Another month today. It has been four months now since we landed in Albatros Camp. We have four months more. The Papuans came about nine and I went out and traded with them. They were eager for the large knife I promised them and had brought for trade two large bunches of green bananas. Dick got the movie [camera] out and of course it scared them to death but after much maneuvering and coaxing (using the bead making idea again) we finally assured them of its harmless nature. The motorist who had finished working on the motor boat started the engine to take a test cruise and even that frightened them. We worked hard though and finally got them all and were able to secure some good movies of them using stone implements. Four were all that could be induced to come back and the others remained in the jungle due to the camera and the motor boat engine running. We bribed these with beads which {F3.62} were too tempting to refuse. Several new faces appeared in place of several which were present yesterday. I learned that they were the same folks who had shouted saro from the sandbar above the camp and then disappeared when I started out to trade with them the day we were packing to go down stream. They are still afraid of being shot and it takes all of our efforts and signs to reassure them of their safety close to camp. Many soldiers are hunting in the woods and when they shoot they jump up and run. We finally got over the idea that they were not shooting to scare them but were shooting birds for food. We will have to go slowly with them for several days. I was somewhat surprised that we got them accustomed somewhat to the movie machine the first time. They promised to come back tomorrow and indicated they would bring some stone axes. As soon as they got the large knife they were off. I thought as much from our experience with others on the river and consequently made that trade the very last transaction. The sun came out in all its power for a short time today but the rest of the day has been overcast. We have not as yet obtained a good view of the mountains since our return because of the many clouds in the sky. The river dropped a little during the night and many of the sandbars are again visible. Dick went hunting this afternoon and announced his intention of going straight back from the river to see what is in that direction. There is much water a short distance in and he believes there might be a large lake in the vicinity. The motor boat is entirely repaired now and has a new steering cable and a new propellor which was twisted by the winding of the anchor rope around the shaft. The transport from Batavia Camp left yesterday and should have the mail. It is due to arrive here Monday if it makes the trip in seven days. Dick plans to return with Dot the next day with the films and to bring up new film to make sure they are handled right. We wanted to make another {F3.63} short trip up our small unknown river again, but the Dyaks refused to go for some reason or other. The sergeant said that only one Papuan was killed at Head Camp and one badly wounded in the shoulder during the trouble they had while we were enroute [sic] to this camp. The Papuan was buried at the edge of camp. The transport from Head Camp did not return today.
