Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 2.djvu/83

 4 fRVY 01  fN?RTROPICAL 1{!1 W6 joined us; the laWer gentleman was un- . armed, but the 'former had a pistol concealed under his-coat, and carried a fish; which he held out for them to take; but, as they would not ap- proach us nearer than two or three 'yards, he threw it towards them, when the shortest native picked it up. Upon thiS-accession to 'OUr num bers they began to talk-to each other, and, at the same time, picked up eir spears; but, al/ the latter appeared only to be a cautionary move- meat, we did 'not anticipeie their mischievous intentions. I 'then, with a view to amuse them, made signs to my friend for the knife, which he put into my hands without shewing the least reluctant, upon which he was again instructed how to open and shut it; but as this, instead of pacifying only served .to increase their anger, the knife was thrown at his feet, which. he in- stautly picked up, and then both retired a few paces in a very'suspidous manner. .We were at this time about three or four yards from-the natives, who were tMIdng to each other in a most animated way, and evidently intent upon some object; and, .as it appeared probable that, if we remained any longer, a rapture would en' sue, it was proposed that our party should retire to the boat, under the idea that they would follow us down; no sooner, however, had we waved to

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