Page:Scented isles and coral gardens- Torres Straits, German New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies, by C.D. Mackellar, 1912.pdf/200

156 £20,000 as compensation, and retained many large areas and stations. In time, no doubt, they will reap a fine reward with rubber and other produce, though, as is always the case in a new and tropical land, they have much to contend with. The clearing of the ground and the keeping it clear is no light task.

As there existed no hotel or house of entertainment we were told that the club was free to us, and that we were to go there to lunch. King Peter said that the club in this manner entertained every stranger who passed by free of charge. This seemed bountiful hospitality, so we went back to the club, and King Peter, the Professor, and Herr Hesse having temporarily deserted us, we five Britons made ourselves at home there. Two Chinese servants were alone visible, and after a time one announced that lunch was ready, and we sat down to it. We were all in a thirsty mood, but shy of actually ordering drinks, debated the question, and were wondering what we ought to do when Herr Hesse joined us, and he having beer at once we also had some; but as we were our own hosts whilst being guests of the club, it was somewhat embarrassing. After lunch, as we sat smoking in the adjoining room, the Chinese servant approached me with the bill—it is always to me bills are brought—and we found our luncheon was five shillings a head! This was perfectly right and proper, but we wished we had not been deluded into the idea that we were being entertained free by the club, as then we could have ordered wine or what drinks we wanted; and I was still more vexed that I had not invited the purser—who had taken the trouble to show us round—to lunch and wined him well. We all looked at each other and tittered over this, but were relieved,