We Asked How Long The White Man
Had Been Dead, And Were Told That He Died Three Moons Before, Of
Fever, and
that we could see his grave if we liked, for it was within a day's journey.
There was
An openness about this tribe, and a frankness in their answers,
that made us certain that all we heard was the truth, and as they had
evidently befriended this poor wanderer, we were anxious to repay them in
some measure, and strengthen the kindly feelings they felt for the white
men, so we told Lizzie to assure them that our visit was only to search for
our lost brethren; that we should like to visit the grave, if one of them
would guide us; and that in return for their services we would give them a
new knife and a tomahawk.
As they were profoundly ignorant of the use of fire-arms, and we wished to
impress upon them the irresistible power of the white man, it was agreed
that we should ask them to guide us to the nearest place frequented by
kangaroos, and pick off two or three of these animals in their presence, if
possible. They were very curious to know the meaning of our "lightning
sticks," and we repaired, escorted by nearly the whole tribe, to a
neighbouring water-hole, where we could remain concealed, and get an easy
shot at any game coming down to drink. We were not kept long waiting, for
within half an hour a couple of wallabies came hopping leisurely along, and
were very cleverly dropped in their tracks, one by Dunmore, the other by
Larry.
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