2o8 THROUGH CENTRUM. RORXEO 



kiham in succession awaited us, and after some moments 

 of comparative quiet ue again dashed down into tur- 

 bulent waves, and making a swift turn to the right on a 

 downward grade ghded into smoother waters. The ex- 

 citement was over and the experience had been as de- 

 lightful as it was unexpected. It reminded one of to- 

 bogganing in Nonvay and was great fun, although the 

 enjoyment was always mingled with feelings of anxiety 

 concerning the cameras and instruments. 



The luggage was unloaded from the prahus which were 

 waiting at the head of the last rapids, and was carried on 

 the backs of natives who after\vard took the empty boats 

 down. Although the men had worked incessantly for 

 nine hours, on the advice of the chief it was decided to 

 proceed to Samariting, the first Penihing kampong. Half 

 the goods was stored near the beach, to be called for the 

 following day, and the now comfortably loaded prahus 

 made ready for the descent of the next rapids, which he 

 said were risky. He therefore was going to walk himself 

 and advised us to do likewise. Rain began to fall. 

 On the high river bank I waited to see them off. The first 

 prahu had to return and take another course; the men 

 all seemed to be hesitating. Finally it made a fresh dash 

 forward. Near the end of the long rapids it almost 

 disappeared from view, appeared again, steering first to 

 right then rapidly to left again. There was the danger- 

 ous place, and having in this manner seen most of them 

 pass successfully, I walked on and shortly afterward 

 boarded my prahu, which carried us swiftly down to 

 Samariting. 



