Unlike the Dourga Strait natives, those of the Outanata River had no objection to come on board the European ships, and visited the vessels in great numbers. Even their principal chief came on board frequently. On the first occasion he disguised his rank, and merely came as an ordinary native, but he afterward avowed himself, and came freely on board in his own character. For convenience’ sake he called himself Abrauw, _i. e._ Abraham, a name by which he was well known for a considerable distance. He offered no objection to going below and entering the Captain’s cabin, though his subjects were rather uneasy at his absence, and shouted his name so perseveringly that he was obliged every now and then to put his head out of the cabin window. He had all the regal power of concealing astonishment, and witnessed with utter imperturbability the discharge of firearms, the ticking of watches, and examples of similar marvels. He did, however, display a little interest in the musketry practice, which was directed at a succession of bottles, slung from the yard-arm, but whether he was struck with the accuracy of aim or with the needless destruction of valuable bottles is doubtful. He seemed to be worthy of his position as chief, and was desirous of establishing an European settlement near the mouth of the Outanata. Unfortunately, the river, although a noble stream, has a sandbar across the mouth which effectually prevents vessels of even light draught from passing except at high water. The people in general were wonderfully honest, not displaying the thievish propensities which cause the visits of many savage tribes to be so troublesome. They even brought on board articles which had been accidentally left on shore. They probably owe much of their superiority to their connection with the Malay Mohammedans, many of whom visit New Guinea as traders. [Illustration: (1.) A SCENE IN THE NICOBAR ISLANDS. (See page 897.)] [Illustration: (2.) THE OUTANATAS AND THEIR WEAPONS. (See page 902.)] CHAPTER XCI. NEW GUINEA--_Concluded_. THE ALFOËRS OR HARAFORAS -- VARIOUS REPORTS RESPECTING THEM -- THEIR MODE OF GOVERNMENT -- AN ALFOËRIAN DIVORCE COURT -- TREPANG COLLECTING -- DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY -- FUNERAL RITES -- TRIBES OF THE SOUTH-EASTERN COAST -- A QUAINT DRUMMER -- DRESS AND ORNAMENT -- THE TATTOO -- THE FULL-DRESS PETTICOAT -- HAIR-DRESSING -- EXCELLENCE OF THEIR CANOES -- AN INGENIOUS SAIL -- HOW TO STOP A LEAK -- THE PIG-PET -- ARCHITECTURE -- DEFENCE AGAINST VERMIN -- HOUSES OF REDSCAR BAY -- DREAD OF STEEL -- TRIBES OF THE NORTH-WEST COAST -- THEIR CANOES -- MODES OF FISHING -- AQUATIC HOUSES -- MODE OF GOVERNMENT -- APPOINTMENT OF A NEW CHIEF -- NEW GUINEA WEDDINGS -- THE KARWAR, OR HOUSEHOLD GOD -- THE WAR-DANCE -- CEREMONIES AT FUNERALS.