The people of Ewena, being the less powerful of the two, demanded assistance from the inhabitants of Aweer, to some of whose warriors the badge of honour, called the korra-korra,[39] was delivered. The parties now became so exasperated, that there existed no possibility of those who had not entered into the quarrel being able to pacify them, and the strife soon extended to Larrat, and even to the more distant Serra, where individuals, influenced by family connections, took up the cause of one or the other party. Thus, we find in these distant parts of the globe a confirmation of the fact, that wars and other important events spring from the most insignificant causes. The narrative of these differences afforded me a new proof of how unfortunate these ignorant and uncivilized people are, when they are from under the protection of the Dutch Government, and have been left to themselves for a long series of years. On my return to the shore I had the satisfaction to perceive, that both parties had laid aside their weapons, but without having renewed their former familiarity. I landed between the two villages, at a spot where I had caused a tent of canvass to be erected, to shelter ourselves and the escort. As soon as I found that both parties would abide by my decision, I judged it advisable to bring the chiefs together, and to reconcile them as well as possible, in order to render it more easy to comply with their mutual demands. I also hoped that by being brought together, each party would be inclined to use more courtesy to the other, and I did not hesitate to make them acquainted with my object, promising, at the same time, that I would decide with justice and impartiality. I promised also to stand security for the personal safety of the chiefs of each party; but in spite of this I had the greatest difficulty in inducing them to come forward, and place themselves, one party to the right, and the other to the left of me and my men. Having, at length, succeeded, I brought to their view the mutual detriment that ensued from their discord. The Malayan language, in which I addressed them, was interpreted to them by my linguists. After some time this address appeared suddenly to affect them, and the chiefs of both parties burst into tears, and unanimously entreated me to effect a reconciliation, promising to make any reparation that I might think proper. I took advantage of this favourable opportunity; and placing the hands of the opposing chiefs together, wished that good fortune might attend their reconciliation. This struck them so forcibly that they fell on each other's necks, and a salvo was immediately fired from the muskets of our party, and from the one-pounders in the boats. The chiefs now sat down in a circle before the tent, and took _siri_ from each other's boxes, as a solemn proof of sincere reconciliation, the interpreters being also requested to partake of it. A glass of arrack was also