Page:The Native Tribes of South Australia (1879).djvu/89

MILLIN. 27 kanake), and generally taking a companion with him, similarly equipped, starts on his enterprise. They proceed to prowl through the hunting grounds of the tribe to which the person they seek belongs, taking care to conceal themselves as much as possible. When they see their victim alone, they steal noiselessly upon him, and rushing at him, suddenly strike him a heavy blow on the head with the plongge, for the purpose of stunning him. Then as he lies there insensible, they strike him moderately hard with the plongge on the joints of the legs and arms, on the nape of the neck, and on the naked chest, the blows not being severe enough to break the bones, as a touch of the instrument is considered sufficient. In conclusion, they pull the victim’s ears until they crack, and then leave him to recover as he best can. This last operation is for the purpose of rendering the person incapable of telling who attacked him. He is now said to be plongge watyeri, and by the operation he is delivered over to the power of a certain demon called "Nalkaru." If he goes into battle, the malignant spirit will be at his ear, and by whispering in his ear seek to divert his attention from the proper management of the shield, so that he may receive a fatal wound. If the victim of the plongge walks into the bush his invisible pursuer, Nalkaru, will seek to divert his attention from his path, so that he may tread on a deadly snake. Or perhaps the millin may produce disease. I have frequently heard men say that they felt the plongge in their chests. But it is not only on an expedition for the purpose that millin is perpetrated. Frequently a man will get up in the dead of night, and after warming the plongge at the fire, so that its cold surface may not awaken the sleeper, proceed to operate on some unsuspecting occupant of the same wurley, taking care to do it so gently as not to be felt by the sleeping victim. In this way the malice of one person against another is frequently gratified. The dread of millin is universal amongst the Narrinyeri. I have often tried to argue people out of their belief in it, but in vain. Only adult males are considered able to practise it, and it is regarded as the greatest crime of which an enemy can be