to
her former habits of life.

Nor was a circumstance which had happened in the morning interview,
perhaps, wholly unremembered by the girl. We had hinted to Baneelon to
provide a husband for her, who should be at liberty to pass and repass to
and from Sydney, as he might choose. There was at the time, a slender fine
looking youth in company, called Imeerawanyee, about sixteen years old.
The lad, on being invited, came immediately up to her, and offered many
blandishments, which proved that he had assumed the 'toga virilis'. But
Abaroo disclaimed his advances, repeating the name of another person,
who we knew was her favourite. The young lover was not, however, easily
repulsed, but renewed his suit, on our return in the afternoon, with such
warmth of solicitation, as to cause an evident alteration in the sentiments
of the lady.

To heighten the good humour which pervaded both parties, we began to
play and romp with them. Feats of bodily strength were tried, and their
inferiority was glaring. One of our party lifted with ease two of them from
the ground, in spite of their efforts to prevent him, whereas in return, no
one of them could move him. They called him 'murree mulla' (a large strong
man). Compared with our English labourers, their muscular power would
appear very feeble and inadequate.

Before we parted, Baneelon informed us that his countrymen had lately been
plundered of fish-gigs, spears, a sword, and many other articles, by
some of our people, and expressed a wish that they should be restored,
promising, that if they were, the governor's dirk should be produced and
returned to us to-morrow, if we would meet him here.

Accordingly on the following day we rowed to the spot, carrying with us the
stolen property. We found here several natives, but not Baneelon. We asked
for him, and were told that he was gone down the harbour with Barangaroo to
fish. Although disappointed at his breach of promise, we went on shore, and
mingled without distrust among those we found, acquainting them that we had
brought with us the articles of which they had been plundered. On hearing
this account, they expressed great joy, and Imeerawanyee darting forward,
claimed the sword. It was given to him, and he had no sooner grasped it,
than he hastened to convince his mistress, that his prowess in war, was not
inferior to his skill in courtship. Singling out a yellow gum-tree for the
foe, he attacked it with great fierceness, calling