Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The 'Orang Kaya,' or rich man, as the chief of the tribe is called, now came in with sever-
al of the older men; and the 'bitchára' or talk commenced, about getting a boat and men to
take me on the next morning. As I could not understand a word of their language, which is
very different from Malay, I took no part in the proceedings, but was represented by my boy
Bujon, who translated to me most of what was said. A Chinese trader was in the house, and
he, too, wanted men the next day; but on his hinting this to the Orang Kaya, he was sternly
told that a white man's business was now being discussed, and he must wait another day be-
fore his could be thought about.
After the 'bitchára' was over and the old chiefs gone, I asked the young men to play or
dance, or amuse themselves in their accustomed way; and after some little hesitation they
agreed to do so. They first had a trial of strength, two boys sitting opposite each other, foot
being placed against foot, and a stout stick grasped by both their hands. Each then tried to
throw himself back, so as to raise his adversary up from the ground, either by main strength
or by a sudden effort. Then one of the men would try his strength against two or three of the
boys; and afterwards they each grasped their own ankle with a hand, and while one stood as
firm as he could, the other swung himself round on one leg, so as to strike the other's free
leg, and try to overthrow him. When these games had been played all round with varying
success, we had a novel kind of concert. Some placed a leg across the knee, and struck the
fingers sharply on the ankle, others beat their arms against their sides like a cock when he is
going to crow, thus making a great variety of clapping sounds, while another with his hand
under his armpit produced a deep trumpet note; and, as they all kept time very well, the ef-
fect was by no means unpleasing. This seemed quite a favourite amusement with them, and
they kept it up with much spirit.
The next morning we started in a boat about thirty feet long, and only twenty-eight inches
wide. The stream here suddenly changes its character. Hitherto, though swift, it had been
deep and smooth, and confined by steep banks. Now it rushed and rippled over a pebbly,
sandy, or rocky bed, occasionally forming miniature cascades and rapids, and throwing up
on one side or the other broad banks of finely coloured pebbles. No paddling could make
way here, but the Dyaks with bamboo poles propelled us along with great dexterity and
swiftness, never losing their balance in such a narrow and unsteady vessel, though standing
up and exerting all their force. It was a brilliant day, and the cheerful exertions of the men,
the rushing of the sparkling waters, with the bright and varied foliage which from either
bank stretched over our heads, produced an exhilarating sensation which recalled my canoe
voyages on the grander waters of South America.
