and the rapid shrinking of the
flour-sacks, rendered it necessary to diminish its numbers, lest
famine should be added to the many dangers of the journey. Mr Hodgson
and Caleb the negro accordingly returned to Moreton bay, the remaining
eight persons continuing their route. Two of these eight, as we have
already mentioned, were Australian aborigines, indebted to Christian
god-fathers for the baptismal names of Charley and Harry. Early in the
expedition, these two gentlemen became exceedingly troublesome; not
more so, however, than might reasonably be expected from the very
sullen and brutish expression of their uncomely physiognomies. Dr
Leichhardt favours us with a portrait of the pair, and notwithstanding
the embellishments of clean frocks, flowing neck-kerchiefs, and a
comb, we have seldom set eyes upon more unprepossessing countenances.
Any more hirsute we certainly never beheld, and their whole aspect
gives the idea of men who, in the natural state, would deem a tender
infant the most delicious of luncheons, and look upon a deceased
relative with the one absorbing idea of a juicy roast. We may be doing
injustice to the creatures, but appearances are not in their favour,
however British missionaries and mutton may have weaned them from
aboriginal barbarity and cannibal cravings. After they had been about
four months out, they began to play truant, to desert Dr Leichhardt
when reconnoitring, taking the provisions with them, and to wander
away without permission in quest of honey and opossums. At first the
Doctor overlooked their transgressions, or let them pass with a
reprimand; but he soon found occasion to regret his leniency, and that
he had not inflicted a severe and decided punishment. On the 19th
February the travellers, who had halted two days for the purpose of
jerking the beef of a bullock, were busy greasing their straps and
saddles, an operation rendered very necessary by the dust and
scorching heat, when Master Charley, thirsting after honeycomb and
greedy of opossum, left the camp, and was absent several hours. On his
return the Doctor reprimanded him, and threatened to stop his rations,
but was met with threats and abuse. "Finding it, therefore, necessary
to exercise my authority, I approached to show him out of the camp,
when the fellow gave me a violent blow upon the face, which severely
injured me, displacing two of my lower teeth." In return for which
brutal assault we expected to find that the Docto