to those about me that, if
either of the combatants was wounded, I should instantly pack up the
flour and rice and proceed to the white men's fires. This had the desired
effect: those around me started off and put the holding system so
effectually in force that the other natives and the two combatants soon
came in.

Some of the natives who now approached told Mr. Smith that a cannon had
been heard that morning in the direction of Fremantle; we therefore knew
that a vessel had arrived, and this made me anxious to return to Perth;
for, in the event of our obtaining canvas for the Champion's sails, I
expected that vessel would be ready to take us in a few days to the
north-west coast.

RETURN TO PERTH.

My anxiety to return was also increased by other reasons. Mr. Smith had,
with the exception of the first few miles, walked the whole distance from
Perth in pieces of kangaroo skin, and his feet were now in a dreadful
state from the joint effect of thorns and bruises; he however never
complained, and so much did I admire the quietness and perseverance with
which he had borne up against so serious an inconvenience, that I was the
more anxious to put an end to it as soon as possible. Besides it was
evident that very deadly feelings existed between Jenna and the murderer
of his sister, for he (Jenna) came and requested me to call this native
my friend, at the same time to give him plenty of flour and rice, "And,"
added he, "by-and-bye, ask him to sleep at your fire; then, in the night,
whilst he is asleep, I can easily spear him; and I will off, and walk to
Perth." I however cooled Jenna's ardour by whispering to him that, if any
quarrel was brought about by his attempting to spear this native, I
should instantly shoot him; as I had no idea of running a risk of losing
all our lives through his imprudence. This declaration had a very
salutary effect, and my now giving the promised present of rice and flour
entirely put a stop to all further differences.

The natives I had with me employed themselves in teaching the others, to
whom flour was an unknown commodity, the art of making dampers; whilst
Mr. Smith and myself, having arranged to start for Perth early the next
morning, mixed with the groups and visited their fires; the little
children now crawled to our feet and, all fear being laid aside, regarded
our movements with the greatest curiosity. After various amusing
conversations and recountals of former deeds the natives