Page:History of Australia, Rusden 1897.djvu/160

---

after his capture the whole settlement was reduced to rQiiimiiim of rations, and we may infer that he fared i better than the Governor himself, who Bcrupulously took 110 more ilmn any convict was entitled to- Bennilong, who, we are toldj enjoyed every comfort that it was in His Excellency's power to give liim, managed his escape so ingeniously (in May 1790, before the close of the starvation period) that it was not suspected till he had completed it/' The native children remained contentedly^ but declared that Bennilong would never ret mil ; and Phillip seemed to be foiled once more. The natives had nevertheless a keen appreciation of the quality of mastery; and respected dignity. The kindness of a considerate person elicited faithful service, while the roughness of others excited their contempt. They had discovered that Phillip's position was that of a chieftain, and that he was a man of his word. It happened that (7th Sept.), four months after Benni- long' s escape, the Governor, who had uniformly dhected , every mider taking in person smce the formation of the I colony/* went to the South Head to give instructions about the erection of a column there. It was reported by Mr, White that he had jest seen Bennilong, who had sent as a present to the Governor a piece of a stranded whale. Thereupon Phillip resorted to Manly Beach, where the wdiale was lyings and saw not only Bennilong, but Colebe, j the native who had been captured with him origmally. I Though Bennilong appeared much changed b}^ his rustica- tion, he received the Governor politely, aiul presented several natives to him by name. He promised to return to Bydnev in two days. He expressed satisfaction at seeing , Collins. ' The natives were numerous, the Governor's small party was unarmed, and Phillip was retiring towards his boat by degrees, convershig with Bennilong about presents of hatchets. Bennilong pointed out to him a native by name, to whom Phillip advanced. The stranger made signs of repulsion. Pliillip threw down his sword, and moved forward extending cordially both his hands; *'the| savage not understanding this civility, and perhaps thinldng