INACTION AND AN EXCURSION 
As there was nothing to tempt us to remain, and 
as Kerapuna, even at the best, was a dull place, we 
did not stay longer than four or five days. I was 
very anxious, too, to get back to Port Moresby to 
make my preparations for a second journey into the 
interior to resume my work. We determined to make 
the return journey by water, and accordingly hired a 
little canoe from a native, who, with a companion, 
came with us to act as our navigator. 
The little craft was hardly more than 18 inches 
wide, and just held the four of us in a rather cramped 
position. We set our course, which lay twenty miles 
across Hood’s Bay to Hula, and started about 10 a.M. 
in fine weather. When we had got about half-way, 
however, the wind rose, and a tremendous swell began 
to come in from the point where the reef opens sea- 
wards, and very soon the dug-out was dancing lke 
a cork and was continually shipping seas, so that 
Harry and I had to bale constantly. 
I must say, however, that our natives knew how 
to handle their craft, and were very expert watermen. 
They kept the little square sail of matting under 
excellent control, and steered with the flat of a paddle 
from the side at the stern. Although they were very 
frightened, they did their best, and kept the canoe’s 
head up to the seas very neatly. For a time, I must 
confess, I myself was doubtful whether we should get 
through safely. We were dripping wet and in rather 
a sorry plight, but after rounding the point close to 
Hula we got into calmer water, and we landed safely, 
but very stiff and cold. 
Two or three days later we bade good-bye to Hula, 
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