VOYAGE TO NEW SOUTH WALES. 
myfelf and another gentleman, began to laugh, and thus 
proved that their fears had vanifhed. When we joined the 
reft of the party, the old man followed us in a very friendly 
manner, and took part of every kind of provifion we had, 
but he ate none of it in our fight. The women and 
children ftood at fome diftance, and beckoned to us when 
the men, of whom they feemed to ftand in very great 
dread, had turned their backs. 
As foon as we had dined, and refrefhed ourfelves, the 
governor, by himfelf, went down to them, and diftributed 
fome prefents among them, which foon gained their 
friendfhip and confidence. By this time fixteen canoes, 
that were out fifliing, came clofe to the fpot where we 
were, and there lay on their paddles, which they managed 
with wonderful dexterity and addrefs ; mimicking us, and 
indulging in their own merriment. After many figns and 
entreaties, one of the women ventured to the governor, 
who was by himfelf, and with feemingly great timidity, 
took from him fome fmall fifhing lines and hooks ; articles 
which they hold in great eftimation. This made her 
lefs fearful ; and in a little time fhe became perfedly free 
and unreftrained. Her condud influenced many others, 
D d 2 who 
