But When Richard Lander Presented
His Gun At Their Leaders, Their Courage Failed, And They Took To Flight.
On The Road To Kiama, The Appearance Of The Country Was Completely
Changed, And The Road Lay Through A Vast Tract Of Mountain Forest, The
Haunt Of Savage Animals.
The crossing of a narrow brook introduced them
to a people speaking a different language, of different manners and creed
from those of Yarriboo.
Lander gives the following account of the first
night which they spent in this new territory: - "We occupy a large round
hut, in the centre of which is the trunk of a large tree, which supports
the roof; it has two apertures for doors, above which are a couple of
charms, written in Arabic. It is now eleven P.M.; our attendants, with
several of their fellow-travellers, are reposing on mats and skins, in
various parts of the hut. Bows and arrows, and quivers ornamented with
cows' tails, together with muskets, pistols, swords, lances, and other
weapons, are either hanging on the wall or resting upon it. The scene is
wild and singular. Outside our hut it is still more striking. There
though it rains and thunders, the remainder of the _fatakie_, consisting
of men, women, and children, are sitting on the ground in groups, or
sleeping near several large fires, which are burning almost close to the
hut, whilst others are lying under the shelter of large spreading trees
in its immediate vicinity. Their only apparel is drawn over their half
naked persons; their weapons at their sides, and their horses are grazing
near them." After entering Kiama, they were introduced to King Yarro, who
sat by himself upon a heap of buffalo hides; the walls of the apartment
were ornamented with portraits of George IV.
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