It was a sad sight, but what we saw when we got closer was of even
sadder significance. The blacks pointed to one of the bodies which lay
stretched out. There was a cut on the head, and, as if just fallen from
the right hand of the other man, an axe. There could be no doubt that
the last act of one of the famished men had been to murder his
companion--for what object it was horrible to think.
But who were these poor wretches? We were convinced that they were
bush-rangers. It was even possible that they were the late companions
of Arthur Wells. He alone, however, could answer that question. We
made signs to the blacks that we would bury the bodies the following
day, but that we had not time to do so then. They seemed to understand
us, and apparently contentedly accompanied us from the spot. Although
convinced that they did not intend us any harm we were watchful as
before. This was the more necessary as the sun had set, and it would be
difficult to defend ourselves in the dark.
We pushed on, therefore, to the camp as rapidly as we could. We found
all safe, and collected some articles which we thought would please the
natives. We presented them. They went away highly pleased.
We had scarcely sat down to tea round our watch-fire when curious
shrieks and shouts--most unearthly sounds--reached our ears. They came
from the direction where we had last seen the natives. Some of the men
declared that the noise must be produced by evil spirits, and were in a
great fright; but Mark, who was too sensible to entertain so foolish a
notion, asserted that it must be made by the natives, and expressed his
wish to go and see what they were about. He wanted Dick Nailor to go
with him. Now Dick, though very big, and utterly fearless of human
foes, had not quite made up his mind as to the cause of the strange
sounds. I, therefore, fully agreeing with Mark, told Dick to take
charge of the camp, and that I would accompany my boy. Poor Dick was
really unhappy at this; but I, wishing to prove to the men that although
Satan was busy enough in the country, it was not by making strange
sounds in the bush, persisted in my determination. Mark, laughing
heartily at the fears of our companions, set off with me.
We had not got far when we saw the light of a fire burning in an open
space among the trees, and figures passing in front of it. For a short
time the fire was hid from us by some thick bushes, but when we had got
round them we both stopped, and I must confess even I drew my breath
somewhat short, for just on the other side of the fire appeared twenty
or more skeletons dancing about in the most fantastic manner. Suddenly
they would disappear; then again return and frisk about more furiously
than before. I rubbed my eyes, I thought that I must be in a dream, or
deceived in some way or other. I asked Mark what he saw.
"A skeleton dance, and a very curious thing it is too, but it's some
trick of those black fellows," he whispered. "Jacob was telling me that
they have meetings at night and play all sorts of pranks. I caught
sight of the figure of a man just now, between us and the fire, and I
could not see through his ribs. He was no skeleton, at all events."
We crept cautiously nearer, and then saw that what looked like the bones
of skeletons were merely white marks painted on the bodies of the
blacks, and that when they turned round these were concealed from us.
Still I must say that their appearance was at first quite sufficient to
startle anybody not prepared to see them.
Not wishing to disturb the natives we retreated quietly to our camp, but
though we described the curious sight none of the men seemed disposed to
go out and look at it. The natives kept up their revels for a
considerable time, and prevented us from getting much sleep. They
effectually prevented the cattle, however, from straying in their
direction. The natives were keeping what is called a Corroboree, and I
do not know that it is a much more barbarous amusement than many of more
civilised people.
We were off by daybreak, and in three hours reached our settlement. All
had gone well, and I need scarcely say that we were heartily welcomed.
My purchase of cattle was greatly admired, and very valuable stock they
proved. I had still a good amount of cash left as capital, so that I
could go on for two or more years without having to sell any stock, and
I now hoped that the land would produce enough corn to feed all those
employed on the farm, with some over. I forgot to say that in the
afternoon Dick Nailor, with Arthur and two other men, set out to bury
the bodies of the white men. My suspicion was confirmed. They were
Arthur's wretched companions. Their fate has been that of hundreds who
have attempted to follow the same course. It made a deep impression on
Arthur Wells, who ultimately became, through God's grace, a thoroughly
changed man.
I was not disappointed in any of my expectations. God prospered me on
every side. I was able to purchase more sheep in the course of another
year, so that my flocks rapidly increased. Small flocks, as may be
supposed, do not pay. In the course of time we got up a better and
larger house. We wanted one indeed, for our family increased in a way
we had not expected. Charley White was engaged, I should have said, to
my eldest girl, Mary; and just before they were to be married he started
off in the dray to Sydney. Whether or not Mary knew why he had gone we
could not tell. He was a very short time absent, and when the dray
appeared, there, seated under an awning in front, was a nice-looking old
lady, and Mary exclaimed, "That's Aunt Priscilla," but instead of her
cats she was accompanied by two young ladies.
It appeared that Charley had been sending home such glowing accounts of
the colony, that Miss Beamish was seized with a strong desire to come
out and join her nephew; and, like a sagacious woman, had brought out
with her the commodity just then and ever since most required, in the
shape of two honest, well-educated, nice-looking girls. Peter and Mark
took a great fancy to them, and before long they became their wives.
Miss Beamish got a grant of land close to mine, on which Charley put up
a house for her, he and his wife living with her and managing the farm,
which she, indeed, made over to him and his heirs, of whom there were,
in the course of a few years, no small number.
I was soon able to start Peter in an estate of his own; and Mark a few
years afterwards.
Arthur Wells obtained a free pardon and married Susan. I did not
consider that his having been a convict should be a bar to their
marriage, for I never met a more thoroughly reformed character. He made
her an excellent husband.
All my children married as they grew up--the girls at an early age, but
the boys had to wait some time before they could find suitable wives.
However, in the course of years--I need not say how many--all my
children happily married, were settled either with me on my original
property, much increased both in value and size, or else on estates
around me.
I have been greatly blessed in life. I have, however, a difficulty
which I do not think I shall ever get over--it is to remember the names
of my grand-children. Already upwards of fifty muster together at our
family meetings, and as far as I can judge, that number may be more than
doubled in the course of a few years.
Australia still affords a fine field for settlers, but they must be
industrious, persevering, and energetic; idlers, rogues, and vagabonds
will starve there, as everywhere else. As in most parts of the world so
in Australia; trust in God, industry, and perseverance will conquer all
difficulties and lead on to success.