When I desired to proceed to Romian, they wished to restrain me, stating that they would be apprehensive for my safety, as the people of Romian from jealousy at my having previously visited the other villages, would probably make an attack on me.[38] Even the interpreters were afraid to go there, until something more had been learned concerning them. As I was aware, however, of the high respect with which the natives in general view the Company, whom they regard as their benefactors and allies, I went confidently towards the people drawn up under arms, accompanied only by two unarmed seamen waving the Dutch flag in front, a proceeding which the assembled multitude witnessed with astonishment and alarm, not being able to conceive how I dared to undertake it, without previously obtaining hostages for my safety. As I had expected, I was received with frankness and enthusiasm, and admitted into the village with shouts of joy. Old and young, men and women, viewed me as their deliverer in the need, and the welkin rang with the cry of "_Salamat datang, Tuda Compania!_" (Welcome! representative of the Company!) In a few words I informed them of the object of the Government in sending me here, and testified to them my anxious desire to establish peace among them, to effect which they requested my assistance. On my assuring them that the people of the other villages would lay down their arms, they promised on their part to refrain from hostilities, and to await with peace and quietness the effects of my intervention. I also requested them to give free admission to my interpreters and the other officials, that they might pursue the necessary enquiry. In the mean time, I caused the presents which had been brought for each village to be taken from the boats, and ordered the armed seamen to approach; after which I permitted the letter of the Government to be solemnly read and explained to them, and distributed the presents to the chiefs. After having promised to come back and settle their differences, I returned to Ewena and Aweer, where the presents of the Government were also distributed, and received with great thankfulness; the people expressing their sense of the kindness of the Company, and stating anew how ardently they had longed for the return and assistance of the Dutch Government, and how fortunate they would esteem themselves were they again to be recognized as "_Anak Compania_," or children of the Company. What may we not do with such people? The day was spent in examining into their differences, and in transacting the business which had been entrusted to me by the Government; and towards evening I returned on board, promising to pay them another visit on the following day.