Page:Life and Adventures of William Buckley.djvu/162

Rh anything of their habits, are aware how docile those of the poor creatures are, who are well inclined, and how anxious they are to please those who employ and treat them kindly. One of this description was engaged by the carpenter to carry his traps up from the ship, and as a reward, and for the sake of decency, he was clothed in a much worn coat and trowsers; in which, having done all that was required of him, he set off to astonish his tribe by his very smart and altered appearance. He left in great glee, little thinking of what was to follow.

Some days after, another vessel arrived from Van Diemen's Land, and he, with others, went to her, looking for a job. The master of this craft seeing a native in such a dress, began to examine him after the fashion peculiar to self-constituted and many other kinds of Justices, who found their views and decisions only upon one order of thinking; namely, the infallibility of their own opinions—not in the least valuing those of others.

This wise sailor judge swore he knew the coat the man had on to have been the property of Mr. Hesse; that, in fact, it was the one he wore when he left Hobart Town;—that he could trace spots of blood upon it; and, on this evidence the native was seized, hand-cuffed, and forwarded to Melbourne on a charge of murder.

When the accused arrived there, he was brought before the Commandant, and I was required to act as Interpreter; this, however, I at first declined, having