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M'GEARY AND M'KAY, THE CAPTORS.
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swam under the surface, rose for a breath, and dived again before the next missile could reach the spot of his last appearance. The brave fellow gained the shelter of his friends, but as thoroughly exhausted with his effort. Mr. Cottrell took the eight who came to him on the 5th of February, and placed them for temporary safety on Grummet's Island, Macquarie Harbour. When his superior, Mr. Robinson, returned to the camp, and was told of the success, he was not so disinterested in his patriotism as to rejoice at the event.

Mr. M'Geary was an unlettered man, but one of great experience in Bush-craft and acquaintance with the Natives, whose language he spoke with much fluency. He was associated with Mr. Robinson, and once, when that gentleman was absent, he fell in with a tribe near Gape Portland. There he brought his tact to bear so well, and so convinced the Aborigines of their peril in falling in the hands of the remorseless Red-coats, that they agreed to go with him. Accompanied by their forty-two dogs, they followed him to Swan Island depôt.

Mr. M'Kay was, also, a very useful man in this important sphere of action. In 1830, assisted by M'Geary, he was able to capture thirteen at one time, and twelve at another. He was successful in catching four of the renowned Big River tribe. The Aborigines' Committee recommended on November 21st, 1831, that he be retained to follow the tribe, and attempt to conciliate them, or "capture them unhurt." They thought that if he fell in with Mr. Robinson he should place himself under his orders. It was M'Kay who, when on one occasion attached to Mr. Robinson's Conciliatory Mission, was severely treated by some rough Blacks, that thought to complete their work by dashing his brains out with waddies. But the Bushman had secreted, against orders, certain weapons, of so unmistakeable a power, that four of his antagonists were dropped, and the rest departed in haste.

Mr. Surridge, when coxswain of a boat at Waterhouse Point, to the north-east, made a fortunate capture of several Natives; and, with the help of some sailors, obtained others. In October 1830, he placed three males and two females on Gun Carriage Island. In November, with the aid of native women, he obtained eight men and two women near the Forster's river to the north-east. Three had yielded with the Stony Creek tribe, but