Page:Life and Adventures of William Buckley.djvu/78

Rh awhile we all moved on to a place they call Godocut, near the sea side, where we pitched our bark huts on a high projecting piece of land, from whence we could command an extensive view, so that no strangers could approach us unobserved. They evidently expected a hostile visit from some of the friends of the man who had been killed, and kept a good look-out for mischief. At this spot, however, nothing was to be had to eat but shell fish; so we soon left for another about eight males distant, going through a very thick scrub to reach it, which occasioned me great pain—my trowsers being almost useless, and the skin rug being my only upper covering. Here we settled down for a few days, near two fresh water wells, hunting opossums and digging roots.

Our next journey was to Palac Palac, a halting place in some very extensive plains, with here and there a tree upon them, where we remained many months, there being plenty of animal food and a good deal of fish in the water-holes.

Great anxiety was still felt about our safety, and watch was kept night and day, to prevent surprise. One day a numerous tribe was seen crossing the plains coming in our direction, and all our party took to their heels for the nearest shelter, where we remained all the night with nothing to eat, for the natives seldom provide for their wants beforehand. The next morning several of our people were sent out to reconnoitre, and not returning all that day and the next night, considerable apprehension was felt at their absence. The