Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28


across the hnterland an ex-
petition of scientific research
that at times carried Us through regions where
no white mans feet had ever trod before. In
addition to our police bodyguard and band of
native helpers and guides, there were seven Of
us--a college president a geographist, an ento-
moIogiSt. botanist. another doctor, a camera
man and myself. We had been on the march
for a considerable length of time, during which
we had had many exciting adventures, when
we were warned of further danger ahead of u.s.
Nstive traders returning from the region of
Lake Bankalang reported mysterious activities
among the head-hunters in the Boentak Hills.
We forged steadily ahead. however, our ulti-
mate goal being the region surrounding the
base of the Rojong Range Of Mountains When
we reached Lake Bankalang after travelling up
the River Berite in canoes fresh murmurs of
the head hunters activities reached US, but
kept on across the lake and made for beyond,
where the river diverged into several smaller
streams before establishing our headquarters.
We camped high on a slope overlooking the
countryside and began to build fort of earth
works and fallen trees. This was surrounded
with a strong palisade Of pointed bamboo
stakes. Not Ear distant were the Boentok
Mountains.
Soon we received more definite warnings of
the activities Of the head-hunting chiefs in
surrounding villages, and Tindig, my chief
native guide, who was as sensitive to danger
as tiger of the forest in which he lived, sent
two of his scouts to reconnoiter. They returned
to inform us that the datus, or chiefs, OF the
district we're determined to attack and were
soliciting the aid of other tribes by circulating
tales of the white mems evil doings.
XxTHEN We learned this we made our camp
into a little fortress. and then we sent
one Of our police soldiers down the river with
message for Pelandet. Pelandet was the chief
ocAthe head hunting tribe by which we had been
threatened earlier on our journey when it was
believed that We had stolen one Of their native
women, but when it developed that there had
been a misunderstanding Pelandet had become
quite friendly. Our message to him now was
a piece of diplomacy, for it contained warn
ing that Pelandet must arm for battle if he
was to save the heads Of his village people.
I could not ask for help, for it would have been
confession OF weakness and might have
brought the whole countryside down upon US.
One old chief in particular, who was known as
Sernbuiu, was the leader in the plot against
us. He had a reputation for prophecy that
gave him great influence over the Superstitlous
natives. In his scheming mind there was ap-
.parently deep-rooted fear and hatred Of the
white man, and ne was developing plan that
would at the same time annihilate and
make him a still greater and more powerful
chieftain.
Meanwhile my little party of university pro-
and plants and mosquitoes and flies and what
not, and prepared quite cheerfuliy for battle.
We turned most Of our energies into the build
ing of our improvised fortress. It could not be
made impregnabIe, of course, but We wanted 1t
to be as resistant as possible to the poisoned
darts from the WarriorS' blow-guns.
Situated as We were on q side hill We did not
worry much about our rear. broad expanse
of lumpy limestone shouldering down from the
mountain peak over which We could quite
clearly was sufdcient protection in this drec-
ton. But 1t was important to have strong
barriers both oaar TANKS and, above all, to
keep the river wen In view, for ut this spot
several streams came together TO form q broad
eKpanse Of water, and 1t was here that the
warriors were assembling In their war canoes.
/ realized Of Course, that Eembuiu's plan Of
campaign would be absolutely relentless and
that our little party stood In very grave danger.
Our only chance rs q matter Of fact was q slim
one. It lay in getting word to Peiandet- And
chad another friend among the native chiefs,
old LambAng. head AZ . village where we had
saved the HE o. q little child who had been
bitten by q cobra These tNV chiefs migsS