an axe in his hand. He came forward with a
confidence which showed that he was accustomed to meet white men, and we
recognised, as he approached, our former guide. He appeared to be
highly pleased at seeing us, and began jabbering away in a language
which neither Guy nor I could understand. Bracewell, who seemed to
comprehend him, replied in the same lingo; and then told us that the
black had informed him that his tribe was in the neighbourhood and would
be happy if we would pay them a visit, that they might show their
gratitude for the wealth we had showered upon them.

While he was speaking, another black popped his head out from behind the
bushes, when the other called to him, and he came forward. As he was
approaching he cast his eyes to the top of a tree, a little distance
off, when a few words were exchanged between the two.

They both ran to it and without more ado, began to ascend, cutting
slight notches with their axes, just of sufficient size to enable them
to put in their toes and fingers.

We watched their proceedings with wonder at the rapidity with which they
got up, almost indeed as fast as if they were mounting an ordinary
ladder. Round and round the tree they climbed, giving a couple of
strokes with their little axes sufficient to make a notch of the
required size. Until I saw the confidence with which they proceeded, I
expected every moment that they would drop down again to the ground.
Though the tree must have been sixty feet high without a branch, they
were at the top in less than a minute, when securing themselves they
plunged down their hands. While the one drew out an opossum, the other,
before the animal could bite him, knocked it on the head and threw it to
the ground.

They descended with even greater celerity than they had mounted, and
then to our surprise brought the animal to us, apparently as an
offering.

Bracewell thanking them, told them to keep it for themselves, which they
were evidently well content to do. They accompanied us to the
water-hole, where, without being told to do so, they assisted in
collecting sticks for a fire.

This being done, we having hobbled our horses, they squatted themselves
on the ground to skin their opossum which they then brought to be
roasted. The confidence they exhibited in us showed that we might trust
them, and we allowed them to go about the camp as they liked, though
Bracewell advised that we should keep an eye on our saddle-bags and