Page:The Aborigines of Victoria and Riverina.djvu/162

157 As a matter of course, many travelling Ngarous were overcome by fatigue, called at the camp, and asked permission to rest their wearied wings and feet ere proceeding further on their journey.

On those occasions the wicked old monster seemed the very personification of hospitality, nothing was too good for his way-worn guests; and the manner in which he used to make his better half trot about to procure yams, as well as other esculents, for the tired travellers to feast upon, was really something to admire.

After feasting his visitors until their crops were incapable of further distention [sic], with the assistance of his dame he would then prepare soft and fragrant couches of yam stalks, for the reception of their weary limbs, upon which he had much pleasure in seeing them prepare to repose. When this wished-for moment arrived, he would bid them take a good sound sleep, so that they might rise refreshed for another weary day's travel.

Thereupon he and his spouse would retire as though they also were about to court repose; this, however, was the very furthest idea from their wicked thoughts, as the retiring to rest was only the merest pretence, meant to lull his guests into feelings of false security; in most cases too the ruse succeeded. As soon as silence had fallen on the sleeping camp, and no sound was there, saving the deep breathing of the sore winged and footed sleepers, the detestable old ogre wonld [sic] stealthily arise, using much caution the while, fearful lest the least stir should awaken the weary travellers, and so frustrate his diabolical designs.