Saturday
October 16
1926

We had a dandy breakfast consisting of a good portion of oatmeal and coffee. The soldier is an excellent cook. We broke camp and were packed and started on the trail before eight. We could just make it with eight carriers. Nine would have been better for a large bundle of bows had to be divided among all the carriers. Each one carried 2 or 3 bows in their hand which slowed them up somewhat. After about two hours of going we met 3 more Papuans returning. They were pleased with their payment but could not be induced to return and carry the bows because they were out of food and hungry. They would have liked to for Matt offered them 5 woos. They indicated by signs holding the stomach that they were hungry and had to return to Agentuwa. We did not know whether or not an additional transport had arrived.with [sic] food so we couldn’t promise them any if they came[,] so we let them go on and we continued with our load. Our Dyak carriers were good and made splendid time despite their heavy load. Four of them stepped right out and made extra fast time. It demonstrates what can be done with good men as carriers. We stopped for lunch where the trail cut off to Tombay over the short cut chich [sic, = which] we had failed to take when we left E.C. on the advise [sic] of Igoone. However[,] when Igoone accompanied Leroux he came that way not going to Damunaru as we had done. The {F4.37} place was full of these sweat flies. I have never seen so many. They swarmed about us and made it decidely [sic] uncomfortable as we ate. They are one of the most detestable pests in New Guinea and vie for equal honors with the leech. Matt and I climbed to a high point nearby and obtained an excellent view of the lake plain and both sides of the Doorman Top. The mountain peaks in all directions were without clouds while over the lake plain a heavy white blanket spread out in all directions. This would be a good point to get a good picture with a little clearing. However, we have no time so continue on. The short cut to E.C. was a good trail and we made excellent time. It was all down following the rather sharp ridge. After an hour of steep down going we could see how high we had been. In an hour and a half we were in camp. It was good to get back. We learned that the transport with food had arrived shortly after our carriers had left and some food was available. It was not much but we were well satisfied. We had made the return trip in about five hours not counting the half hour spent for lunch. Jordans had started up with the transport he had sent to us but his bad foot (he has an infected toe) kept him from going on so he came back. He has suffered a bad infection since he arrived here and it has made it impossible for him to make any trips. Shortly after we arrived Satchel had a conference with Matt over the captain’s letter and we learned that he had included us in the insult and Van wanted to know if Matt would let him handle the matter[,] to which Matt agreed. We also learned later from L.R. that Satchel had seen the telegram to his commandering [sic] chief in which Posthumus had said this was a film expedition, and knew all about it in Albatros Camp. He did not say anything to us about it despite the fact that he wired the committee that he had talked it over with the Americans and that they were not the least bit disturbed over the statement. L.R. made that statement in the presence of Dick, Matt and I. Satchel {F4.38} was very friendly and made noticeable efforts to be agreeable more than ever before. We were soon established in our leanto and everything was rosy. Some new Papuans, one a small pygmy type of woman, were present. They were good friends of Igoone and he greeted them exceedingly friendly when they arrived. They were from across the river and the Ratan Bridge.