The Mother and Child.--The Interior of the Country.--Another
Cataract.--The Pilgrim Troop.--The Difficult Ascent.--The Frilled
Lizard.--The Mountain-range.--The Kangaroo-chase.--The Pass of Erin.
But it was not till they had left the bloody field many miles behind
them that the woman recovered so far from her fear and stupefaction as
to be able, by signs and half-understood words, to indicate to them that
she was friendless and homeless; and that Peter would kill her, the last
of her family; and from the report of Wilkins, and other sources of
information, Mr. Mayburn concluded that it was the custom of these
northern people to live in families, or _clans_, rather than in tribes
of many, one man being the head of the house, if we may so speak of
those who rarely have a house; but who live, like the beasts of the
field, in the open air, unless driven by the rains to take shelter in
caves.
From the woman they learnt that her name was Baldabella, and that of her
child was Nakinna. She was young, and her features were not unpleasant;
her eyes were brilliant, and her voice soft and musical; nor was she
disfigured in any way, except that through the gristle of her nose she
wore a fish-bone. The only garment she wore when she was discovered, was
a short cloak of the skins of opossums, sewed neatly together and pinned
round her neck with a pointed bone. When they drew the canoes ashore at
the close of the day, on a narrow strand, Baldabella looked with wonder
on the arrangements made for the night, and the process of broiling
birds and roasting eggs at the fire, and drew away when invited to
partake of the strangely-cooked food. Then she plunged her fingers into
the mud at the edge of the water, and soon went up to Margaret, and put
into her hand some small gray reptiles resembling slugs. Margaret shrank
from the feast, shaking her head; but the woman put one into her own
mouth, and swallowed it living with great relish, crammed one into the
mouth of the child, and then returned to hunt for more.
Jenny held up her hands to express her abhorrence; Ruth stared at the
woman with terror, evidently looking on her as a kind of sorceress; and
O'Brien laughed, as he said, "Well, nurse, you need not be so much
disgusted; I dare say these snails taste as well as the ugly oysters
which we are cannibals enough to swallow alive."
"Oysters, Master Gerald," answered nurse, reprovingly, "are eat by
decent Christian people; and I see no harm in them, specially with
pepper and vinegar; but these things are varmint. Our ducks in England
would hardly touch them."
"A duck is not a fastidious feeder, nurse," said Margaret, "and I would
not answer for its nicety in this matter. But this poor stranger prefers
the food she has been accustomed to, and we have no right to scoff at
her taste. If she remain with us, no doubt, in time, she will conform to
our habits."
For many days longer they continued their uninterrupted voyage up the
river, the widow becoming daily more at home with her protectors.
Margaret clothed her in one of her old dresses, with which she was much
delighted, and in other respects she began to adopt the customs of her
strange protectors. She voluntarily discarded her nose ornament; she
bathed herself and her child daily; she at length ate the same food, and
imitated the manners of her friends.
Margaret made light dresses for the little Nakinna, who rapidly caught
the English names for the objects around her, and from her the mother
learnt many words. But it was with deep concern that Mr. Mayburn saw the
perfect indifference with which Baldabella regarded the religious
worship of the family. She looked at first much astonished to see men
and women kneel down, and to hear the solemn prayers pronounced by Mr.
Mayburn; but she soon turned carelessly away to dig for worms, or to
collect sticks for the fire.
Not so the little Nakinna; for, after observing the devotions two or
three times, she walked up to Margaret, knelt down by her, lifted up her
little hands, and seemed to listen with interest, though she could not
yet understand. This act of docility and obedience was very gratifying
to her kind instructress, who anxiously wished for the time when a
mutual understanding might render it possible to communicate to these
heathens a knowledge of the truth.
"Can it be possible, Wilkins," said Mr. Mayburn, "that these wretched
natives are so lost as not even to acknowledge a Supreme Being! not even
to 'see God in clouds, and hear Him in the wind!' not to feel that there
must be a spiritual Ruler of the universe?"
"Why, to my fancy, master," answered Wilkins, "t' men folks isn't
altogether dull chaps; but them poor jins just get all their sense
knocked out on their heads. Poor bodies! they're no better off nor dogs
nor asses. They work fra' morn to night, and hug heavy loads, and get
kicks and short allowance for their pains."
There was a crushed, subdued look about the woman that rendered
Wilkins's assertion not improbable; but Margaret hoped that, by kind
treatment, the dormant intellect of the native might be developed.
At length the river became more difficult of navigation, the stream more
rapid, and encumbered with fallen rocks, while rapids and falls
compelled them to land continually among thick jungles, or on the narrow
strand below precipitous cliffs. A mountain range was now visible before
them, and they concluded that they must soon reach the source of the
friendly river, when they should have to abandon the canoes for a less
safe and convenient mode of travelling.
"We cannot stand walking again," said Gerald. "Couldn't we carry the
canoes forward awhile? and perhaps we might have the luck to fall in
with another river. What a grand thing it would be if we could find one
flowing to the east or the south, that we might run easily down the
stream without any hard work."
"That is not very probable, Gerald," said Arthur, "when we are yet so
far from the central part--what we may strictly term the interior of the
country. But we will certainly spare ourselves the labor of carrying
away our canoes when we leave the water; for there can be no difficulty,
in such a richly-wooded region, in procuring materials for making
canoes, if we should need them. The noise of the waters seems to grow
louder, and I fear we are again approaching some great cataract, which
will probably, like the last we encountered, terminate all hopes of
boating. I propose that we should at once make for yonder niche in the
cliffs, and unlade the canoes. Wilkins and I will then row up as high as
we can in a lightened canoe, to endeavor to find out a mode of ascending
from this deep gully."
"If we are to land," said Gerald, "it will be easy enough to climb these
wooded heights."
"Easy for you, my boy," said Arthur, "especially if you had no
encumbrances; but think of papa, and Margaret, Baldabella and her child,
and all the bags and bundles which constitute our wealth. We must
endeavor to discover an easier road, and in the mean time we will
disembark at this convenient spot."
Mr. Mayburn and Margaret remonstrated with Arthur for exposing himself
and Wilkins to more danger than the rest, but were at length persuaded
that the expedition could be executed with more safety and success by a
small party; and two of the canoes, with all the stowage, were therefore
landed in a shady nook, while the two men rowed on in the third boat.
Margaret and her father waited uneasily, but the two boys amused
themselves by penetrating into the woods, to seek birds; Jack cut down
branches of trees, and formed them into spears, arrows, or forks; Jenny
and Ruth cooked some birds, and Baldabella, armed with a spear, waded
into a shallow creek of the river near them, and speared two large fish,
of the species they called the fresh-water cod. Still everybody thought
the hours went slowly, and were truly glad to see the light canoe
gliding swiftly down the stream with Arthur and Wilkins, who drew it
ashore; then Arthur said,--
"If possible, we must make our way along the banks, for the river is
even now dangerous of ascent, and at no great distance our voyage would
be entirely arrested by a cataract, similar to that we encountered soon
after our reaching the mainland. Wilkins and I, after mooring our canoe
to the mangroves, climbed to the heights, and found we were then only at
the base of successive ranges of hills, which terminated in high-peaked
mountains, apparently inaccessible. From these hills flowed many
rivulets, which unite at the grand cataract and form this river."
To make further progress in their journey, it was therefore necessary
that they should reach the country above the high rocky banks of the
river, and Arthur said that on their return they had noticed one place
where it might be possible for the whole party to ascend; though the
path must necessarily be one of difficulty.
They dined on roast birds and broiled fish, and then began an active
preparation for walking. Every thing that was worth transporting was
reduced to as small a compass, and made as portable as possible; the
canoes were reluctantly abandoned, and then the long train, headed, as
usual, by Arthur, set out; Baldabella quietly taking her place in the
line, bearing her child on her shoulder, and resting on her long
fish-spear.
"I could fancy we were the Israelites, wandering in the wilderness,"
said Gerald.
"You will please to recollect, Gerald," said Hugh, "that the Israelites
exceeded us in number in a _trifling_ degree, extending to hundreds of
thousands, we are told; and then, though Arthur is doubtless a clever
fellow, he cannot be such a guide as the wise and gifted Moses."
"The Israelites had a more infallible Guide," said Mr. Mayburn, "than
even their great leader Moses, until by discontent and disobedience,
they rejected the Holy One. Let us take warning, my children, lest we
should, in like manner, forget the certain protection which our Heavenly
Father extends to all his faithful people."
They slowly wound along the narrow strand, sometimes sunk in mud,
sometimes climbing over mounds of pebbles or piles of drift-wood,
anxiously examining the thick matted woods which covered the precipitous
cliffs, and even occasionally intercepted their path. For some time they
despaired of finding any spot favorable for the purpose of reaching the
level ground; till Arthur pointed out the place which he had previously
noticed, where the banks had given way, and a great fall of rocks had
formed a sort of sloping staircase, less encumbered with the brushwood,
and less abrupt than they had expected.
"If we ever succeed in reaching the height," said Arthur, "this must be
our path. The strong must lead the way, and aid in drawing up the
feeble. These drooping creepers will be convenient to cling to, that we
may not lose the ground we have made. Give me your hand, Meggie."
With many a slip downwards, a scream, and a rending of garments, the
women were dragged up through the almost perpendicular wood. Baldabella
alone, erect and firm in foot, despised assistance. She disencumbered
herself of all loose drapery, and clasping her child, she stepped among,
under, or over the bushes, with speed and safety; and long before the
men had reached the height, she had quietly resumed the garb of her
sex, and was seated to wait for the arrival of the less-practised
climbers. They were scarcely all assembled, weary and tattered, at the
head of the cliff, when Ruth, who was the last, suddenly uttered a
piercing shriek, and rushed down into the matted bush again, pursued by
Jack, who captured and brought her back, struggling and exclaiming
against his interference.
"Oh, Jack, man, let me be," cried she; "didn't thou see 't? It's an
uncanny place, this. I seed it mysel', Jack; it were a little auld
fairy, grinning at me, wi' a long tail."
Jack was too enlightened to have any dread of a fairy, even with a long
tail; and he persisted in bringing up Ruth, pale and trembling, to the
rest of the party, though she continued to cry out, "Yonder she sits!
Jack, honey! keep out on her way; she'll charm thee."
As soon as the boys heard Ruth's story of the tailed fairy, they ran
with great glee to the spot she pointed out, and there, perfectly calm
and immovable, they beheld the old fairy, in the form of a very
extraordinary lizard. It was seated on its tail, apparently undismayed
by the presence of observers; and Mr. Mayburn was called to the spot to
examine the new discovery. The length of the body might be five inches,
but the tail was twice that length; the color yellowish brown and black.
It was scaly and frightful, and its human-like face, prominent eyes,
long claws, and plaited ruff, might well terrify the ignorant and
superstitious.
"I recognize the creature," said Mr. Mayburn, "from the description
given by more than one traveller, to be the _Chlamydosaurus Kingii_,
peculiar to Australia. The frill which surrounds its head, extending
even to the chest, and folded in plaits, points out the distinct
species. This ruff is a curious membrane, which can be expanded, by
means of slender transverse cartilages, at the will of the animal, when
it is roused to anger."
"Then observe, papa," said Gerald, "how indignant it is at our
impertinent remarks. See how it spreads its broad frill, and shows its
sharp teeth, as if it wished to bite us. Must I knock it down?"
"Truly, Gerald," answered Mr. Mayburn, "my curiosity would overcome the
feelings of humanity, and I should be tempted to desire to obtain the
creature; but I see Arthur shakes his head at the suggestion. And, after
all, we have no right to slaughter the unoffending animal."
Baldabella, on whose ears Mr. Mayburn's words fell in vain, looked with
glittering eyes on the reptile, and raising her spear said in her new
language, "Baldabella eat him." But the lizard, with an instinct of
danger, ran swiftly up the tree, assisted by its hooked claws, and
escaped the blow. When far above any fear of attack, it again calmly sat
down, looking down on the baffled woman with a frightful sarcastic grin.
"There now!" said Ruth, "didn't I tell ye she were uncanny? She heard
all 'at were said, as sure as we're here." For Ruth's conviction of its
supernatural rank was not to be shaken by Mr. Mayburn's scientific
demonstration.
After satisfying their curiosity in looking at the frilled lizard,
Arthur called on his forces to resume their march. Before them now lay
rich green hills, rising gradually above each other, and intersected by
clear streams, flowing into the river they had left. These hills were
the first steps to mountains which rose, high and rugged, even to the
clouds. The hills, though tedious, would not be very difficult to
ascend; but how to pass the mountains they could not yet judge.
The mountain-range ran, as far as the eye could reach, from north-east
to south-west, and completely intercepted them in the road they desired
to pursue. To pass them, if possible, must therefore be their aim; or a
vast deal of time must be lost in making a circuitous course.
"We will ascend the hills, at all events," said Arthur, "and look round
us. We may, perhaps, find some natural pass. We might even try a
kangaroo-path, which must be found, for, see what herds of the animals
are bounding along under the lofty trees on the hills."
"Oh, do let us have a kangaroo-hunt, Arthur!" exclaimed Hugh. "We are
hungry, and kangaroo meat would fill us; and therefore, papa, we have a
right to kill and eat."
"Let's see ye set about it," said Wilkins. "They're sharper fellows nor
ye think on, them kangaroos, my lad. They're a match for most folks,
barrin' ye have dogs, or follow them up till they fall tired, and
that'll maybe, not be for half a day. I ken a good deal of
kangaroo-hunting; but I'se not clear that them there chaps is so shy as
down-country beasts; ye see, they'll niver like have clapped eyes atop
on a man, and they'll not ken man's crafty ways."
"To the disgrace of human nature," said Mr. Mayburn, "what Wilkins
suggests is true: wherever he is recognized by the brute creation, they
instinctively
'Shun the hateful sight of man.'"
"Well, sir," said Gerald, "that is, I suppose, because the ignoble fears
the noble--the coward the brave."
"And you may add, Gerald, the slave his tyrant," continued Mr. Mayburn.
"It is ever thus with
'Man, proud man!
Dressed in a little brief authority.'"
"But, papa," said Hugh, "we are in need of food, and you must allow that
it is more humane to destroy one kangaroo than a dozen cockatoos or
pheasants."
"I agree with Hugh, papa," said Margaret. "We will, if possible, content
ourselves to-day with taking one life."
Armed with spears and throwing-sticks, bows and arrows, and one
boomerang which Baldabella had found, and which no one but herself could
yet use, the hunters preceded Mr. Mayburn and Margaret. By the
directions of the experienced Wilkins, they spread along in a line, to
guard the foot of the hill; for he said the animal always took a
downward course when it was alarmed, for, as its fore-feet never touch
the ground in its greatest speed, it has more time in a descent to draw
up the hind legs, to make the immense spring, than it could have with an
ascent before it.
No sooner had the timid animals seen the strange forms of the hunters
than they started off with such incredible speed, that no one
unacquainted with their habits could have believed that their flight was
a series of jumps, and that their fore-feet never touched the ground. In
their confusion, some of the animals tried to penetrate the rank of the
hunters, while some fled to the right or to the left. The spears and
arrows showered amongst them, and more than one beast carried off the
weapon sticking in him. But it was the boomerang of Baldabella which,
after complicated and mysterious evolutions, struck and stunned a large
animal, which Wilkins presently despatched with his knife.
Arthur then recalled the hunters, saying, "We will have no more
slaughter. This large animal will supply us with as much meat as we can
consume while it remains fresh, and it would be wanton to slay more."
The rear rank then joined them. The body of the kangaroo, suspended on a
long pole, was shouldered by Wilkins and Jack, and the march was
resumed. They ascended and descended several hills, till night and
fatigue compelled them to rest in a little hollow, where a cooking-fire
was made, and they supped with great enjoyment on venison steaks; and,
like the early inhabitants of the world, before luxury and artificial
wants had enervated them, they slept beneath the canopy of heaven, among
the everlasting hills.
"Get up, Arthur," cried Hugh, early next morning. "Get up, and come to
see our mountain-pass. Gerald discovered it, and therefore we propose to
name it the 'Pass of Erin.'"