Casual investigations confirm the opinion that the language of the natives of Dunk, Hinchinbrook and the intervening isles was mutually understood.  Certainly there are more terms in common with Dunk Island and the southern end of Hinchinbrook—­40 miles away—­than with Dunk Island and the adjacent mainland.  In pre-white folks days amicable intercourse between the natives of the islands and of the mainland was unknown though the islanders frequently visited one another.  Hence no doubt their dominant character and higher order of intelligence generally.  Literally the insular was a floating population, and derived the advantage of intercommunication.  That of the mainland was stationary.  It groped dimly in the jungle, each sept, isolated by bewildering differences in language, cramped, narrow, suspicious.  Tribes whose country came within 2 or 3 miles of the sea never intruded on the beach, and the Beachcombers dared not venture beyond recognised limits.  To this day Tom will not “walk about” inland unless he is in possession of real superiority in the matter of arms, or has a following in force.  He professes fear of the primordial savagery of the “man alonga bush.”

LAST OF THE LINE

The last King of Dunk Island—­known to the whites as “Jimmy”—­was a tall, lanky man, irreclaimably truculent, incapable of recognising the dominance of those who bestowed his Christian name.  Long after most of his fellows had submitted in a more or less kindly spirit to the o’ermastering-race, “Jimmy” held aloof, and in his savage, self-reliant way, deemed himself a worthy foe of the best of them.  Often he endeavoured to persuade his companions to join him in a policy of active resentment.  Once, when remonstrated with on account of some offence against the rights of property, he assumed a hostile disposition, and calling upon others, took up a spear, determined if possible to rouse a revolt.  Few in number, the whites could not permit their authority to be questioned, and a demonstration with a rifle silenced all show of opposition.  “Jimmy,” disgusted with the docility of his fellows, departed, uttering wrath and threatenings, and was no more seen in the vicinity.  This incident took place nearly twenty years ago on the mainland.  “King Jimmy, the Irreconcilable,” died a natural death.  He does not sleep with his fathers on his native soil, but at Tam o’ Shanter Point, nor are any of his acts and deeds remembered, save that which illustrates his hatred of the whites, and his bold and truculent spirit.

None of those who remain is equal to the last of the royal line in stature.  Toby stands 5 feet 7 1/2 inches.  Tom, 5 feet 7 inches.  Brow, 5 feet 2 3/4 inches, and Willie, 5 feet 2 inches.  Tom’s expanded chest measures 36 1/2 inches, and Toby’s, 36; Brow’s, 34 1/2, Willie’s, 34 inches.

CHAPTER III

ATTRIBUTES AND ANECDOTES