against other tribes and incidentally take in the white man.”
“Prospecting for gold is sufficiently hazardous for me and I shall leave the pearl fishing to others,” I remarked.
When a substantial meal had been served I asked, “Why do you employ Malays?”
“They are good fighters and the best pearl fishers.”