Chapter 23 CHAPTER IX A THING THAT CAUSES A WAR
However, our artists traveled all the way and learned about the local folk customs along the way.At the same time, the dignitaries of the model island also condescended to make contact with the indigenous officials on the island.These "papalangers" (as outsiders are called in the archipelago) needn't worry about being coldly received.
As for the officials on the European side, there is a governor as a representative.At the same time, he was also the governor of Britain in the western islands.Those islands were more or less under British protection.Cyrus Picktaff, the consul of the island, did not need to pay him a formal visit, and the two sides had two or three disagreements, so the relationship was tense.
The German consul is one of the giants in the region.As for the relationship with him, it was limited to exchanging business cards.
During the mooring, the Tankton and Coverley family had visited the outskirts of Suva several times, and they had also gone deep into the forest on the top of the mountain, and their footprints had been stepped on to the back mountain.
In this regard, the manager made an incisive statement to the friends of the "Quartet".
"The reason why the residents of our billion-dollar city are interested in mountaineering," he said, "is because the topography of the model island does not change much...the island is too flat, too neatly unified...Of course I also hope to In this way, we will one day build a rockery on the island. It will not be inferior to the highest peak in the Pacific Ocean. Our residents will then run a few hundred paces to A breath of fresh, invigorating air... Humanity's desire to return to nature has been fulfilled."
"That's great!" said Pancina, "but good Callistus, I have a suggestion! When you build mountains of steel or mountains of aluminum, don't forget to have a lovely volcano in the center... a Volcanoes powered by dynamite or artillery..."
"Why not, Mister 'Gag'? . . . " replied Callistus Membal.
"That's exactly what I said to myself, why not?" interjected "His Highness."
Apparently, Walter Tankton and Miss Ty Coverley were also in the party, and they were arm in arm in a manner of intimacy.
On Viti Levu, no one overlooks the characteristic places of the capital; such as the "Mbirekaru", the temple, which was also used as a place of political gatherings.The buildings have stone foundations, bamboo walls, girders covered with a vegetal fringe, and wooden planks crafted to support thatched roofs.Tourists can also visit the hospital with excellent sanitary conditions. On the back hillside of the city is a terraced plant circle.When I go out to play, I often return at night. At that time, everyone holds a lamp in their hands, as if they have returned to the beautiful old days.On the island of Fiji, there are no gas lamps, no incandescent lamps, let alone arc lamps and calcium carbide lamps.But "under the bright protection of Great Britain" there will be all this.This is Callistus Membal's euphemism.
What did Captain Sarol and his Malays, and the New Hebrides on Samoa, do while they were at anchor?None of them deviated from their accustomed way of life, and none of them went ashore.They were familiar with Viti-Levou and the surrounding islands, some of whom had come frequently by boat, and some of whom had worked for the plantation owners here.They prefer to stay on the model island, keep surveying, and take the trouble to visit the city, port, park, countryside, rear fort and front fort.In a few weeks, these people will be able to set foot in their native land.Due to the enthusiasm of the company and the care of the island governor, they will stay on the machine island for a total of five months...
Our artists also occasionally chat with Sarol, who is very smart and speaks fluent English.Tharol spoke to them in warm tones about the New Hebrides, the natives of the islands, their ways of eating and their cooking techniques. "Your Highness" is especially interested in these.Pancina had a plan hidden in his heart: to discover a new recipe, introduce its production method to ancient Europe, and send it to the Gourmet Association.
On 30 January, the Island Governor dispatched an electric boat from the starboard port for their use.They set out in a boat, intending to travel up the Rewa River, one of the main rivers of the island.The owner of the electric boat is the mechanic. He and two sailors took a Fijian navigator on board.They asked Atanaz Doremy to play with them, but they didn't succeed.The etiquette teacher's curiosity has been exhausted... Later, when his students came to him, he happened to be away.He would rather stay alone in the dance hall of the entertainment city.
At 6 a.m. the airship was armed and loaded with food, for it would probably be night by the time it returned to starboard port.The airboat departed from Suva Bay and sailed along the coast to Rewa Bay.
In this sea area, not only giant rocks appeared, but also countless sharks.Be extra vigilant both against rocks and against sharks.
"Well, your sharks," said Pancina, "are no longer predators of the sea! . . . The British missionaries may have converted them to Christianity, as they have tried to convert the Fijians !...I can assure you that these animals are no longer willing to eat human flesh.”
"Don't trust him," said the pilot, "and don't trust the people in the interior of Fiji Island."
Pancina just shrugged, he was tired of hearing about those so-called cannibals.For those who eat human flesh, even on the day of the feast, do not "eat human flesh" any more.
As for the navigator, he knew Rewa Bay and Rewa River very well.The main river is also called the Wye-Levou.On this river, the tide can go up the river, as deep as 45 kilometers.Small boats can also go as deep as 80 kilometers.
The width of the river at the entrance of the Rewa River exceeds 600 meters.The river flows slowly on the sandy riverbed, the left bank is low and the right bank is steep.Banana trees and coconut trees on the bank come into view, forming a dense greenery.The river is also called the Rewa-Rewa River, following the accent prevailing in the Pacific.As Yvernay pointed out, this is purely a child's imitation when learning a language, such as father calling papa, mother calling mama, dog Dodo, horse Dada, candy Bang Bang, etc.In fact, these natives were not out of childhood.
The Rewa River is actually composed of the Wai-Levou (meaning big river) and the Wai-Manu.Its main estuary is called Wainiki.
After turning the delta, the electric boat came to the colorful Kemba village.In order to take full advantage of the high tide, the boat not only did not stop there, but also did not stop at Natasili Village.In addition, the village has just been declared a "Tabu" restricted area at this time, and houses, trees, residents, and even the river near the village are all considered forbidden.Aboriginal people strictly forbid anyone to go ashore here.Comparing with customs and customs, observing "tabu" is of course stricter.Sebastian Zorno knows something about this, and everyone respects it.
As the tourists walked along the bank of the village of Natasili, the navigator asked them to look at the tall tavala tree, which grew at the sharp corner of the river bank.
"What's so special about this tree? . . . " asked Frascolin.
"No, but from the root to the branch, there are many knife marks on the bark. These knife marks indicate the number of cannibals. This is the place where human flesh is cooked and cannibalism'' How similar!" Pansy Na shrugged, still in disbelief.
But he was wrong.The islands of Fiji were once a land of cannibalism.It should be insisted that the custom has not completely died out.In some tribes in the hinterland, this habit of cannibalism will remain for a long time.According to Fijians, the taste of human meat is extremely delicious, far from comparable to beef!You should take the navigator's word for it. There was once a chief named Laon de Reludu who had stones piled up in his domain.When he died, the number of stones was as high as 822.
"Do you know what these stones mean?..."
"We who play the violin can't figure it out even if we try our best!" said Yvernay.
"It means how many people the chief ate!"
"He ate it all by himself?"
"He ate it all by himself!"
"What a big appetite!" Pancina replied flatly.He thinks "Fijians are bragging".
At about 11 o'clock, a bell rang on the right bank.In the shade of coconut trees and banana trees, there are a few sparse huts in Neriliyi Village.There is a Catholic church in the village.Can tourists stop here for an hour?Use this time to shake hands with your fellow countrymen, Catholic priests!The navigator thought there was nothing wrong with it, so the boat was tied to the root of the tree.
Sebastian Zorno and his partner abandoned the boat and landed, and within two minutes of walking, they saw the dean of the church.
This man was about fifty years old, with a kind appearance and a vigorous expression.He greeted the French with great joy, and led them all the way to his cabin.There are about a hundred Fijians in the village, and he lives in the center of the village.He insisted that the guests accept a local cool drink.Rest assured, it's not some disgusting "kava" but some kind of drink, or rather some kind of soup that tastes good.The main ingredient of the soup is a gravy, a kind of clam meat that is abundant on the banks of the Rewa River.
The missionary devoted himself wholeheartedly to Catholic missionary work.It wasn't easy, because he had to fight the Methodist minister.The latter competed fiercely in the immediate vicinity.In short, he is very satisfied with what he has achieved.He will do his best to draw his followers back from their penchant for "bukalo," the habit of cannibalism.
"Since you are still going deep into the hinterland, my dear friends," he added, "be careful, and be vigilant."
"Did you hear that, Pancina!" said Sebastian Zorno.
As they were about to leave, the church bells rang for midday prayers.Along the way, the boat passed by several canoes equipped with balancing devices.On the flat bottom of these boats were bunches of bananas.They have just been collected by the tax collectors as currency, ready to be sent to magistrates.There are continuous plants on both sides of the bank, including laurel, bean bulbs, lemons, and cacti with blood-red flowers.Looking up, the trunks of banana trees and coconut trees are full of fruits, sticking out high.This piece of greenery stretches back all the way to the steep cliffs of distant mountains.The top of the mountains is called Mbig-Lewu Peak.
There are two European factories emerging from the shade, which is very out of harmony with the natural scenery of the area.This is a sugar factory equipped with a full set of modern equipment.In the words of the traveler Versloo, its products are not inferior to those of the sugar factories in the Antilles and other colonial areas.
At about one o'clock, the boat had reached the end of the Rewa River.After two hours, low tide will be noticed.They can then take advantage of this tide and return to the main channel.The return voyage was sure to be quick because the water was rough.Visitors have until 10pm to return to Starboard Harbor.
You still have some time here, how can you make better use of it?Visit Tangpu Village, the houses in this village are less than 1 km away.The mechanic and two sailors remained on board to look after the ship, while the navigator "guided" the passengers all the way to the village.There, ancient customs are still preserved in the pure traditions of the Fijians.In this area, all the efforts and preaching of the missionaries are in vain.Wizards still have a great influence, and witchcraft is very popular here, especially the kind called "Waka-Endlan-Ken-Taka", which is a string of words called using leaves.They love the Valkyrie Catoa, who are eternal, and who do not despise special offerings.Even the governor cannot stop the worship of these objects, and even punishment does not work.
It may be out of prudent considerations that we decided not to go deep into the hinterland of this unknown area.But our artists are as curious as Parisians, determined to go.The navigator agreed to accompany them, and at the same time told them not to get separated.
First of all, at the entrance of Tangpu Village, which has hundreds of small huts, everyone met some women, veritable savages.They wore only a piece of cloth around their waists, and saw the expressions of these outsiders without any surprise.During their work, they often see foreigners coming.They have become accustomed to such visits since the archipelago came under British protection.
These women are busy being "jujuma".This is the preservation of some rhizomes in pits lined with grass and banana leaves; they are then taken out, dried, crushed, and squeezed in bracken baskets.The squeezed juice is stored in a bamboo tube.This juice can be used not only for drinking and medicine, but also for oiling, so it has a wide range of uses.
A small group of them entered the village, and the natives gave no sign of welcome.They didn't come forward to greet them, and they didn't show hospitable enthusiasm.Also, the huts have an unattractive exterior and a coconut oil stink inside. The "Quartet" was secretly glad that the people here are not very hospitable, although they have a bad reputation, but it is also a blessing.
However, when they came to the chief's house, the chief walked forward surrounded by a group of natives.He was tall, with a savage expression and a murderous countenance, with white lime smeared on his curly hair.He was dressed in ceremonial attire, a striped shirt with a belt around the waist, an old-fashioned felt slipper on his left foot (can Pancina not laugh?), an old-fashioned blue tuxedo with a few patches, The already unusually neat back swing slapped the calf.
As the chief approached the group of strangers, he tripped over a tree root, lost his balance and fell to the ground.
According to etiquette, his entourage immediately stumbled and fell respectfully to the ground, "in order to share the embarrassment caused by this fall."
the navigator explained.Pancina quite agrees with this rule.At least he thought; it was nothing ridiculous, even compared with European court etiquette.
During this period, they stood up one after another, and the chief and the navigator exchanged a few words in Fijian language. "Quartet" did not understand a word.After these sentences were translated by the navigator, it means to ask foreigners what to do in Tangpu Village.The answer was that they just wanted to visit the village and see around.After some questioning and answering, they were granted permission.
In addition, the chief showed neither interest nor interest in these outsiders coming to Tangpu Village.He gestured, and the native returned to his hut.
"Anyway, they don't seem so vicious!" Pancina pointed out.
"That is no reason for lax vigilance!" replied Frascolin.
For about an hour, the artists walked around the village without worrying about the indigenous people at all.The chief in a blue tuxedo had already returned to Maogao.Apparently, the locals were indifferent to their arrival.
During their visit to Tangpu Village, no family opened their doors to welcome guests.After that, Sebastian Zorno, Yvernay, Pancina, Frascolin and the navigator walked towards the ruined temple.Not far from this abandoned ruin is the residence of the local wizard.
Leaning against the doorframe, the sorcerer cast a menacing glance at them.That look seemed to say, may bad luck befall them.
Frascolan tried to speak to him through the navigator.However, the wizard's expression was very disgusting and his attitude was aggressive, so everyone had to give up any attempt and no longer deal with this irritable Fijian.
At this moment, regardless of others' repeated warnings, Pancina walked through the dense banana forest on the hillside alone and quietly left everyone.
Sebastian Zorno, Yvernay, and Frascolan were utterly frustrated by this wizard.When they were about to leave Tangpu Village, they couldn't find their partner Pansina.
By this time it was time to get back on board.Low tide is always on time.They did not ride the tide down the Rewa for a few hours.
Frascoran, anxious about not being able to find Pancina, called out loudly.no respond.
"Where is he?..." Sebastian Zorno asked.
"I don't know..." Yvernay replied.
"Did any of you see him go? . . . " asked the navigator.
No one has seen him!
"He apparently followed the village path back to the boat..." said Frascorin.
"It's not right for him to do that," said the navigator, "then waste no time and go after him!"
They left, feeling very anxious.This Pancina was always looking for trouble, always thinking that the brutality of the natives was fabricated.These natives were too savage to teach, and he might be in real danger.
Passing through the village of Tang Pu, the navigator felt something and noticed that there was not a single Fijian in the village.All the huts were closed, and no one gathered in front of the chief's hut.The women who were busy being "jujuma" were nowhere to be seen.An hour later, the village seemed to be abandoned.
They quickened their pace and called out the names of the departed several times, but there was no answer.Had he reached the bank where the boat was moored? . . . Has the dinghy, attended by the mechanics and sailors, left its place? ...
Just a few hundred more steps and you're there!Everyone is in a hurry.Walking out of the woods, they saw the boat and the three people standing on the boat.
"Where are our partners? . . . " cried Frascorin.
"Isn't he with you?" said the mechanic.
"No... half an hour ago..."
"He didn't come back to you? . . . " asked Yvernay.
"No."
What's the matter with this impudent fellow?The navigator could hardly conceal his extreme uneasiness.
"We should hurry back to the village," Sebastian Zorno said, "we can't leave Pansina alone..."
They did so, though only one sailor was left to see the danger of the boat.This time back to Tangpu Village, it is best to bring more strength and weapons.All the huts must be searched, and if Pancina is not found, they will not return to Model Island or leave the village.
Once again set foot on the journey to Tangpu Village.There was still silence inside and outside the village.Where are these people hiding?The avenue was silent, and the hut was empty.
Unfortunately, things are basically certain...Pancina must have walked into the banana grove...was arrested...he was taken away...where? . . . and what would the natives he had mocked do with him?In fact, these are unimaginable! ... Searching around Tangpu Village, but without any results... How can we find traces in this forest, in this jungle that only Fijians are familiar with? …Besides, are they going to rob a dinghy with only one sailor left?That is the worry of everyone... If such a misfortune really happens, not only will the hope of saving Pancina come to naught, but even the rescue operation of the companions will be in trouble...
The despair of Frascolin, Yvernay, Sebastian Zorno cannot be expressed.what to do? ... The navigator also felt helpless.
Frascoran remained calm and said:
"Go back to Model Island..."
"Abandon our partners and go back?..." Yvernay yelled.
"What are you going to do?..." Sebastian Zorno interrupted.
"I see no alternative," replied Frascolin, "that the matter should be communicated to the Governor of the Model Island... and the authorities of Viti-Levou should be urged to take action..."
"That's the only way to save Pancina," cried Frascolin, "if it's not too late!"
In fact, is the only way.
Everyone left Tangpu Village. Along the way, they were always afraid that they would never see the small boat moored there again.They called Pancina hoarsely, but to no avail!If they hadn't been overly disturbed, the navigator and these companions might have discovered that the ferocious Fijians were hiding in the thorn bushes, watching their departure.
The boat was safe and sound, and the sailors saw no one on the banks of the Varey.
When Sebastian Zorno, Frascolan, and Yvernay decided to leave by boat, the heart-wrenching pain was indescribable...they hesitated...calling...Frasco Lan told everyone that they had to go.It is reasonable for him to say that, and it is reasonable for him to do so.
The mechanic started the engine and the boat raced down the Rewa River with the tide.
At 6 o'clock, the western bulge of the delta in view approached.Half an hour later, we arrived at the starboard port.
Within a quarter of an hour, Frascolin and his two companions rode the tram to the City of Billions and broke into the municipal building.
When Cyrus Picktaff learned of this, he rushed to the city of Suva and asked to see the governor who governed the islands.
When the representatives of the Queen of England learned of the incident in Tangpu Village, they did not deny the seriousness of the situation... The tribes living deep in the island do not submit to anyone, and this Frenchman just fell into their hands.
"Unfortunately, we will only be able to act tomorrow," he added. "Even going up the Rewa River at low tide, our small boats will not be able to reach Tang Po village. Also, more people will have to be brought to , the safest way is to go through the jungle..."
"And so," said Cyrus Picktaff, "but not to-morrow, but to-day, and to-day. . . . "
"I don't have enough troops on hand," replied the governor.
"We have, sir!" said Cyrus Picktaff, "give me your order, and send an officer who is familiar with the conditions of the place, with some soldiers!"
"Excuse me, sir," said the Governor coldly, "I'm not used to . . . "
"Excuse me too, sir," replied Cyrus Poctaff, "but I must tell you beforehand that if you do not act immediately, if our friend, if our guest cannot be retrieved, all consequences will be borne by you." You bear it. At that time..."
"So what then?..." the governor asked haughtily.
"The heavy artillery from Model Island will raze your city of Suva to the ground. Destroy your capital and destroy all your property, British or German!"
Formal ultimatum, only obedience.The few cannons possessed on the archipelago cannot compete with the equipment on the model island.The Governor gave in.It should be admitted that it would have been better if he had acted in a humanitarian spirit from the beginning!
Half an hour later, Captain Sim Coyer led a team of 100 sailors and soldiers to disembark in Suva City. He had long wanted to personally command the operation.The steward, Sebastian Zorno, Yvernay, and Frascolan stood aside.Viti-Levoux also sent a detachment of gendarmes to their aid.
Before departure, a decision was made: go through the jungle.They hired a navigator who is familiar with the complex terrain in the hinterland of the island as a guide, bypassed Leiwa Bay, took shortcuts, took quick steps, and tried to reach Tangpu Village in the shortest time...
It is no longer necessary to rush directly into the village.At about one o'clock in the morning, the troops were ordered to halt their advance.
In this thicket of thorns so thick that it was almost impossible to penetrate, someone saw the fire.Undoubtedly, this is where the aborigines from Tangpu Village gathered, half an hour away from the east of the village.
Captain Simcoyer, the navigator, Callistus Monbal, and the three Parisians go forward...
Before they had walked a hundred steps, they stopped and remained motionless...
Opposite the raging fire, Pancina was surrounded by a group of howling men and women.Pansina was half naked and tied to a tree... The chief of Fiji ran towards him with an ax raised high...
"Come on!...Come on!" Captain Simkoyer issued an order to the soldiers.
The natives were immediately shocked and terrified.Troops fired wildly at the crowd and smashed them with rifle butts.In an instant, the venue was empty, and all the aborigines fled to the dense forest...
Pancina was rescued from the tree and fell on the arm of his friend Frascolin.
I really don't know how to describe the joy of these artists and brothers; weeping with joy, this guy really deserves to be scolded!
"Unlucky fellow," said the cellist, "why did you leave us? . . . "
"Unlucky fellow, call it what you like, Brother Zorno!" Pancina replied, "Will you babble later? I'm almost naked now... pass me the clothes , Let me be decent when I go to see the official!"
They found his clothes under a tree, and he put them back on, all the while maintaining the most convincing composure in the world.Then, when he was dressed "properly", he shook hands with Captain Sim Coyer and the chief officer one by one.
"Look," Callistus Membal said to him, "now, you believe... there are cannibal tribes in Fiji! . . . "
"These dogs, it's nothing to be afraid of them eating human flesh," replied "Your Highness," "because I'm still unscathed."
"Always that virtue, damned fantasist!" cried Frascolin. "When I was about to be eaten, do you know what I was most angry about?..." Pansina asked.
"If I could guess it, I'd be immortal!" retorted Yvernay.
"Okay, I'll tell you! It's not that I'm about to be eaten by the natives...but that a savage took my clothes off, the blue tuxedo with gold buttons...and the one under my arm Umbrella, that nasty English umbrella!"
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