CATTLE WORN OUT.

It was evident that the draught cattle could not continue this work until after they had had some repose.  This day’s journey did not much exceed eight miles, and yet some of the best of the bullocks had lain down on the road.  On the other hand the natives were likely to become formidable; for the tribes increased in numbers while we were taking up our ground.

THE TALL MAN AGAIN.

They advanced towards us without ceremony, led on by the old man and the tall athletic savage we had seen before, and who had both been noticed as the most persevering thieves of all.

APPROACH OF THE FISHING TRIBE.

These two men had hung about our party several days and their intention of assembling the tribes around us for the worst of purposes was no longer to be doubted.  I felt no occasion to be ceremonious with them, for I had frequently given them to understand that we did not wish their company.  I immediately took several men forward with muskets to keep the tribes off while our party were encamping, but to no purpose.  The natives carried a quantity of large fishes, and introduced me particularly to a very good-humoured-looking black who seemed to be chief of the new tribe, and who took some pains to explain to me that the spears they carried were only for killing fishes or kangaroos (boondari).  This chief appeared to have great authority although not old.  He wore tightly round his left arm, between the shoulder and the elbow, a bracelet of corded hair.  This distinction, if such it was, I also noticed in one of the old men.* The afternoon was a most harassing time, from the repeated attempts to pilfer the carts and tents.

(Footnote.  Of the bracelet as worn among the Orientals Harmer says:  “This I take to have been an ensign of royalty; and in that view I suppose we are to understand the account that is given us of the Amalekite’s bringing the bracelet that he found on Saul’s arm, along with his crown, to David, 2 Samuel 1:10.”  Volume 2 page 438.)

COVETOUS OLD MAN.

The old man whose cunning and dexterity in this way were wonderful had nearly carried off the leathern socket for the tent-poles; another extracted the iron bow of a bullock-yoke.

CONDUCT ON WITNESSING THE EFFECT OF A SHOT.

The most striking instance however of their propensity for clutching occurred when Burnett, by my order, shot a crow, in hopes that its sudden death might scare them; but instead of any terror being exhibited at the report or effect of the gun the bird had not reached the ground when the chief was at the top of his speed to seize it!

The strong tall man was by far the most covetous, it was almost impossible to keep him from our carts; even after all the others had been rather roughly pushed off and had sat down.  About sunset the tribe retired, but with demonstrations of their intention to visit us in the morning.  Meanwhile I was thinking to explore the further course of the river with a few men and pack animals only, leaving the bullocks and other men to refresh here for our long homeward journey.