Page:Some account of the wars, extirpation, habits.djvu/91

Rh was the distance he ran when they overhauled him. The captain wore a half military frock coat at the time, at the skirt of which the foremost of them made a grasp, and, though it gave way, his speed was so checked that they had him before he could advance another yard. He was knocked over directly and speared to death, his body being pierced quite through in ten places.

The demeanour of the women at this time, as it is described above, was only what they always displayed on occasions like this. They were seldom present at a fight, unless it were an unexpected one, being always left behind, as many have thought, for their safety, but really because their presence was embarrassing to their husbands, for, with rare exceptions, they were against excessive violence being done, and it would not be difficult to give instances where their interposition in stopping it was more successful than it was at this time.

We must now go back to the beach, where we left the two carters, whom Parker had directed to remain, until Captain Thomas and himself returned to them, and where they awaited until the sun was getting low, loitering about till the last minute, so as not to go without them, and firing their guns for their return but to no purpose, for they were both dead long before this; so yoking up their bullocks, they reluctantly faced homewards, taking with them the two horses of the now missing men.

By the time the drivers had got about half way to Northdown they were joined by the black women, who had quitted the tribe after the murders described above, and now followed the carts as though they were of the party. But they had not gone far before they were overtaken by the three men named a little above, who seemed by their gestures, to insist upon their immediate return to the camp; but they were too much excited by the events of the day to obey, so they continued to follow the bullock carts, the three men walking with them, sometimes entreating them to return, and at others threatening them with their waddies if they persisted in going on; but they were not in any temper to do the bidding of the others, and sullenly kept on their way with the drivers.

It was night when they reached Northdown, and as the blacks seldom travelled after dark, there was no help for it, but for all of them to remain at the homestead; and Mrs. Parker, though very little pleased at her husband's absence, having at present no serious fears for his safety, kindly directed the men to look after the wants of these most unexpected, and none too welcome visitors; and she further instructed four of the servants to go to the port at daylight, and, if possible, to trace out the whereabouts of her husband and his employer; and then commenced the