with his black attendants, were on a point of land six
miles from the establishment: the people were attracted by the smoke,
when turning accidentally, he saw seven men cautiously creeping round:
they had levelled their muskets: but for an instant recognition of his
voice, his labours and his life would probably have ended.

Mr. Robinson had learned, that a large party were approaching Arthur
River, on their way to their own country, and returning from a warlike
expedition against those recently captured. He resolved to send four
friendly blacks, and three recent converts, to open a communication with
this tribe: they were to make signals, if successful. Two days after,
the sign was given. On reaching the farther bank, he saw the wild
natives coming towards him with their waddies and spears. He proposed
that they should re-cross with him: they, however, desired him to
remain, promising to hunt for his entertainment. He consented, and made
them presents; but he left his son, and a small party, in the rear. He
was alarmed at night by a friendly native, who being acquainted with one
of the hostile tribe, had learned that it was intended to murder him and
his people. Robinson concealed his knowledge from his companions, lest
their fears should be too powerful to suffer their remaining with him.
The assassins extinguished their own fires, but did not lie down to
sleep: Robinson kept his burning brightly, that he might watch their
movement. They were earnestly chattering, and were trimming their
weapons, while one of their number insisted upon the cruelty of killing
the white man! On Robinson's rising, the whole seized their spears--one
grasped in their right hand, and a bundle in their left. The dogs of
Robinson's party had been secured, and their spears removed; they,
however, escaped, and he was left alone. In a moment, he darted into the
scrub: at this retreat, they seemed struck with astonishment; and
quickly covered by the thicket, their spears did not reach him. On
clearing the scrub, he hastened to Arthur River, and crossed on a
floating tree. At this instant, the natives reached the bank: he was
soon joined by his own friends, and confronted the hostile party, who
stood on the opposite bank flourishing their spears. Robinson cried out,
that he forgave their conduct, and offered them his protection. This
induced a girl and two men to join him; but his situation was perilous,
and having made fires, as if for signals, h