25_th_.—­We left this morning at eight, and arrived at Orofedabe, in the Favele district, at one p.m.  The walking was good and steady, the first few miles along the valley beneath a mountain in the Sogeri district, which we called Mount Nisbet, and the range near to Eikiri.  We crossed the Laroki several times, and sat near its head; then ascended an easy ridge of the Owen Stanley Range.  We travelled for about two hours along this ridge, then descended, crossing two streams, which we suppose to be the head streams of the Kemp Welch, flowing into Hood Bay.  There are six small villages on ridges close by, high mountains all round, and not far off the mountain on which the wild animal lives.  They tried to persuade us that this was Meroka, and there was no use our going further; but we could not believe it, and I brought my compass out, and pointed to them where Eikiri, Sogeri, Kupele, and Hapele were, and told them where I expected to find Meroka, which cannot be very far off.  When they saw I knew something of our position, they said we could not get to Meroka, because of rocks and wild beasts.  At the village we slept the last two nights they did all they could to detain us, because of the salt and beads.  They were assisted by Oriope, who was anxious that all should go to his cousin and friends, with whom we were staying.  In a conversation they had under the house, shortly after we arrived, I could hear sufficient to enable me to understand they would keep us there, and not let other villages get salt and beads.  I got thoroughly vexed with the old man, and told him he could return home, and that unless we saw numerous villages with plenty of people we should not again return here.  He turned right round, and told us we should see Favele and Meroka, and many villages, only we must return to his cousin’s; that was all right, we certainly should return.  This morning, I told him to remain and take care of his wife; that the people here would lead us and carry our things.  He begged of me to leave some of the things to ensure our return, and I did so.  Some of the people here are very dark and others very light.

26_th_.—­They tried hard to prevent our going to Meroka this morning, saying we should be eaten by the Jakoni (wild beast)—­and how could they return?  That would not do—­go I must; so I got the things out, and asked some Meroka natives, who had come in, to pick them up and let us start.  They refused, and joined in with our friends, saying we had better remain.  No; I must see Meroka, and until I saw it not a taro would be bought nor a pile of salt given.  They all sat down, looking true savages.  After some time, I said, “Meroka, or we return at once.”  I got my bag and went on to the path; they got up, and called to me to come back—­they would go to Meroka, but leave the things, and return here to sleep.  No; I must have the things; I might want to sleep at Meroka.  That was terrible, the salt would be finished, and there would be none for them here.  Would I not consent to their taro being bought, and then they would go with me?  No; Meroka first, and taro when we return.