These cages were made of the broad leaves of the pandanus
tree, sewn quite close together so that no light, and little
or no air could enter. On one side of each is an opening
which is closed by a double door of plaited cocoanut tree and
pandanus tree leaves. About three feet from the ground there
is a stage of bamboos which forms the floor. In each of these
cages, we were told there was a young woman confined, each
of whom had to remain for at least four or five years without
ever being allowed to go outside the house. I could scarcely
credit the story when I heard it; the whole thing seemed too
horrible to be true. I spoke to the chief and told him that
I wished to see the inside of the cages, and also to see the
girls that I might make them a present of a few beads.... [A
girl having been allowed to come out] I then went to inspect
the inside of the cage out of which she had come, but could
scarcely put my head inside of it, the atmosphere was so hot
and stifling. It was clean and contained nothing but a few
short lengths of bamboo for holding water.
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