Sturt, who was at the helm, was steering straight for them and made the customary signs of peace.

Just before it was too late to avoid a collision, Sturt marked hostility in their quivering limbs and battle-lusting eyes.

He instantly put the helm a-starboard, and the boat sheered down the reach, the baffled natives running and yelling defiantly along the bank.

The river, however, was shoaling rapidly, and from the opposite side there projected a sand-spit; on each side of this narrow passage infuriated blacks had gathered, and there was no mistaking their intentions.

Sturt gave orders to his men as to their behaviour, and held himself ready to give the battle-signal by shooting the most active and forward of their adversaries.
Mention has been made of a small party of blacks who had been interested in the shooting of a rapid by the boat's crew.