350 CELEBES. [chap. xv. 



they had passed, to avoid a catastrophe which would increase 

 the dislike with which I was already regarded. Every 

 clay about noon the buffaloes were brought into the village 

 and were tethered in the shade around the houses ; and 

 then I had to creep about like a thief by back ways, for 

 no one could tell what mischief they might do to children 

 and houses were I to walk among them. Tf I came sud- 

 denly upon a well where women were drawing water or 

 children bathing, a sudden flight was the certain result ; 

 which things occurring day after day, were very unpleasant 

 to a person who does not like to be disliked, and who had 

 never been accustomed to be treated as an ogre. 



About the middle of November, finding my health no 

 better, and insects, birds, and shells all very scarce, I deter- 

 mined to return to Mamajam, and pack up my collections 

 before the heavy rains commenced. The wind had already 

 begun to blow from the west, and many signs indicated 

 that the rainy season might set in earlier than usual ; and 

 then everything becomes very damp, and it is almost 

 impossible to dry collections properly. My kind friend 

 Mr. Mesman again lent me his pack-horses, and with the 

 assistance of a few men to carry my birds and insects, 

 which I did not like to trust on horses' backs, we got 

 everything home safe. Few can imagine the luxury it was 

 to stretch myself on a sofa, and to take my supper com- 

 fortably at table seated in my easy bamboo chair, after 



