TO ROB THE BOAT AT NIGHT. 
211 
servant came to inform me, that the blacks had, with one 
accord, made a precipitate retreat, and that not one of them 
was to be seen at the fires. I impressed the necessity 
of attention upon him, and he again went to his post. 
Shortly after this, he returned : “ Master,” said he, “ the 
natives are coming.” I jumped up, and, taking my 
.gun, followed him, leaving my friend George fast asleep. 
I would not disturb him, until necessity required, for he 
had ever shewn himself so devoted to duty as to deserve 
every consideration. Harris led me a little way from the 
tents, and then stopping, and pointing down the river, 
said, “ There, sir, don’t you see them ?” “ Not I, indeed, 
Harris,” I replied, “ where do you mean ? are you sure 
you see them?” “Positive, sir,” said he; “stoop and 
you will see them.” I did so, and saw a black mass 
in an opening. Convinced that I saw them, I desired 
Harris to follow me, but not to fire unless I should give 
the word. The rascals would not stand our charge, how- 
ever, but retreated as we advanced towards them. We 
then returned to the tents, and, commending my servant 
for his vigilance, I once more threw myself on my bed. 
I had scarcely lain down five minutes, when Harris called 
out, “ The blacks are close to me, sir ; shall I fire at 
them?” “How far are they?” I asked. “Within ten 
yards, sir.” “ Then fire,” said I ; and immediately he did 
so. M'Leay and I jumped up to his assistance. “Well, 
Harris,” said I, “ did you kill your man ?” (he is a remark- 
ably good shot.) “ No, sir,” said he, “ I thought you 
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