The first members of the tribe who appeared to them were a party of jins digging yams, who no sooner saw them than they fled in terror. But Dromoora said, “Do not attempt to stop them! they will go home:” which sure enough they did, for, following up their trail, our party of three found themselves within sight of a cluster of black fellows, all gazing towards the supposed danger.
Dromoora then gave a peculiar call known to his tribe, upon hearing which all those who were in the Waigonda camp sprang forth to welcome their long-absent friends, and with joyous shouts escorted them to their fires.
Messengers were then despatched to bring in all the blacks who were out hunting, whilst Terebare brought up Tom, and introduced him and the Bulinda Creek natives.
When all were assembled, the usual feasting, dancing, and corroboree were gone through, and after Dromoora and Mat had detailed all their adventures to numerous knots of natives, Mat left the chief to give his impressions of the white man and his wonderful ways, whilst he superintended the unpacking of the pack-horses, having first assured his friends that the big “kangaroos” would not injure them; they were, however, hardly satisfied about this until, their chief being free from his numerous questioners, they prevailed upon him to mount one of the terrible “kangaroos.” When, however, they saw him sitting in the saddle, their fears gave way to immoderate laughter, and every man, woman, and child was brought up to see their beloved chief in such a novel position.
Mat, during this spectacle, was engaged counting over the presents, or “spoil” as he called it, to see that nothing was broken, and beyond the fact that one or two of the numerous mirrors were cracked, he found nothing damaged, calling to Dromoora in the midst of his task, he said,—
“I told the Waigondas long ago that there should be only one gun, or “teegoora” amongst them, but you have brought two besides the one I gave you.”
“Yes, oh, white chief,” answered Dromoora, “but I got these two fighting: I never wished to tell you how, but I will now. I killed those two white men, who would have killed you when you were fighting the robber.”
“Then,” said Mat, “keep them, but never use them to kill white or black men with, but only to shoot game.”
“I promise,” returned Dromoora, “I will only use them against men in defence of our lives.”
Leaving the chief and his wife to distribute the much-prized presents, Mat and Tom mounted their horses, took a few provisions and tools, and started on a visit to the “Golden Gully.” Our forester taking a straight line to the place, they soon reached the valley, and proceeded to work.