Page:Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia, Volume 1.djvu/432

1820
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July 30away, but after walking a short distance, one of them returned, and stopping, picked up something with which he immediately slunk off, evidently with the hope of having escaped our notice: but in this he was disappointed; for Mr. Hunter and Mr. Cunningham followed him, and ascertained that he returned to carry away his spear, which had been concealed close at hand during their communication with our party; and by the limping gait of the rest, it was probable that they all carried spears between their toes;—a practice that has been frequently observed among the natives in many parts of New South Wales, when they wish to conceal their being armed; and which generally indicates a mischievous intention.

Shortly after their departure, the country towards the back of the harbour was perceived to have been set on fire by them; as the wind was fresh, the flames spread about in all directions; and, in the evening, our people being allowed to about for amusement, increased the conflagration by setting fire to the surrounding grass; so that the whole surface in a blaze. 31.The next day, whilst busily employed at the tent in calculating some lunar distances, we were suddenly alarmed by the rapid approach of the flames; but having previously taken the pre-