1 88 THE WOODLANDS ORCHIDS 



and Munson, of Massachusetts, were eaten. Mdme. Pfeiffer 

 nearly crossed the tableland unmolested, though the savages 

 were not friendly ; but, as she says, they regarded her as a 

 witch. Encouraged by this example, three French priests 

 made an attempt two years later ; they were promptly 

 devoured. Two Dutchmen shared their fate not long after- 

 wards, and the Government forbade more experiments. 



I have no room for detail, but one very curious point 

 must be indicated. These cannibals unredeemed possess an 

 alphabet of their own, bearing no resemblance to the Malay, 

 which latter is a corrupt amalgamation of Arabian, Persian, 

 and Tamil. The Batta characters are original. They write 

 commonly on strips of bamboo, scratching the letters. ^ 



On the return of the expedition, a party of invalids was 

 despatched to the local sanitarium on Selimbang Hill, and 

 Ericsson obtained leave to accompany it. There was no 

 danger now. A few huts had been built there for troops, 

 and a bungalow for officers — who made h'lm welcome, of 

 course. They arrived at dusk. The officers went out early 

 next morning to their duties, and Ericsson lay waiting for 

 his coffee. The rough timbers of the bungalow were con- 

 cealed by boards, smooth and neat. Invalids quartered 

 there had amused themselves by scribbling their nanies. 

 Some, more ambitious, added verses, epigrams, and carica- 

 tures ; others, drawings and even paintings. From his bed- 

 place Ericsson scrutinised these artless memorials in the early 

 light. Presently he observed a flower — a Cypripedium ; the 

 shape could not be mistaken. It was coloured, but dimly — the 

 tints had soaked into the wood. With professional interest 

 his eye lingered on this sketch. And then the first sun-ray 

 streamed across the verandah and fell upon the very spot. 

 Its faded colours shone brightly for a moment, green, white 

 margin, vinous purple — Ericsson sprang out of bed. 



No room for doubt ! To make assurance doubly sure 



