Page:Scented isles and coral gardens- Torres Straits, German New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies, by C.D. Mackellar, 1912.pdf/174

132 Age. Their canoes, most beautifully decorated, are hollowed out of tree trunks. But most people are familiar with these things in museums.

Herren Walin and Cart later entertained us to beer and whisky-and-soda at their residence.

The same night there was a gathering at Herr Thiele's billiard-room. Captain Fort of the yacht Eberhardt, Captains Knut and Niedermayer, our first officer, Dr. Dunckler of the Eberhardt, and the Stettin doctor were all there, and later Captain Dunbar, Walin, and others joined us, so it was a large gathering. We played billiards, had many drinks, many songs, and much music, and got back to the Stettin very late. All these people, especially the Captains, were full of jokes, stories, and reminiscences, so I was in very good and amusing company. My recollections of Matupi and Blanche Bay are likely to be pleasant and enduring.

Every one is amused and interested in my desire for an island or group of islands, and in hearing what I would do with them. It was the universal verdict that the great Admiralty Group would just suit me, and nothing, they thought, would be easier than for me to acquire it!

These islands were discovered by Schouten in 1615, and were visited by the Challenger, but as yet are little known, though now more visited. A Scotsman called Donald Dow lived for a time on them collecting bêche-de-mer, but what became of him in the end I do not know. They are a great source of trouble, as the natives are very fierce and warlike. Various whites have been attacked and killed there, and the Moewe had to go and retaliate and punish, killing many natives and capturing others. So, of course, any white man landing on them runs a good chance of being killed and eaten.

“Now,” I said, “do you think I do not see