Shortly after daybreak our travellers were again ready to continue their journey. At the moment of parting Johannes distributed twenty parcels of tobacco amongst the most influential inhabitants of kotta Karangan; to the wife of the chief he offered a necklace of handsome beads, part of the goods purchased from Baba Poetjieng, a courtesy which was highly valued and served to remove all lingering suspicion. In recognition of this present the hostess offered to each of the party some bundles of Ketan rice wrapped in pisang leaves, accompanied by a large piece of Kalamboe-ei, or bakatak, and a stiff dram of doubly distilled toeak. La Cueille was delighted with the liquor; he smacked his lips and suspiciously wiped his mouth before he began his breakfast. He knew the sticky rice and with a little salt and grated cocoanut he found it very palatable. But he looked suspiciously at the other viands with which they had been presented. He smelt them and the aroma tickled his olfactory. He took a bite and found the taste more delicious than the smell. He banished all thought of pileworms and snakes and set himself to make a hearty meal, when Johannes asked him whether he knew what he was eating. “I don’t care,” the Walloon answered, “it is very nice!” “As long as you like it I am satisfied. I also find it nice though rather dirty.” With his mouth half filled the Walloon looked up at Johannes. “And what may it be after all?” he stammered. “The Kalamboe-ei is a snail of the size of your fist with a beautiful shell.” “And the other?” he asked in utter despair. “The bakatak is a green frog found everywhere along the borders of the rivers. Here, take a draught and wash it down.” As he spoke thus, he handed him a small bamboo measure of gin. At one gulp the Walloon wallowed it down, exclaiming: “Ah! ha! That is better. I will eat ten more snails for another dram.” “I believe you, my lad,” Johannes smiled, “but ten of these snails would ruin your digestion. Besides, you have quite enough courage now, so you had better finish your rice.” Breakfast being completed they all resumed their places in the boats and with a loud hurrah the fleet of rangkans was again set in motion. The stream grew gradually wilder and the passage more difficult. They had only three kihams to surmount, but the river itself became narrower and more shallow as they advanced, although the force of the current diminished as each affluent was passed.