She came back pretty soon, and then undertook to guide me to their "abode." The prospect of meeting white people once more--even these two poor unfortunates--threw me into a strange excitement, in the midst of which I quite forgot my own astonishing appearance, which was far more like that of a gaily decorated and gorgeously painted native chief than a civilised European.

For it must be remembered that by this time I had long ago discarded all clothing, except an apron of emu feathers, whilst my skin was extremely dark and my hair hung down my back fully three feet, and was built up in a surprising way in times of war and _corroboree_.
I followed Yamba through the camp, getting more and more excited as we approached the girls' domicile.

At length she stopped at the back of a crescent-shaped break-wind of boughs, and a moment later--eager, trembling, and almost speechless--I stood before the two English girls.
Looking back now, I remember they presented a truly pitiable spectacle.
They were huddled together on the sandy ground, naked, and locked in one another's arms.

Before them burned a fire, which was tended by the women.

Both looked frightfully emaciated and terrified--so much so, that as I write these words my heart beats faster with horror as I recall the terrible impression they made upon me.