Broke camp at 6:30 and were on our way. The stream was narrow and swift so our progress was slow. We saw nor heard no [sic] Papuans altho we passed several houses. After about 3 or 4 hours of steady poling we stopped to rest. As we had only 4 Dyaks and as much load as the other prows manned with 7 or 8 Dyaks we had to keep stepping fast to keep up with them. It was hard work for our men altho Dick and I also manned a paddleeach [sic]. As our canoe leaked badly Oompah was kept busy bailing. During the rest we learned it was still a considerable distance to the next group of Papuans and it would be noon or better before we reached them. That would be in the vicinity of Splitzings camp. As we were far beyong [sic] the 2 hours Matt had spoken of in his note where they traded with the natives on the way up and as it was uncertain whether they would be friendly and trade with us we decided it was best to return to the spot where they came out in canoes as we went up[,] for it appeared certain we could establish contact there. So we bid goodbye to the transport and started back down. We will make camp close to them and see what[’]s doing. With the stream in our favor we loafed and sped along. Dick had 2 shots at crocidiles [sic] on a bar but shooting from an unstable canoe is not an easy thing to do and Mr. Crocidile [sic] slipped off into the water. We were soon in the vicinity where we had seen and heard hundreds of natives[;] as we approached the 1st group of houses smoke was coming thru the roof. We pulled alongside shouting saro but to empty houses. They had fled. We slid on down stream to the {F3.34} next batch of houses, and had the same results. We could not understand it for on the way up they came out in canoes, and poled after us for some distance. We were on the other side of the river however then and now that we were close to them they were not as brave. There was nothing to do so we continued on and were soon in Motor Camp. They are back to their houses above camp but the moment you approach them they are gone. They are afraid and will be for some time due to the shooting by the soldiers. We were welcomed back in camp by Dr. Hoffman and spent the remainder of the day packing the ethnological collection so it can be sent down on the next motor transport. We will leave for down river early tomorrow morning for we know we can trade and work with the people there. Coming up we couldn’t spare time to stay long enough. Now we will be able to go and come as we please and should get results.
