bushes; and supposing that it was caused by a kangaroo, I lifted my
gun, ready to fire. At that instant a native burst from the cover; but
on seeing us, with a look of astonishment and terror he sprang on one
side, and continued his course at headlong speed, passing some thirty
yards from us, and being quickly lost to sight. I was thankful that I
had not fired, as I was nearly doing, before I discovered that it was a
human being, rushing through the forest, and apparently, from some cause
or other, flying from his foes. Had he merely been hunting, he would
have retreated, as he would have known that the animal of which he was
in chase was not likely to have passed us.

"It proves, at all events, that the natives are timid beings, and that
we have very little cause to fear them, or that fellow would not have
been so frightened at seeing us," observed Mudge.

Some time passed by, when Mudge looked at his watch. "I should think
that the parrots must now be properly done; and we may as well return to
the camp," he observed. "But, really, I feel very little inclination to
get up."

Just as he spoke I saw Pullingo close to us. He had approached so
noiselessly, that, had he been an enemy, he might easily have surprised
us.

"Not good here; too far from camp," he said in a low voice.

Scarcely had he said this when I heard a rustling in the direction from
whence the native had appeared, and immediately afterwards seven dark
forms--some with spears, others with axes or clubs, in their hands--came
rushing forth into the sunlight, looking about in every direction, as if
in eager search of some one or something. Concealed as we were by the
high grass and the trunks of the trees, they did not at first perceive
us, and earnestly I hoped that they might pass by without doing so.
Pullingo crouched down, eagerly watching them, but without uttering a
word. Mudge's hand moved towards his pistols; and I kept my finger on
the trigger of my gun, ready to fire should they appear to have any
intention of attacking us. They were more savage-looking fellows than
any we had before seen--their countenances distorted with rage, and
every action exhibiting the fury which animated them. Eagerly they
looked about on every side; but not discovering the object of their
search, were about to rush onward, when one of them caught sight of us.

On finding that we were discovered, we both sprang to our feet with our
guns ready to fire, determ