Page:New history of Botanybay (sic) and Port Jackson.pdf/10

 they, at first, approach nearer to us than the distance of some paces. Both parties were armed; yet an attack seemed as unlikely on their part as we knew it to be on our own.—I had, at this time a little boy, of not more than seven years of age in my hand. The child seemed to attract their attention very much; for they frequently pointed to him, and spoke to each other; and, as he was not frightened, I advanced with him towards them, at the same time baring his bosom, and shewing the whiteness of the skin. On the clothes being removed, they gave a loud exclamation! and one of the party, an old man, with a long beard, hideously ugly, came close to us. I bade the boy not be afraid and introduced him to the acquaintance of his uncouth personage. The Indian with great gentleness, laid his hand on the child's hat. and afterwards felt his clothes, muttering to himself all the while. I found it necessary, however, by this time, to send away the child, as such a close connection rather alarmed him; and in this the conclusion verified I gave no offence to the old gentleman. Indeed, it was putting ourselves on a par with them; as I had observed. from the first. that some youths of their own, though considerably older than the one with us, were kept back by the grown people. Several more now came up to whom we made various presents; but our toys seemed not to be regarded as very valuable, nor would they, for a long time, make any returns for them; but, before we parted, a large Club, with a head almost sufficient to fell an ox. was obtained in exchange for a Looking Glass.-These people seemed at a loss to know (probably