FATHER'S DEATH 271 



us to go the other side of the river, as he feared there 

 would be trouble if we remained where we were. He 

 helped us across with our luggage, saying, as he did 

 so, 



"Now, we are friends. Eat your dinner in peace, 

 and no one will disturb you." 



We were much struck by his gentlemanly manner 

 and handsome face. He desired no trouble, and 

 avoided it by getting us beyond his domain. We 

 never learned who he was, but by his bearing we 

 supposed him to be one of their leading men. 



We arrived at Narinuma late in the day, and found 

 quiet reigning in the village, and all our possessions 

 just as we left them. We intended to go back to 

 Shugary, and remain there until the party returned. 



Shelley went to Port Moresby with some men, car- 

 rying all our birds; and returned with ammunition 

 enough to last us many days. I was out shooting when 

 he reached the village, but I heard him fire several 

 shots with his pistol, and hurried back to meet him. 

 Before I reached the town, I met several women : they 

 looked frightened, and, upon my asking them what 

 was the matter, they ran into the woods. Presently, 

 I heard Shelley shout, but his voice sounded wild and 

 strange, and I ran on as fast as possible. When I 

 came near enough to see him, he was weeping; and 

 before I could speak, he cried, 



44 O Sherman, father is dead ! " 



