t, that
some one in the far interior was killed: the coroner's jury was
summoned; the verdict was, of necessity, "_not yet dead_."[16]

The disquietude occasioned by an enemy, so insignificant; the constant
vigilance imposed, and the not infrequent heavy calamities inflicted,
are events justly exhibited by the _Aborigines' Committee_, as a lesson
to mankind. The long oppression of a race, not prone to violence, was
now productive of its fruit, and exacted from the colonists a fearful
retribution.

The most alarming movement of the natives was, the systematic
destruction of premises by fire. This was revenge within their reach, at
any hour; and its previous infrequency is a matter of astonishment. In
three months, the huts of Messrs. Howel, Sherwin, and Clarke, had been
destroyed. The property of Mr. Sherwin, lying between hills, was easily
watched, and spies were posted on the heights. The mode of firing the
premises was deliberate: they kindled the flames at twenty yards apart,
so that the whole was simultaneously burned; this done, they went off,
shouting and crying out to the English to go away. The extent of the
mischief was not so alarming as its forebodings. That element, which
nature has placed at man's disposal, and can be turned, by a moment's
effort to the destruction of a fortune, might long have proved an
effectual scourge, and made colonisation hopeless. The retention of
properties, as well as the security of dependents, required decided and
unanimous measures.

No part of Governor Arthur's character conciliates greater esteem, than
his promptitude to encourage humanity in the whites, and to win the
confidence of the natives. At the commencement of this year, he offered
a liberal reward to any one who should open a pacific communication, or
if a convict free pardon. He promised five pounds for every adult, and
two pounds for every child, taken alive. He entreated the colonists to
enjoin the utmost tenderness on their servants, and invariably to spare
the women and children. These merciful intentions were but little
successful: the rewards were rarely claimed. But no effort, in a right
direction, is ever lost: the conduct of John Benfield, a convict, was
distinguished for intrepidity and coolness in a capture, and Colonel
Arthur bestowed warm praise. Observing a fire, at a short distance, he
approached three aborigines, to whom he offered bread: one of them
promised to accompany him, if he would put aside