As we seldom put our horses out of a walk, we did not reach the tents until late in the afternoon, but I never was more rejoiced to creep under shelter than on this occasion.
Every thing had gone on well during our absence, and Mr.Poole had kept on the most friendly terms with the natives.
I should have mentioned, that, as we descended from the hills, the quick eye of Topar saw a native at a great distance to our left, and just at the outskirt of a few trees.

We should have passed him unperceived, but I requested Mr.Browne to ride up to and communicate with him.

The poor fellow had dug a pit, for a Talperos [Note 8.

A native animal about the size of a rabbit, but longer in shape.], big enough to hide himself in, and as he continued to work at it, did not see Mr.Browne approach, who stood mounted right over the hole before he called to him.

Dire was the alarm of the poor native when he looked up and saw himself so immediately in contact with such a being as my companion must have appeared to him; but Mr.Browne considerately retired until he had recovered from his astonishment, and Topar, whom I sent to join them, coming up, he soon recovered his composure and approached the cart.