DEPARTURE FROM LONG PELABAN 93 



etc., fell overboard. They floated well and were re- 

 covered. 



Having finally put mats on upright saplings over the 

 boats, as shade against the sun and protection against 

 rain, we were off, but it was not altogether a pleasant two 

 days' journey. My heavily laden prahu, having been out 

 of use for some time, leaked badly, so one of the five men 

 had all he could do to throw out the water which poured in 

 through the holes of the rattan fastenings. The man who 

 was bailing sat opposite me in the middle section, and for 

 want of space I had to hold my feet up, with one leg 

 resting on either side of the prahu. I wore a pair of Lon- 

 don Alpine boots with thick soles and nails, weighing 

 eight pounds, which I had found too heavy for walking, 

 but which were excellent for wear in wet boats. When, in 

 order to change my uncomfortable position, I placed both 

 legs on one side, the edge of the prahu nearly touched 

 the water and the Dayaks would cry out in warning. I 

 have not on other rivers in Borneo met with prahus quite 

 as cranky as these. At the Bugis settlement I bought 

 fifty delicious pineapples at a very moderate price and 

 distributed them among us. 



