raid of blacks, as he had been used to
them.

On arriving on the Palmer, we met two carriers who were riding down with
their gold. We told them also of the new road we had opened up, and they
decided to ride that way.

We also advised them to be careful as the blacks were numerous near the
lagoons, which they would pass. They said they had a revolver, but only
three cartridges, which they deemed sufficient for protection, as they
were riding.

Later these carriers had reported to the police, that on reaching the
open space around the lagoons I have mentioned, they saw a large number
of natives, and thinking mischief had been done, they discharged the
revolver amongst the blacks, who decamped. When the carriers reached the
abandoned spot they found Strau's body beneath the dray. The dead body
of his wife was a little distance away. A spear had been driven through
her mouth, and had pinned her to the ground. Both bodies were warm.
Three horses were lying dead, but there was no sign of the little girl.

The carriers immediately galloped on to the fifteen-mile bend of the
Normanby River, where a number of teams and packers were camped. In the
morning a well-armed search party was formed. On arrival at the scene of
the murders, scouts were posted to give notice if the blacks were
returning. A grave was dug, and the bodies lowered into it. While this
was being carried out noises were heard in the scrub. The party
proceeded in the direction of the sound and found the little girl, a
large gash across the forehead, her stomach ripped up by the blacks'
wooden knives, and her eyes picked out by crows. The body was brought
in, and buried with the father and mother. Flour, sugar, tea, gunpowder,
etc., etc., were heaped up on the ground, but there was no sign of the
dray. Inspector Douglas, in charge of the native police, was informed.
His detachment followed the murderers across the Normanby River, where
they overtook and dispersed them. Portions of the dray, stripped of all
the iron work, were also found.

The police learnt, through the troopers from some blacks who were
captured, that Strau's party was camped for dinner when the blacks
attacked them. The man was speared while reading a book beneath the
dray, and the woman was sewing, sitting against the wheel of the dray.
Before being killed outright, the woman was subjected to horrible
outrage by the blacks. It was intended to keep the little girl, but two
old gins quarrell