we began to entertain doubts of securing a retreat from these people,
should they be hostilely inclined; and they had the reputation at Port
Jackson of being exceedingly ferocious, if not cannibals. Our muskets
were not yet freed from rust and sand, and there was a pressing necessity
to procure fresh water before attempting to return northward. Under these
embarrassments, we agreed upon a plan of action, and went on shore
directly to the natives. Mr Bass employed some of them to assist in
repairing an oar which had been broken in our disaster, whilst I spread
the wet powder out in the sun. This met with no opposition, for they knew
not what the powder was; but when we proceeded to clean the muskets, it
excited so much alarm that it was necessary to desist. On inquiring of
the two friendly natives for water, they pointed upwards to the lagoon;
but after many evasions our _barica_* was filled at a hole not many yards
distant.0

[* A small cask, containing six or eight gallons.]

The number of people had increased to near twenty, and others were still
coming, so that it was necessary to use all possible expedition in
getting out of their reach. But a new employment arose upon our hands: we
had clipped the hair and beards of the two Botany Bay natives at Red
Point; and they were showing themselves to the others, and persuading
them to follow their example. Whilst, therefore, the powder was drying, I
began with a large pair of scissors to execute my new office upon the
eldest of four or five chins presented to me; and as great nicety was not
required, the shearing of a dozen of them did not occupy me long. Some of
the more timid were alarmed at a formidable instrument coming so near to
their noses, and would scarcely be persuaded by their shaven friends, to
allow the operation to be finished. But when their chins were held up a
second time, their fear of the instrument--the wild stare of their