and, taking up my gun, intimated my intention of seeing that nothing was
done to injure Jenna; upon this my brothers proceeded in a friendly way
to hold me: which is exactly what one sees in England when two men, who
have not the least intention in the world of hurting one another, declare
in a loud tone their fixed determination of proceeding to the most
desperate extremities; whilst mutual friends stand by and appear with the
utmost difficulty to prevent them from putting their threats in
execution. It was just in this manner that my soi-disant brothers held
me, apparently not entertaining the least doubt but that I would easily
allow myself to be persuaded not to interfere. I had now recourse to
another expedient, and this was to declare to those about me that, if
either of the combatants was wounded, I should instantly pack up the
flour and rice and proceed to the white men's fires. This had the desired
effect: those around me started off and put the holding system so
effectually in force that the other natives and the two combatants soon
came in.

Some of the natives who now approached told Mr. Smith that a cannon had
been heard that morning in the direction of Fremantle; we therefore knew
that a vessel had arrived, and this made me anxious to return to Perth;
for, in the event of our obtaining canvas for the Champion's sails, I
expected that vessel would be ready to take us in a few days to the
north-west coast.

RETURN TO PERTH.

My anxiety to return was also increased by other reasons. Mr. Smith had,
with the exception of the first few miles, walked the whole distance from
Perth in pieces of kangaroo skin, and his feet were now in a dreadful
state from the joint effect of thorns and bruises; he however never