Page:Scented isles and coral gardens- Torres Straits, German New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies, by C.D. Mackellar, 1912.pdf/228

182 I never heard that Herr Bruno shot one of them; but it was well known to all natives that the isle was taboo to them, so if they did attempt to land it was for mischief and at their own risk.

He wanted to return to the ship, so I begged to be left on the island alone and fetched when the boat brought him back in the evening. As it was quite safe he agreed, and there they left me, quite alone, with the run of a whole beautiful idyllic island all to myself. I rejoiced in this, and went about exploring, looking at the plants, rambling about, and now and again taking a photograph. It was a beautiful spot, and I longed for such a place of my own. You felt as if you could breathe in freedom there, and that no care could come nigh, with nothing but the sea around and the unexplored mainland before you. Hours went by, but I did not think of the time—I was too much interested. No thought of the natives or of possible danger crossed my mind.

Far out at sea rose to a great height the active volcano called Vulcan Isle. Rising from the sea directly, a perfect cone, it perhaps looks higher than it really is. We had passed not far from it. It has trees almost to the crater, and streams of old and new lava flowed down its steep declivities, whilst it was emitting much steam and smoke. At night it shows a dull red light. There are said to be twenty-four native villages on it, and the near island Aris is also thickly populated. Vulcan Isle is a very striking feature in this part. Lesson Isle, not far from it, has also a volcano. I believe no white man has ever landed on Vulcan Isle, and its native inhabitants are said to be so particularly savage and ferocious, and such ardent