90 
INTERCOURSE WITH NATIVES. 
floods. The bank opposite to the one that was so elevated, 
was proportionably low, and, in general, not only heavily 
timbered, but covered with reeds, and backed by a chain 
of ponds at the base of the outer embankment. 
About 4 p.m., some natives were observed running by the 
river side behind us, but on our turning the boat’s head 
towards the shore, they ran away. It was evident that 
they had no idea what we were, and, from their timidity, 
feeling assured that it would be impossible to bring them 
to a parley, we continued onwards till our usual hour of 
stopping, when we pitched our tents on the left bank for 
the night, it being the one opposite to that on which 
the natives had appeared. We conjectured that their 
curiosity would lead them to follow us, which they very 
shortly did ; for we had scarcely made ourselves com- 
fortable when we heard their wild notes through the woods 
as they advanced towards the river; and their breaking 
into view with their spears and shields, and painted and 
prepared as they were for battle, was extremely fine. They 
stood threatening us, and making a great noise, for a con- 
siderable time, but, finding that we took no notice of them, 
they, at length, became quiet. I then walked to some 
little distance from the party, and taking a branch in my 
hand, as a sign of peace, beckoned them to swim to our 
side of the river, which, after some time, two or three of 
them did. But they approached me with great caution, 
hesitating at every step. They soon, however, gained con- 
fidence, and were ultimately joined by all the males of 
