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in my right hand the universal peace-token of all primitive 
tribes—a green bough—while my left was shown with. the open 
palm, to prove myself to be unarmed, although I must confess 
that my revolver was loosened in its pouch and ready for action, 
and my eyes on the alert. I was allowed to approach him within 
about ten yards, when he commenced to retreat ; but he stopped 
when I stopped, showing his will to keep me at a distance. He 
was a strong well-made man, completely nude, while his lubra 
wore an apology for a bark apron. He made me understand by 
gesticulations that we should leave the island at once, upon which 
I did my best to show him we had come as friends, and would 
leave the island on the opposite coast. I after this offered him a 
handkerchief, which he took from a bush where I had to put it. 
A second handkerchief was then demanded for his lubra, and 
transferred to her in the same way, after which we parted 
amicably. 
The afternoon passed quietly, the packs being adjusted amongst 
our carriers—each man to carry about half hundredweight, his 
blanket, and a waterbottle, while each European was to carry his 
rifle, revolver and ammunition, blanket, mosquito-net, and a 
water-bottle. Our stores consisted of rice, biscuits, tinned meat, 
tea, and sugar. A bottle of whisky, together with a few 
medicines, lint, and bandages, and some rockets for signalling, 
completed our outfit. During the first watch, about half-past 
seven, several natives, accompanied by lubras, were heard around 
the camp. A few shots being fired in the air by the leader's 
orders, they retired precipitately under discordant screaming, and 
we were no more disturbed during the night. The next morning 
we started early, going north for about two miles over a fairly- 
grassed country, showing signs of being visited by buffalos. At 
two miles and a-half we reached the summit of the coast range, 
about 200 feet above the level of the sea, composed of ironstone 
conglomerate, sparsely timbered with Zucalyptus, Grevillea, 
Acacia, interspersed with Bombax, Erythrophlewm, Metrosideros. 
Three miles further on a small permanent creek, with good water 
running eastward, was crossed, and about three miles further on 
another creek running north was met. 
From this point the country rises gradually and is intersected 
by low ironstone ridges. Continuing our course for another mile 
and a-half we camped for dinner, and after a short rest, our 
leader and Mr. Hingston, the surveyor, went a short distance in 
an easterly direction, hoping to find a creek to fill the water-bags. 
In this they succeeded at a distance of about 200 yards, but 
while returning to the camp they were attacked by natives, who 
had followed us evidently at a distance, and a spear pierced the 
leader’s arm. At the sound of their firearms the party hurried 
