9 4 CERAM. [chap. XXV. 



to have been chosen on account of its being close to the 

 only deep channel between the extensive shoals of Ceram- 

 lant and those bordering the east end of Ceram. We now 

 had contrary east winds, and were obliged to pole over the 

 shallow coral reefs of Ceram-laut for nearly thirty miles. 

 The only danger of our voyage was just at its termination, 

 for as we were rowing towards Manowolko, the largest of 

 the Goram group, we ^vere carried out so rapidly by a 

 strong westerly current, that I was almost certain at one 

 time we should pass clear of the island ; in which case 

 our situation would have been both disagreeable and 

 dangerous, as, with the east wind Avhich had just set in, 

 we might have been unable to return for many days, and 

 we had not a day's water on board. At the critical 

 moment I served out some strong spirits to my men, which 

 pu^t fresh vigour into their arms, and carried us out of 

 the influence of the current before it was too late. 



MANOWOLKO, GOEAM GROUP. 



On arriving at Manowolko, we found the Eajah -was at 

 the opposite island of Goram ; but he was immediately sent 

 for, and in the meantime a large shed was given for our 

 accommodation. At night the Eajah came, and the next 

 day I had a visit from him, and found, as I expected, that 

 I had already made his acquaintance three years before at 



