Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 2.djvu/141

 120 8URVEY OF THE INTERTROPICAL down to receive us, and appeared from their gestures to invite our lmding; but in this they were disappointed, for, after a little vociferation and gesture on both sides, we pulled into the harbour, whilst they walked along the beach abreast the boat. As the motions of every one of them were attentively watched, it was evident that they were not armed; each wore a kaugaroo. skin cloak over his left shoulder, that covered. the back and breast, but left .the right arm exposed. 'Upon reaeJg the spot which Captain Flinders occupied in the Investigator, I found that the brig could not anchor near enough to the shore to carry on. our different operations without being impeded by the natives, even though they should be amicably disposed. Our plan was therefore altered, and, as the anchorage formerly occupied by the Mermaid in the entrance of Oyster Har- bour would be, on all accounts, more convenient for our purposes, I determined upon going thither. By this time the natives had reached that part of the beach where the boat was lying, and were wading through the water towards us; but, as we had no wish at present to comm!l- nicate with them, for fear that, by refusing any thing we had in the boat, for which their impor- tunity would perhaps be .very great,. a quarrel might be ocoasioned, we pulled off into deeper

�