his gun to support Mr. Hume; but on his return he found that the native had been before him. He stood about twenty paces from Mr. Hume, who was endeavouring to explain what he was; but seeing Sturt approach, he immediately poised his spear at him—that terrible weapon which the Australian aborigines throw with such unerring aim, and with such deadly effect. Mr. Hume then unslung his carbine and presented it; but as it was evident to Sturt that it was his reappearance alone which had startled the savage, he pulled up, and the man instantly lowered his weapon. He had evidently taken both man and horse for one animal, and as long as the rider kept his seat, the native remained upon his guard; but when he saw him dismounted, after the first astonishment had subsided, he struck his spear into the ground, and walked fearlessly up to him. This man exhibited a remarkable degree of coolness, courage, and dignity. The explorers easily made him understand that they were in search of water, when he pointed to the west, as indicating that they could supply their wants there. He gave his information (says Captain Sturt) in a frank and manly way, without the least embarrassment, and as the party passed, he stepped back to avoid the animals, without the smallest confusion.
The search for water was one of the most trying episodes in the first expedition. The river to which they had been directed was found to be completely dried up. Having then proceeded in a north-westerly direction, they could find no water anywhere to allay their thirst, and were about to abandon themselves to despair, when a noble river suddenly burst upon their view, subsequently known as the River Darling. The
