64 
HUNTING PARTY OF NATIVES. 
gun with him. We had been moving along so quietly that 
we were not for some time observed by them. Three were 
seated on the ground, under a tree, and two others were 
busily employed on one of the lower branches cutting out 
honey. As soon as they saw us, four of them ran away ; 
but the fifth, who wore a cap of emu feathers, stood for a 
moment looking at us, and then very deliberately dropped 
out of the tree to the ground. I then advanced towards 
him, but before I sot round a bush that intervened, he had 
darted away. I was fearful that he w'as gone to collect his 
tribe, and, uiider this impression, rode quickly back for my 
gun to support Mr. Hume. On my arrival I found the 
native was before me. He stood about twenty paces from 
Mr. Hume, who was endeavouring to explain what he was ; 
but seeing me approach he immediately poised his spear at 
him, as being the nearest. Mr. Hume then unslung his 
carbine, and presented it ; but, as it was evident my re- 
appearance had startled the savage, I pulled up ; and he im- 
mediately lowered his weapon. His coolness and courage 
surprised me, and increased my desire to communicate with 
him. He had evidently taken both man and horse for one 
animal, and as long as Mr. Hume kept his seat, the native 
remained upon his guard ; but when he saw him dismount, 
after the first astonishment had subsided, he stuck his 
spear into the ground, and walked fearlessly up to him. 
We easily made him comprehend that we were in search of 
water ; when he pointed to the west, as indicating that we 
should supply our wants there. He gave his information in 
