Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 1.djvu/92

 38 SURVEY OIP THE INTERTROPICAL 1s!8. near it, on a spot of tolerable soil, Mr. Curt.  ningham sowed some peh-stones. is. At daylight we lei this an, and pro- ceeded to penetrute to the eastward towards a deep bight or strait; the wind was, however, so light, that we were compelled to anchor until the sea-breeze set in, when the vessel was again under sail, and proceeded onwards. As we advanced, three natives were seen in the water, apparently wuding from an island in the centre of the strait towards Lewis Island: the oourso was immediately xltered to intercept them, but as we approached, it was discovered that each native Was seated on a log of wood, which he propelled through the water by paddling with his hands. Having hove to, close by them, they became much alarmed, and cried out in loud tones, which were increased when our boat was lowered and despatched after them; but it was not without the greatest difficulty that Mr. Bed- well succeeded in bringing one on board. On the boat's coming up with the nearest Indian, he left his log and,. diving under the boat's bottom, swam astern; this he did whenever the boat ap- proached him, and it was four or five minutes be- fore he was caught, which was at last effected by seizing him by the hair, in the act of diving, Digitized , Goog[e

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