It happened, fortunately, that my servant, Harris, was the first for sentry.  I told him to keep a watchful eye on the natives, and to call me if any thing unusual occurred.  We had again chosen a lofty bank for our position; behind us there was a small plain, of about a quarter of a mile in breadth, backed by a wood.  I was almost asleep, when my servant came to inform me, that the blacks had, with one accord, made a precipitate retreat, and that not one of them was to be seen at the fires.  I impressed the necessity of attention upon him, and he again went to his post. shortly after this, he returned:  “Master,” said he, “the natives are coming.”  I jumped up, and, taking my gun, followed him, leaving my friend George fast asleep.  I would not disturb him, until necessity required, for he had ever shown himself so devoted to duty as to deserve every consideration.  Harris led me a little way from the tents, and then stopping, and pointing down the river, said, “There, sir, don’t you see them?” “Not I, indeed, Harris,” I replied, “where do you mean? are you sure you see them?” “Positive, sir,” said he; “stoop and you will see them.”  I did so, and saw a black mass in an opening.  Convinced that I saw them, I desired Harris to follow me, but not to fire unless I should give the word.  The rascals would not stand our charge, however, but retreated as we advanced towards them.  We then returned to the tents, and, commending my servant for his vigilance, I once more threw myself on my bed.  I had scarcely lain down five minutes, when Harris called out, “The blacks are close to me, sir; shall I fire at them?” “How far are they?” I asked.  “Within ten yards, sir.”  “Then fire,” said I; and immediately he did so.  M’Leay and I jumped up to his assistance.  “Well, Harris,” said I, “did you kill your man?” (he is a remarkably good shot.) “No, sir,” said he, “I thought you would repent it, so I fired between the two.”  “Where were they, man?” said I.  “Close to the boat, sir; and when they heard me, they swam into the river, and dived as soon as I fired between them.”  This account was verified by one of them puffing as he rose below us, over whose head I fired a shot.  Where the other got to I could not tell.  This watchfulness, on our part, however, prevented any further attempts during the night.

I was much pleased at the coolness of my servant, as well as his consideration; and relieving him from his post, desired Hopkinson to take it.  I have no doubt that the approach of the natives, in the first instance, was made with a view to draw us off from the camp, while some others might rob the boat.  If so, it was a good manoeuvre, and might have succeeded.

Natives desert their weapons—­ingenuous conduct of A native.