at unless we saw
numerous villages with plenty of people we should not again return here.
He turned right round, and told us we should see Favele and Meroka, and
many villages, only we must return to his cousin's; that was all right,
we certainly should return. This morning, I told him to remain and take
care of his wife; that the people here would lead us and carry our
things. He begged of me to leave some of the things to ensure our
return, and I did so. Some of the people here are very dark and others
very light.

26_th_.--They tried hard to prevent our going to Meroka this morning,
saying we should be eaten by the _Jakoni_ (wild beast)--and how could
they return? That would not do--go I must; so I got the things out, and
asked some Meroka natives, who had come in, to pick them up and let us
start. They refused, and joined in with our friends, saying we had
better remain. No; I must see Meroka, and until I saw it not a taro
would be bought nor a pile of salt given. They all sat down, looking
true savages. After some time, I said, "Meroka, or we return at once." I
got my bag and went on to the path; they got up, and called to me to come
back--they would go to Meroka, but leave the things, and return here to
sleep. No; I must have the things; I might want to sleep at Meroka. That
was terrible, the salt would be finished, and there would be none for
them here. Would I not consent to their taro being bought, and then they
would go with me? No; Meroka first, and taro when we return.

Seeing there was nothing for it--that go I would--they consented, and the
Meroka folks picked up the things, and away we went. It was a short walk
across the side of a ridge, down about 600 feet and up to 1500, and then
along another ridge. We soon had crowds to see us, men, women, and
children; and all were delighted, for we bought their taro. The village
we stayed at was new, and they told us formerly they lived further in on
the mountain, but a man was eaten by the _Jakoni_, and they came down. A
number of natives were in mourning for the man eaten. After some time,
we got up to ascend the ridge, to have a good view of the villages and
decide on our position. They tried hard to prevent us, but we went on, a
few following to the next village. They pretended great fear of the
_Jakoni_, and at some places begged of us to tread lightly, and not to
speak. It was all a ruse to get us back. We went on, and up to the
highest