270 COLLECTOR'S RAMBLES 



only in fun, they could not be persuaded to come back 

 again for a long time, and then only under the promise 

 that we would never do that again. Even after they 

 came back, I could see them casting side glances at 

 Shelley, as if they were fearful he would do something, 

 they knew not what, to scare them out of their wits. 



The next day, after packing up our birds, and thank- 

 ing the natives for their kind treatment, we started 

 back for Narinuma. Several of the people (the chief 

 among the number) accompanied us a mile or so on 

 our way, entreating us to come back and live with 

 them. They said that food was plenty at Shugary, 

 and if we would only come back, the boys would get 

 us birds and insects, and they would help us to build a 

 house. They were very hospitable, and did their best 

 to make it pleasant for us. We had enjoyed ourselves 

 so well that the trouble at Boyeruma had nearly been 

 forgotten. We passed directly through their fields, 

 and came upon several of them cultivating their 

 sugar-canes. They were much frightened, but when 

 we asked for food they dared not refuse ; and sent 

 an old man, who trembled with fright, to get us some 

 yams and sugar-cane. He soon returned with some 

 cooked yams, for which we paid him ; and we went 

 along a little farther, where we sat down to eat our 

 dinner. 



No sooner had we commenced, than a handsome 

 unarmed savage made his appearance, and entreated 



