CATHOLIC SETTLEMENT, 
49 
of the cliapcl looked a promise of peaceful safety. 
But there is a reason for the closely crowded 
monastery buildings and the strong stockade 
which we could see encircling them. The na- 
tives, except the villagers who have come under 
the civilising influence of the priests, live in the 
mountains, and every now and again come down 
and make a night-raid on the establishment, in 
such force that they always have the best of 
the fray. 
The priests were evidently glad to have Euro- 
pean visitors, and treated our party with every 
kindness. H. bought a pair of shell armlets, 
which were with the utmost difficulty withdrawn 
from the wearer’s arm ; another tried to get hers 
off, but it was found impossible. These orna- 
ments arc put on in childhood, and as the person 
grows they form a groove in the arm, from which 
it is surprising that strangulation of the limb 
does not ensue. 
Crossing the Banda Sea, 
We were in Cupang, the capital of the Dutch 
half of the island of Timor, the day after our 
passage through the beautiful Flores Straits. 
As soon as our anchor dropped in the bay, we 
were surrounded by small boats, whose rowers 
had quite a distinctive appearance, arising from 
D 
