into a detail of the wars, and, as effects lead to causes, probably of the gallantries of the district, for the word which signifies a woman was often repeated.  Colbee, in return for his communication, informed him who we were; of our numbers at Sydney and Rose Hill, of the stores we possessed and, above all, of the good things which were to be found among us, enumerating potatoes, cabbages, turnips, pumpkins, and many other names which were perfectly unintelligible to the person who heard them, but which he nevertheless listened to with profound attention.

Perhaps the relation given by Gombeeree, of the cure of his wound, now gave rise to the following superstitious ceremony.  While they were talking, Colbee turned suddenly round and asked for some water.  I gave him a cupful, which he presented with great seriousness to Yellomundee, as I supposed to drink.  This last indeed took the cup and filled his mouth with water, but instead of swallowing it, threw his head into Colbee’s bosom, spit the water upon him and, immediately after, began to suck strongly at his breast, just below the nipple.  I concluded that the man was sick; and called to the governor to observe the strange place which he had chosen to exonerate his stomach.  The silent attention observed by the other natives, however, soon convinced us that something more than merely the accommodation of Yellomundee, was intended.  The ceremony was again performed; and, after having sucked the part for a considerable time, the operator pretended to receive something in his mouth, which was drawn from the breast.  With this he retired a few paces, put his hand to his lips and threw into the river a stone, which I had observed him to pick up slily, and secrete.  When he returned to the fireside, Colbee assured us that he had received signal benefit from the operation; and that this second Machaon had extracted from his breast two splinters of a spear by which he had been formerly wounded.  We examined the part, but it was smooth and whole, so that to the force of imagination alone must be imputed both the wound and its cure.  Colbee himself seemed nevertheless firmly persuaded that he had received relief, and assured us that Yellomundee was a ‘caradyee’, or ‘Doctor of renown’.  And Boladeree added that not only he but all the rest of his tribe were ‘caradyee’ of especial note and skill.

The Doctors remained with us all night, sleeping before the fire in the fullness of good faith and security.  The little boy slept in his father’s arms, and we observed that whenever the man was inclined to shift his position, he first put over the child, with great care, and then turned round to him.