ifty-four miles in a direct line from the sea coast when on the summit
of mount Twiss, a hill so named by them, and which bounded their
peregrination.

Intercourse with the natives, for the purpose of knowing whether or not the
country possessed any resources, by which life might be prolonged*, as
well as on other accounts, becoming every day more desirable, the governor
resolved to make prisoners of two more of them.

[*One of the convicts, a negro, had twice eloped, with an intention of
establishing himself in the society of the natives, with a wish to adopt
their customs and to live with them: but he was always repulsed by them;
and compelled to return to us from hunger and wretchedness.]

Boats properly provided, under the command of lieutenant Bradley of the
'Sirius', were accordingly dispatched on this service; and completely
succeeded in trepanning and carrying off, without opposition, two fine
young men, who were safely landed among us at Sydney.

Nanbaree and Abaroo welcomed them on shore; calling them immediately by
their names, Baneelon (Bennelong), and Colbee. But they seemed little
disposed to receive the congratulations, or repose confidence in the
assurances of their friends. The same scenes of awkward wonder and
impatient constraint, which had attended the introduction of Arabanoo,
succeeded. Baneelon we judged to be about twenty-six years old, of good
stature, and stoutly made, with a bold intrepid countenance, which bespoke
defiance and revenge. Colbee was perhaps near thirty, of a less sullen
aspect than his comrade, considerably shorter, and not so robustly framed,
though better fitted for purposes of activity. They had both evidently
had the smallpox; indeed Colbee's face was very thickly imprinted with the
marks of it.

Positive orders were issued by the governor to treat them indulgently, and
guard them strictly; notwithstanding which Colbee contrived to effect his
escape in about a week, with a small iron ring round his leg. Had those
appointed to watch them been a moment later, his companion would have
contrived to accompany him.

But Baneelon, though haughty, knew how to temporize. He quickly threw
off all reserve; and pretended, nay, at particular moments, perhaps felt
satisfaction in his new state. Unlike poor Arabanoo, he became at once fond
of our viands, and would drink the strongest liquors, not simply without
reluctance, but with eager marks of delight and enjoyment. He was the on