chap, v.] DYAK GAMES. 105 



is called, now came in with several of the older men ; and 

 the " bitchara " or talk commenced, about getting a boat and 

 men to take me on the next morning. As I could not 

 understand a word of their language, which is very diffe- 

 rent from Malay, I took no part in the proceedings, but was 

 represented by my boy Bujon, who translated to me most 

 of what was said. A Chinese trader was in the house, 

 and he, too, wanted men the next day ; but on his hinting 

 this to the Orang Kaya, he was sternly told that a white 

 man's business was now being discussed, and he must wait 

 another day before his could be thought about. 



After the " bitchara " was over and the old chiefs gone, 

 1 asked the young men to play or dance, or amuse them : 

 selves in their accustomed way ; and after some little hesi- 

 tation they agreed to do so. They first had a trial of 

 strength, two boys sitting opposite each other, foot being- 

 placed against foot, and a stout stick grasped by both their 

 hands. Each then tried to throw himself back, so as to 

 raise his adversary up from the ground, either by main 

 strength or by a sudden effort. Then one of the men 

 would try his strength against two or three of the boys ; 

 and afterwards they each grasped their own ankle with a 

 hand, and while one stood as firm as he could, the other 

 swung himself round on one leg, so as to strike the other's 

 free leg, and try to overthrow him. When these games had 

 been played all round with varying success, we had a 



