e opposite shore, we
found Abaroo and the other woman fishing in a canoe, and Mr. Johnson
and Barangaroo sitting at the fire, the latter employed in manufacturing
fish-hooks. At a little distance, on an adjoining eminence, sat an Indian,
with his spear in his hand, as if sentinel over the hostages, for the
security of his countrymen's return. During our absence, Barangaroo
had never ceased whining, and reproaching her husband. Now that he was
returned, she met him with unconcern, and seemed intent on her work only,
but this state of repose did not long continue. Baneelon, eyeing the broken
fish-gig, cast at her a look of savage fury and began to interrogate
her, and it seemed more than probable that the remaining part would be
demolished about her head had we not interposed to pacify him. Nor would
we quit the place until his forgiveness was complete, and his good humour
restored. No sooner, however, did she find her husband's rage subsided,
than her hour of triumph commenced. The alarm and trepidation she had
manifested disappeared. Elated at his condescension, and emboldened by our
presence and the finery in which we had decked her, she in turn assumed a
haughty demeanour, refused to answer his caresses, and viewed him with a
reproaching eye. Although long absence from female society had somewhat
blunted our recollection, the conduct of Barangaroo did not appear quite
novel to us, nor was our surprise very violent at finding that it succeeded
in subduing Baneelon who, when we parted, seemed anxious only to please
her.

Thus ended a day, the events of which served to complete what an unhappy
accident had begun. From this time our intercourse with the natives,
though partially interrupted, was never broken off. We gradually continued,
henceforth, to gain knowledge of their customs and policy, the only
knowledge which can lead to a just estimate of national character.

CHAPTER X.

The arrival of the 'Supply' from Batavia; the State of the Colony in
November, 1790.

Joy sparkled in every countenance to see our old friend the 'Supply' (I
hope no reader will be so captious as to quarrel with the phrase) enter the
harbour from Batavia on the 19th of October. We had witnessed her departure
with tears; we hailed her return with transport.

Captain Ball was rather more than six months in making this voyage, and is
the first person who ever circumnavigated the continent of New Holland. On
his passage to Batavia,