356 HISTORY OF 



at them ; as it fell short the matter was treated 

 as a joke. Another now ran into the water, 

 and threw his, which likewise fell short: he 

 then took the hooked stick, and slipped off the 

 hook, which was only tied on, shewed a spear, 

 with which he ran up to his middle in water, 

 and threw ; it passed over the center of the boat, 

 but touched no one- 



In consequence of this unprovoked attack, 

 Lieut. Flinders snapped his gun at the man who 

 threw the spear ; the flint being wet, it mis- 

 sed fire ; but as the offender still stood in the 

 water with his back towards them, and calling 

 to his companions, Lieut. Flinders again tried, 

 and the gun again missed fire. 



During this transaction, the greater part of 

 the natives were observing Lieut. Flinders' mo- 

 tions with much unconcern. On the third trial, 

 however, it went off. The man in the water 

 fell flat, as did every individual among them ; 

 but those on the shore rose directly, and scram- 

 bled away, some upright and others upon their 

 hands and feet. One of the people in the boat 

 then fired among them, and they fell again upon 

 their faces; .but, as none were killed, they all 

 got up, and made off behind a bank. The man 

 in the water now rose up, and proceeded the 

 same way, but his progress was slower than the 

 others, he stooped much, carrying one hand be- 

 hind him on his back. From whence it was 

 thought he had been wounded, he continually 

 looked over his shoulder, perhaps expecting to 

 see a spear sticking in his back. Bong-ree said 



