In the meantime we continue forging through the sand, and, being now on the alert, we in due course espy, in the direction whence the sound is coming, but a considerable distance off, a slim, dark figure gliding from the cover of a rock to that of a bush. Presently it again shows itself a short distance on; and our attention is further attracted by the appearance of one or two other dark bodies running from cover to cover in a line parallel to our course.
The calling is continued at frequent intervals; and, as near as we can represent it by our alphabet, it sounds like the word “Coy!” with the “y” specially emphasized and spun out. One has no difficulty in recognizing in this call-note, which is met with all over Australia, the derivation of the familiar “Coo-ee!”
It is, of course, assumed that we in no way betray a feeling of uneasiness or give these dusky fellows the impression that we are preparing for hostilities. Having satisfied themselves in respect of this, and after manoeuvring for a considerable time in the manner described, our uninvited escort become more trusting, even daring. They run or walk for longer distances away from cover and gradually bring their line of travelling closer in to ours. When eventually they realize that we seem more like friend than foe, they drop behind our caravan, and, at a measured distance, in our trail. Whenever we move, they move, and when we stop, they stop. If any of our party go towards them, they turn to the side and cleverly disappear into the bush ([Plate I]).
When we have arrived at the end of our day’s journey and camp, they pull up short and squat for a while; although it may not appear so to the inexperienced traveller, they are taking stock of all our doings.
Before very long, two men stand up and beckon to a small boy among their party, who immediately jumps to his feet and walks to a place in front of his elders. Each of the men now holds one of his hands upon the lad’s shoulder, and, in that position, the little group moves towards our camp.
In the hands not so used, both men are now seen to be carrying small branches of Cassia bush, which they occasionally lift towards us. Thus they walk to within fifty or sixty paces of our encampment and again squat on the ground, arranging themselves in the same order as they walked in. It is apparent they want us to approach them; and we do so.
Statuary could not be more rigid than the persons we behold, upon arriving at the little group. They sit silently, with downcast eyes, and it is not until we address them that they rise to their feet. The old men, for such we now recognize them to be, start a meek conversation, nervously pushing the boy towards us. We are informed that this is an uninitiated boy, a child in fact, a piccaninny in the tribal relationship of son to the speakers. We are implored not to hurt this innocent being, and to extend that friendship to themselves and to all the members of the tribe. It is pointed out that they are unarmed and that this is the guarantee of their goodly intentions towards us, the unknown wanderers.
The men now advance and pat us on the chest, and instinctively we return the compliment—for such it is intended to be—which is akin to any ordinary European method of salutation. The bonds of friendship have thus been sealed, and the men continue to jabber profusely on the more intricate tribal relationships existing between themselves and the rest of their party.
When the genealogical explanations have been concluded, the men turn towards their company, who are still squatting in the distance, and call aloud to them to come along: “Pitchai, ngalla pitchai, waipella tami pu!” which in the Wongapitcha dialect stands for “Come along, the white fellow is good.” The invitation is quickly responded to, and ere many minutes have passed the whole group has arrived, which includes other men as well as women and children. The new arrivals, without hesitation, and with seeming confidence, join in the conversation.
So this is our introduction to the aboriginal, the primitive hunting man of Australia, and his family!