Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 2.djvu/36

 COAST8 OF AUSTRALIA. 19 men went tO the wreck to collect the spars arid phnk that had escaped the mischievous fires of tJ natives; and at five o'�1ock I joined them with the master of the Dick and Mr. Roes ordering Mr. Bedwell to relieve the shore party with some fresh hands at eight o'clock. When. the time arrived, supporing tBt the relief. party had nearly reached the shore, I sent the people over the hill, in order to be ready when the boat arrived to o oi boat; and in the mean time amtised myself in wanderi about the reef near the wreck, where Mr. Roe was also employed. Mr. Harrison (the _.ter of the Dick) was at the further end of the beach with h/s fowling-piece,- with two of his boat's crew picking up shells when suddenly they were surprised by hearing a loud shout, and seeing several spears strike the rocks about them: upon looking round, Mr. Har- r/son found. that a paty of natives were vancing upon him with their spears poised; upon which he presented his Sun at the foremost, but, from his having waded about in the water, the powder had got damp and would not go off, meallately that I heard the shout of the natives, and saw Mr. Harrison retreating from the In-. dians, who were in close pursuit, I hastened t Iris ass/stance, and came up in time to prevent them from doing any mischief; and, by occa- c

�