THEY FIRE THE BUSH. 
91 
Their cry brought about a dozen more natives from the 
river, whom we had not before observed, but who now 
ran after their comrades with surprising activity, and 
without once venturing to look behind them. As our 
position was a good one, we determined to remain upon 
it, until we should ascertain the number and disposition 
of the natives. We had not been long stationary, when 
we heard a crackling noise in the distance, and it soon 
became evident that the bush had been fired. It was, 
however, impossible that we could receive any injury on 
the narrow ridge upon which we stood, so that we waited 
very patiently to see the end of this affair. 
In a short time the fire approached pretty near to us, 
and dense columns of smoke rose into the air over our 
heads. One of the natives, who had been on the bank, 
now came out of the bush, exactly from the spot into 
which he had retreated. He advanced a few paces towards 
us, and bending his body so that his hands rested on his 
knees, he fixed his gaze upon us for some time ; but, seeing 
that we remained immoveable, he began to throw himself 
into the most extravagant attitudes, shaking his foot from 
time to time. When he found that all his violence had no 
effect, he turned his rear to us in a most laughable manner, 
and absolutely groaned in spirit when he found that this 
last insult failed of success. 
He stood perplexed and not knowing what next to do, 
which gave Mr. Hume an opportunity to call out to him, 
and with considerable address he at length got the savage 
