36

Thursday 6th [underlined] (Continued)
like all niggers they cannot continue their zeal at any
one thing, & it was only by the promise of a little tobacco,
that we got them to continue 'till we made up the dozen.
They then went & sat in a group above, & watched us. I got
4 more & a crab, after this, but had to give it up then,
as the slippery rocks & sharp sheels played up with my feet
It was 5p.m. before the skipper returned, followed by 3
more niggers & a couple of pickaninnies. One had a pet
opossum (young one) which he carried on his hair. Photos
were taken - with Fossil Head for a background - red cloth
distributed, & we returned by the dinghy, the Skipper taking
with him 1 of the niggers, which he intends to train for his
own use at Point Charles Lighthouse. Remained at anchor.
Friday 7th. [underlined] Had our mullet for breakfast, & found them very
good eating. Set sail 7a.m. Light winds at first,
& with the end of the tide against us made very slow
progress. It was midday before we lost sight of Fossil
Head (100ft) & most of the time we could hear the
cooeying of the niggers - who were following us along
the beach - probably farewelling our new ship-mate,
who, however, did not attempt to reply. Passed Treachery
Bay (where Commander Stokes was speared) & Point Pearce
was abeam at 1p.m. Continued to make good progress