It was after this first interview that the report was raised of the
massacre of two ships' crews in 1846. Captain Ommanney, accompanied by
Captain Penny, with his interpreter, immediately returned to Cape
York, and had a long interview with the natives. They most
emphatically denied the whole statement, adding, that no ship had
ever been on their coasts except the "North Star," and passing
whalers. Then it was, that Kallihirua consented to show Captain
Ommanney where the "North Star" had wintered, and to join the ship,
for the purpose of being useful as an interpreter, in the event of
their meeting with any natives during the search for the missing
expedition under Sir John Franklin. Parting (for awhile, as he
supposed) with his immediate relatives, and with the only people whom
he knew on earth, he threw himself into the hands of strangers in
perfect confidence. Having arrived on board the "Assistance," he put
off his rough native costume, submitted to the process of a good
washing, and, being soon clad in ordinary European clothing, which was
cheerfully contributed by the officers, the young Esquimaux with much
intelligence performed the duty of pilot to the place where the "North
Star" had wintered.