He went in advance to prepare the natives for our approach, and to ask permission for us to pass through their territory, but returned without having found them.

Not long afterwards it was reported that the natives were in front.
On hearing this the old gentleman begged of me to stop the party, and away he went, full of bustle and importance, to satisfy himself.

In a few minutes he returned and said we might go on.

We had halted close to the brow of a gentle descent into a small creek junction at this particular spot, and on advancing a few paces came in view of the natives, assembled on the bank of the river below.

Men only were present, but they appeared to have been taken by surprise, and were in great alarm.