262 COLLECTOR'S RAMBLES 



distance, we saw two kangaroo-hunters, to whom we 

 called. They started to run away, as usual, but seeing 

 we did not follow, and only laughed at them, they took 

 courage and advanced to meet us. 



They spoke a somewhat different language from that 

 we understood . and as we did not comprehend, they 

 began to shout, as if we were deaf. We inquired the 

 way to Shugary, whereupon they led us directly to a 

 new and thriving town at the base of the mountains, 

 where, amid shouts and a great hubbub from the peo- 

 ple, we were ushered into the presence of their chief, 

 Beiora. He was stout, thick-set, and looked what he 

 doubtless was the hero of many battles. He received 

 us pleasantly, told us we were welcome, and could stay 

 among his people, who were honest and would treat us 

 well, as long as we liked. 



To our inquiries where the party had gone, he made 

 a wry face, and shouted "Dow dow," meaning a long 

 way off. 



He asked us where we lived . and, when we told him 

 America, he wanted to know how far away it was. 

 Twisting my face as much out of shape as possible, 

 turning my eyes in opposite directions, and opening 

 my mouth to its widest capacity, I caught him by his 

 long hair, and shouted "Dow dow" in his ear. A sat- 

 isfied smile lit up his dark face, and putting his fingers 

 in his ears, he shook his head slowly from side to side, 

 remarking that that must be a long way off indeed. I 



