Four sentries were placed, with strict orders to keep a bright lookout through the bushes, but on no account to raise their heads above their level; and, arrangements having been made for their relief, every two hours, the rest of the party were soon sound asleep.
Except to relieve the sentries, there was no stir among them until late in the afternoon.

Then there was a general movement, and soon all were sitting up, and appeasing their appetite upon the cold meat and dampers they had brought with them.
"There is no harm in a pipe, I suppose, captain ?" Dick Caister said laughingly.
"No, I think we can risk that," Reuben replied.

"The eyes of the savages may be wonderfully keen, but they would be a great deal sharper than I can give them credit for, were they to notice the smoke of a dozen pipes, curling up among the bushes." "I suppose, Mr.Blount," Reuben said as, after the meal was finished, the party lighted their pipes and drew closely round the fire, "you have heard of a good many bad businesses, with the blacks and bush rangers, in your time ?" "I have, indeed," Mr.Blount replied.

"In the early days, the settlers had a hard time of it with the blacks; who were, of course, stronger than they are now and, after they had got over their first fear of firearms, more fearless of the whites.

The bush rangers too were, when first they began to send convicts here, more numerous than at present.